Orientation

Our mission

We believe that Orientation is an opportunity for new students to experience a balanced introduction to the academic, social and community aspects of university life with the guidance and support of upper-year students.

Orientation is an opportunity to officially welcome new students and showcase our faculties, residences, affiliated institutions, support services and community.

Orientation fosters pride and connection to the University of Waterloo.

Orientation supports upper-year students in developing their interpersonal and leadership skills.

Our principles 

The following principles guide program development and interactions between all members of our community in the planning and delivery of Orientation.

• Communication
• Acceptance
• Balance and moderation
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Respect

Guiding statement

The University of Waterloo believes in preparing students to have intellectual, cultural and social success. Orientation creates an exceptional opportunity for new students to have this experience. We create an inclusive community that values interconnection, diversity and independence.

Together, our staff, faculty and upper-year students created a framework for knowledge enhancement that empowers students, invites self-discovery and choice in ways that challenge, support and invite progression and growth. Our simple and responsive approach ensures that everyone is well informed and understands the value of Orientation in successful student transition and sends a clear message to know what it is to feel that you belong and what it means to have Warrior and faculty pride.

Learning outcomes

Campus-wide Outcomes 

• to feel a part of the University of Waterloo community 
• to have a stronger understanding of what opportunities exist to engage with the City of Waterloo and its resources 
• to have the opportunity to meet and interact with peers and staff from across campus 
• to have a stronger understanding of what opportunities exist to get involved at the University of Waterloo and the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle 
• to have a stronger understanding of how the University of Waterloo can support them in their transition and their ongoing development as a student 

Faculty Outcomes

• to feel a part of their faculty community 
• to have the opportunity to meet staff and professors in their faculty 
• to have a stronger understanding of the academic expectations in their faculty 
• to have a stronger understanding of where to go for help with their academics 
• to have a stronger understanding of how to navigate campus 
• to have a stronger understanding of what opportunities exist to get involved in their faculty, and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle 
•  to have a stronger understanding of how the faculty can support them in their transition and their ongoing development as a student

Other audiences

• Upon successful completion of their volunteer position, upper-year leaders will have had the opportunity to support first-year transition by passing on their knowledge and experiences while furthering their personal growth and development.
• Parents and family members will have a stronger understanding of the support available to their students at the University of Waterloo