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Orientation groups (O-Groups)

As a way of scaling down Orientation and making things more personal, we will be assigning all new students to Orientation groups.

Each Orientation group will consist of 10-12 new students and 1-2 Orientation leaders.

Your O-Group leader will reach out to you in August with more information and to start communication.

Groups will be formed around things that you have in common. This is why we ask questions on the registration form about your intended academic program and where you'll be living (e.g. on-campus, off-campus, commuting).

Your group will be your go-to place for information about Orientation. The idea is that Orientation groups will live on into the fall term and be a place where you continue to hang out and connect with each other.

The questions that you have at the beginning will be different than the questions you have one week and one month in. Your Orientation group is a good place to go for questions, answers, and support.

Questions? Email orientation@mta.ca.

The first day of University Orientation is busy with hundreds of new students navigating campus, going through the Check-In Fair, and moving into residence.

Please refer to the following set of instructions to help you get through it all as smoothly as possible!

ARRIVING ON CAMPUS

To help with traffic flow, please enter Sackville via EXIT 504 on the Trans-Canada Highway.

For more directions:

• Getting here
• (pdf)

For residence students

• Once you arrive on campus, you can go directly to your assigned residence. There will be traffic guides to help give you directions, or see our (pdf).
• Once you arrive at your residence, residence leaders and orientation volunteers will assist with your arrival and the move-in process
• To keep things moving, please move your vehicle to a nearby parking lot immediately after unloading
• Next, go to the Check-In Fair at the Wallace McCain Student Centre.

moving into residence

For off-campus/commuting students

• Make your way directly to the Wallace McCain Student Centre for the Orientation Check-In Fair (8 a.m.-8 p.m.).

Can't make it on Move-In Day?

• Email resroom@mta.ca regarding late check-ins to get access to your residence room
• Visit the MASU Office for your Orientation Package
• Visit the Bookstore for your student ID

ORIENTATION BASICS

What is Orientation?
Orientation is an introduction to life at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ. Whether you're coming from down the street, across Canada, or around the world, the adjustment to university life can be exciting and daunting at the same time. New people, new surroundings, new expectations, new ways of doing things. Orientation is where it all comes together. Orientation gives you a chance to connect with other new students through a variety of fun, interactive, and informative sessions and activities. Our amazing team of 100+ Orientation volunteers have all been where you are. They know what it's like to leave home and come to University. They know what it's like to get through those first few days, weeks, and months. They've learned the ins and outs, the good and the bad, the "to do" and "not to do" of getting through first year and beyond. They want to help make your Orientation and first year experience the best it can be.

What is an Orientation Group?
As a way of scaling down Orientation and making things more personal, we will be assigning all new students to Orientation groups. Each Orientation group will consist of 10-12 new students and 1-2 Orientation leaders. Groups will be formed around things that you have in common. This is why we ask questions on the registration form about your intended academic program and where you'll be living (e.g. on-campus, off-campus, commuting). Our plan is to bring you together virtually this summer so that you have a chance to meet up in advance of Orientation. Your group will be your go-to place for information about Orientation. The idea is that Orientation groups will live on into the fall term and be a place where you continue to hang out and connect with each other. The questions that you have at the beginning will be different than the questions you have one week and one month in. Your Orientation group is a good place to go for questions, answers, and support.

Who organizes University Orientation?
University Orientation is a collaborative effort between ºìÌÒÊÓƵ's Student Life Office and the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ Students' Union (MASU). Supporting our Orientation Chairs are a large team of hugely enthusiastic student volunteers who come together to make Orientation a success. The Student Life Office and the MASU provide year-to-year continuity and logistical support. It's a huge team effort that takes the summer to pull together.

Is it necessary to register for Orientation? 
Yes! If you don't register for Orientation, you will not receive an Orientation bracelet at the Check-In; therefore, you will not be allowed in Orientation activities. Students will only be put into O-Groups if they register, as well. Participation in Orientation is not mandatory.

Please note that you'll need to use your ºìÌÒÊÓƵ email when accessing the registration form. If you run into any email issues along the way, contact the Computing Services Help Desk (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at helpdesk@mta.ca.

Is there a deadline to register?
No. However, to be put into an O-Group and be contacted by your leader before Move-In Day, you need to register by Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. This allows our student volunteers time to prepare and reach out to their group. Students can register on-the-spot on Move-In Day at the Check-In Fair; however, it's easier if you register sooner so you can be put into your O-Group and get your preferred t-shirt size. If you want to make changes to your registration form after you've submitted, email orientation@mta.ca.

Is there a cost for participating in Orientation? 
Orientation is included in your student fees. ºìÌÒÊÓƵ and the Students' Union collect a variety of fees that benefit students differently. The library fee, the student newspaper fee, the fitness centre fee are all part of a family of fees that help to support student services on campus. Orientation is the same. Your Orientation fee goes towards organizing events, printing materials, buying supplies, and putting together a really awesome swag bag full of lots of ºìÌÒÊÓƵ and MASU goodies (including that Orientation t-shirt!). Everything is done to be as cost-conscious as possible. All of our planning is done with you in mind. Our focus is on making sure that everything flows back to give you the best possible Orientation experience, whether you're joining us in September, coming in January, or meeting up with us online. 

What is Shinerama?
Shinerama is the largest university and college fundraiser in the country, involving over thirty schools, raising money and awareness for cystic fibrosis research. The ºìÌÒÊÓƵ Students’ Union (MASU) has been committed to finding a cure since its first Shinerama campaign in 1970, winning Best Overall Campaign four times (most recently in 2018 and 2019). Over the years, ºìÌÒÊÓƵ students have helped to raise over $700,000 dollars for cystic fibrosis research.

Have a question that was not listed? Email us at orientation@mta.ca.

LIVING IN RESIDENCE

When should I arrive?
Students will be moving into residence in stages. The first group to move in will be students who are participating in pre-orientation programs: International Orientation and Meighen Centre Orientation.

Most new students will move in on Thursday, Aug. 28 starting at 8:30 a.m. The earlier you arrive on campus the better to make sure you have plenty of time to settle in before the first Orientation activities begin at 4 p.m. For any residence-related questions, please contact housing@mta.ca. 

What are residence welcome activities?
Each on-campus residence organizes a series of events to welcome new residents and build house spirit. These events are intended to be fun and inclusive. They’re also completely optional. There is no obligation to participate if you feel uncomfortable doing so. Welcome activities will begin on Thursday, Aug. 28 and continue throughout the Orientation period. Be sure to check your ºìÌÒÊÓƵ email over the summer for welcome messages from your residence leaders. Connect with other residents of your house through your Orientation group and the house social media pages.  

What is the Books-on-Beds service?
Arrange for your books to be delivered to your on-campus residence room before the start of each new term. Simply place your book order using the MTA bookstore’s online service. For more information, visit the Books on Beds. Deadline to order Books on Beds: Aug. 27 at 4 p.m.

What are residence dues?
Each year, the student-elected executives in residence plan house activities for the students living in their particular residence. In short, it’s their budget for the year. The "Residence Dues" charge is placed on students’ ºìÌÒÊÓƵ accounts in an effort to make the payment and collection process easier for all concerned. The funds will be transferred to the house executives for student-led programming over the course of the year. Please note that only students in residence are charged Residence Dues. Furthermore, it’s the same flat charge for all residences.

Visit moving into residence for more information.