One of the defining features of the Queen’s undergraduate experience is the vibrant sense of community that connects students. As first-year students settle into Kingston, they will start getting a feel for the inimitable Queen’s community as they take part in university and faculty-led orientation events from Sept. 2 to Sept. 10.

“Orientation helps students adjust to their new surroundings, and also gives us a chance to show them the wide range of resources they can turn to here, including everything from wellness to academic support,” says Molly Raffan, Director Student Life, Student Experience Office in Student Affairs. “It’s also an opportunity for students to learn about the ways in which they can build community together and contribute to making our campus safe and inclusive for everyone.”

Fall Orientation events include University Orientation, which is for all first-year undergraduate students, and faculty orientation, which welcomes students into the specific faculty or school they will be studying in. The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) is also holding orientation events for new international students Aug. 28-Sept.1.

University Orientation officially kicks off with Welcome Home Night on Saturday, Sept. 2, which brings new students together to socialize over crafts, sports, and movies. On Sunday, Sept. 3, students will parade to Richardson Stadium for a pep rally and official group welcome. First-year students will hear from student orientation leaders and Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. They will also learn the Oil Thigh and how to cheer “Cha Gheill!”

Faculty orientation begins after the Richardson Stadium event. Arts and Science, Education, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences, Smith School of Business, School of Computing, School of Kinesiology, and School of Nursing all have events planned for new students. There are also orientation events for New, Exchange, Worldly, and Transfer Students (NEWTS).

Orientation events will continue after classes begin on Sept. 5, including Meet & Mingles for equity-deserving students on Sept. 5, and the Tricolour Open House on Sept. 7, which gives new and returning students the opportunity to connect with clubs and campus resources across Queen’s.

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) will also be welcoming students to campus by hosting a concert on Friday, Sept. 8.

Faculty events continue on Sat. Sept 9, including the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS)’s Sidewalk Sale along University Avenue. The Sidewalk Sale connects students with Queen’s clubs and services, as well as local businesses and non-profit organizations through a market that features more than 300 booths. Proceeds are donated to Kingston-based charities.

Learn more on the fall orientation webpage.

Building community together

As students return to campus and their homes in Kingston, Queen’s will be running a social media campaign around the theme of Building Community Together. The campaign is designed to welcome students while also promoting responsible behaviour, the university’s safety and harm reduction supports, as well as its sexual violence prevention and response services. Students will see these messages on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Stay tuned to the Queen’s Gazette for more information about the Building Community Together campaign.

Queen’s, as well as city partners, will also be knocking on doors in near-campus neighourhoods to welcome students to town, distribute resources, and raise awareness that the local University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) is in effect throughout the move-in and orientation period.

Under the UDSI, individuals charged with certain offences, such as violating the city’s Nuisance Party Bylaw or the Noise Bylaw, may need to appear in court to resolve their matter regardless of where they live. More information on safety, good citizenship, and socializing responsibly can be found from Student Community Relations in Student Affairs, and details of the USDI from the City of Kingston.