Queen’s Orientation Week is underway, as more than 4,500 new first-year undergraduate students are welcomed to campus, and start to get to know Queen’s and each other by participating in dozens of activities that aim to build community.

Orientation Week began Sunday Sept. 4 with residences move-in and the start of university-wide orientation days that include students living on-campus as well as first-year students not in residences (FYNIRS). Faculty orientation days begin on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

“Orientation Week aims to introduce our newest students to Queen’s in a way that is fun, educational, inclusive and safe,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “University staff, and student leaders and volunteers work together for months to plan this outstanding welcome.”

As part of the university’s sexual violence prevention and education efforts, one of the first events for all first-year students was focused on consent. Mike Domitrz of the Date Safe project shared how-to skills for ‘Asking First’ (verbal consent), ‘Being a Friend’ (bystander intervention), and ‘Opening a Door’ (properly supporting survivors and helping more survivors come forward).

Events throughout the week include carnivals, tours, games, academic talks, day-trips, a sidewalk sale, movie nights, a mystery concert, and charity fundraisers.

The School of Graduate Studies is also holding orientation activities for new graduate students starting with a welcome and resource fair for new graduate and professional students on Tuesday, Sept. 6. 

Most undergraduate classes begin Monday, Sept. 12.

Learn more about Orientation Week at Queen’s.