Fall Orientation

 

HOLLY WRY
University Orientation Chair

Hello Future Mounties!

I am absolutely thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Mount Allison University! My name is Holly Wry, and it is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the 2024 University Orientation Chair. Our entire orientation team is overflowing with excitement as we eagerly anticipate your arrival this fall. Orientation at Mount Allison is a one-of-a-kind exciting time for all students. This time is made for a smoother transition into university life.

The Orientation team and I have a strong goal to make Orientation 2024 a fun, welcoming, and memorable experience for all who are involved. Orientation here at MtA is structured for students so they will have many chances to explore the campus and surrounding town, all while meeting new friends and having a fun start to creating your new life here at Mount Allison in Sackville.

For students, Orientation starts at the very beginning when you are rolling up to campus, whether that be to a residence building, the Wallace McCain Student Centre, or just the edge of campus in Sackville. Where for those 5 days, you will be exposed to many different activities varying from many different interests. There will be a chance for new students to connect with current students, staff, and faculty, all the people who make Mount Allison such an amazing university. You will be introduced to the many resources that MtA has to offer. You will quickly learn what MtA life is like, both socially and academically.

Again, I am SUPER excited to welcome you all to campus this fall and cannot wait to see all your smiling faces! The orientation team and I are eagerly looking forward to meeting you and ensuring that your transition to university life is as seamless as possible. We have some incredibly exciting activities planned for you to enjoy and experience the essence of life here at Mount A. While embarking on your university journey may seem daunting, please remember that myself and the entire orientation team are here to support you every step of the way. See you soon!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at orientation@mta.ca and make sure to check out our website. ALSO, be sure to follow us on Instagram @mta.orienation for all the fun updates and sneak peeks on O-Week that will be posted over the summer!

 

ADIL ALIMZHANOV
International Orientation Chair

Hello everyone!

Welcome to Mount Allison University, a place that I've called home for the past three years. My name is Adil Alimzhanov, and I am honoured to serve as your International Orientation Chair this year. From participating in International Orientation in my first year and volunteering as a facilitator in my second and third years, to now leading it, this experience has come full circle, and it's a journey I hold close to my heart.
 
Moving to a new country is a big step and can be very intimidating. Looking back to my first year, I remember having a mix of emotions, from excitement to start a new page in my academic journey, to the fear of the unknown. My amazing team of facilitators and I experienced that feeling just a few years ago and understand these challenges firsthand. Our goal is to ease this transition for you, help you form lifelong friendships, understand the local culture, and most importantly, create unforgettable memories.

Remember, every one of us has a unique story that brought us here. This diversity is our strength and what makes our community so special. Participate in events, get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and explore everything Mount A has to offer. If you have any questions, need advice, or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to approach us. Welcome to this beautiful campus, and let’s have a blast!

Adil Alimzhanov (he/him)

 

BRIDGET POWNING
Meighen Centre Orientation Chair

Hi everyone!
 
My name is Bridget Powning and I am the Meighen Centre Pre-Orientation Chair this year for my second time! I will be starting my third year at Mount Allison doing the PPE program which is Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics.

Pre-Orientation is a wonderful time that allows students to move in and acclimate to the campus environment for 3 days before the rest of the students arrive. The Meighen Centre provides accessibility services to students with any kind of disability or condition whether it be mental or physical, permanent or temporary. Pre-Orientation is a chance for Meighen Centre students to move in early, learn about relevant accommodations, make connections with peers, and just have fun! Pre-Orientation is going to be a relaxed and enjoyable experience! I am so excited to meet you all!
 
Bridget Powning
She/Her

 

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.

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
• Interactive campus map
• Print campus map (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 campus map (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 where you can pick up your student ID card, Orientation Welcome Pack, etc.
• For more details, visit 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.). This is where you will pick up your welcome pack, student ID card, etc.

Can't make it on Move-In Day?

The Orientation Check-In Fair at the Wallace McCain Student Centre will also be open on Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

You can also get your Student ID anytime at the Bookstore.

ORIENTATION BASICS

What is Orientation?
Orientation is an introduction to life at Mount Allison. 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 Mount Allison's Student Life Office and the Mount Allison 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? 
It's not necessary, but it helps us a lot. It tells us who's planning to participate, whether you're here in Sackville or joining us from home. It gives us the info we need to put you into Orientation groups and to make sure we're ordering the right number of right-sized t-shirts. Please note that you'll need to use your Mount Allison 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, but the sooner you register the greater chance you'll get the t-shirt size you requested! If you're not sure of your travel plans or whether you'll be doing the fall term online or in-person, don't worry. You can always fill out the form now and email us later (orientation@mta.ca) to make changes to your info.

Is there a cost for participating in Orientation? 
Orientation is included in your student fees. Mount Allison 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 Mount Allison 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 sixty schools, raising money and awareness for cystic fibrosis research. The Mount Allison 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 2017 and 2018). Over the years, Mount Allison students have helped to raise over half a million 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 International Orientation. 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 Friday, September 1 and continue throughout the Orientation period. Be sure to check your Mount Allison 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 homepage.

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’ Mount Allison 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.