Mount Allison is excited to welcome the student leaders who will help incoming students transition to campus this fall. 

Leading Orientation 2026 are third-year international relations student Kathryn Canning from Enfield, NS (Orientation Chair), third-year psychology student Emma Diamond from Salisbury, NB (Meighen Centre Pre-Orientation), and third-year Computer Science student Madiha Waqar from Pakistan (International Orientation). 

We caught up with each of them to learn more about their favourite Orientation memories, what they have planned for 2026, and their advice for new students preparing to arrive at Mount Allison this fall. 

What was your favourite part of your Orientation?  

Kathryn: I have so many favourite memories from my Orientation, but my favourite part would have to be the Karaoke BBQ! This event is a BBQ followed by an epic dance battle on Alumni Field. I love high-energy events and getting to dance for fun with my residence was a highlight of my Orientation. I got to meet many of my neighbours in preparation for this event, which made me feel more at home in residence. 

Emma: Right after my parents left after helping me move into my dorm and attending an info session with me, we had an icebreaker session with the chair, volunteers, and other students. My parents’ departure was a really emotional and vulnerable experience for me. Seeing that I wasn’t alone in that experience and how the volunteers all worked together to get us involved in the activity was so meaningful at the time and in retrospect. 

Madiha: Without a doubt, Karaoke BBQ!!! Everyone cheers for their house like it’s the most important thing in the world. You look around and realize that an hour ago these people were strangers, and now they’re having the best time together. 

What new elements do you hope to bring to Orientation 2026? 

Kathryn: While I am still in the early days of planning, my focus will be to ensure every new student feels welcomed and supported in this new and exciting chapter of their lives. This means planning and supporting a diverse and accessible range of events so that there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Emma: Previous Pre-Orientations were amazing, so I just hope to build upon all the awesome things that past chairs have brought to the experience. Beyond that, I hope to bring in more flexibility to the programming to further facilitate broader accommodation, while also clearly defining expectations for incoming students. This transition can easily be overwhelming, so I hope that having a better understanding of what to expect will help circumvent anxieties. 

Madiha: I want students to feel like they truly belong here. Having your people is what makes university feel like home and for international students that can sometimes take longer to find. I want IO 2026 to help create those connections right away. 

What advice do you have for students who may be overwhelmed by the thought of Orientation?  

Kathryn: Give yourself grace and continue to do so throughout your time at Mount Allison. It is okay not to have every detail figured out as soon as you get here or even four years later. Everything is a learning experience and there are many resources and supports you can connect with whenever you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed.  

Emma: Being overwhelmed is normal. Give yourself a chance to adjust and learn what works for you in the new environment. University is largely a self-growth those experiences are often uncomfortable, overwhelming, and stressful — but they are worth it in the end. Step out of your comfort zone, try new things just to say that you did, find your community, or even build your own. Things like that are how you will define what your environment and lifestyle will look like following the initial transition. 

Madiha: Take a breath because we've got you. It's completely normal to feel nervous, but I promise that Orientation is one of those experiences you'll look back on and miss. I still remember how excited I was during my own Orientation and I want every student to have that same feeling. You don't have to have it all figured out. Just show up, be yourself, and let us take care of the rest. 

For more information on Orientation over the summer, watch your Mount Allison email address for upcoming Orientation newsletters and stay tuned via mta.ca/orientation and Instagram:  

• Orientation: @mta.orientation 
• International Orientation: @mounta.io  
• Pre-Orientation: @meighen_centre_pre.o