Mount Allison University will welcome approximately 2,300 new and returning students to campus.

Find Out How You Shine is this year’s Orientation week theme, which will run from Friday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Sept. 8.

International Orientation kicks off on Monday, Aug. 26 and will run until Thursday, Aug. 29.  

The Meighen Centre Orientation will also include a Pre-Orientation from Aug. 27–29, to allow students living with disabilities or medical conditions extra time and resources to transition to university life. 

This year’s Orientation chair is fourth-year psychology student Holly Wry. “My experience being University Orientation Chair has been amazing and extremely rewarding,” says Wry. “Being a student leader is something that I thrive on, and working within the MASU office and the Student Life department has taught and shown me many things that would be hard to do at other universities.” 

Wry says Orientation has become her favourite week of the year.  

“It is something that I truly believe will leave me with skills that will last a lifetime,” she says. “The conversations and connections that you have while in this position are like none other, with the current students, University staff, faculty, welcoming new incoming students and the Town of Sackville is something that I have been appreciating during my time in this position.” 

Robin Walker, Interim Director of Student Experience says that this year’s Orientation chair along with the Mount Allison’s Students’ Union (MASU) laid the groundwork for an incredible Orientation Week for new students and returning students. 

“I’m most excited to witness how the community really comes together to support the transition of new students to campus,” says Walker. “I’m also excited to attend the Pilei Nipi ceremony, as I’ve never been before, and I look forward to experiencing this welcome event on Friday.”  

Formerly known as the Commencement ceremony, Pilei Nipi is a welcoming ceremony that takes place on Friday, Aug. 30 from 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. This year’s theme speaker is Tristan Grant (‘18), also known by his stage name "Wolf Castle,” who is an indigenous rapper and has made significant strides within the music industry and beyond. Grant was also the recipient of the 2024 Contemporary Achievement Alumni Award.

This year, Academic Orientation will take place on Move-In Day (Aug. 30) from 1 p.m.–4 p.m. 

“Placing this event right at the beginning of Orientation is a great way to get things started for students and their academic journey,” says Walker.  

Another new initiative for this year includes a new session for equity-seeking populations. On Sunday, Sept. 1 Equity, diversity, and inclusion education will take place on 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Black student Orientation from 1 p.m.–2 p.m. and a 2SLGBTQIA+ Orientation from 2 p.m.–3 p.m. 

Wry says Orientation events has a lasting impact on students, one that lasts a lifetime.  

“When talking to alumni from past years and thinking back to their O–week, these events still come to mind. Mount Allison Orientation is truly one of a kind, and while bringing in new aspects is amazing, there is something special about each event planned for our students.” 

Visit the Fall Orientation 2024 website for the full schedule and be sure to follow along on the Orientation committee’s Instagram at @mta.orientation and Mount Allison’s Instagram at @mountallison.