SACKVILLE, NB — This fall, Mount Allison University will welcome approximately 2,300 new and returning students to campus.
 
Orientation 2022 “You’ve Got This” runs from Sept. 2-6 with a goal to give new students a welcoming, fun, and inclusive experience as they begin their studies at Mount Allison.

 
Fourth-year psychology student Alix Corwin is this year’s Orientation Chair. Over the summer, she has been working alongside members of the Mount Allison Student Life Office and the Mount Allison Students’ Union, as well as various other individuals to build Orientation programming.
 
“Preparing for Orientation this summer has been the best job I’ve ever had. Getting to know the beautiful little town of Sackville, meeting friends, and making memories that will last a lifetime are a few of the (many) positives that come from the dynamic and engaging orientation events that are central to the introduction to life at Mount Allison,” says Corwin. “My hope for Orientation this year, is that students walk away with the confidence to not only feel like they will survive their time here at Mt.A, but thrive during it. Our Orientation theme this year of “You’ve Got This” was chosen specifically for that purpose. I know all this year’s orientation leaders alongside myself share the same sentiments, and we’re so excited to welcome all the future Mounties to our beautiful campus!"
 
Organized by students and staff, Orientation programming includes Welcome/Move-In Day; the Town of Sackville Corn Boil; wellness activities; and tours. Students also attend information sessions around academic and extracurricular activities and expectations for both on and off campus. 
 
Shelly Colette, Interim Director of Student Life at Mount Allison, helps oversee welcome activities and programming. She says helping students transition to university life and ensuring they know about supports in place is essential to their success.
 
“Students come to Mount Allison with unique backgrounds; it’s important that they are aware of supports and services available to them on campus,” says Colette. “We’re excited to host a Learning Day as part of Orientation programming this year to help better prepare them academically. There will customized sessions for different degree programs throughout the week as well as sessions with senior students, focusing on what they wished they had known as a first-year student.”
 
Learning Day will also be open to second-year students who may have missed the event last year or would like a re-orientation around academic programming and supports in place.
 
The Pilei Nipi Community Welcome for new students will be held on Friday, Sept. 2. The Mi'kmaq word Pilei nipi signifies the beginning, a “new leaf in a tree.”
 
Ellie Hummel, Mount Allison’s Multi-faith Chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator, working with departments across campus, is leading this year’s Pilei Nipi. 
 
“I am very excited about Pilei Nipi. It will be a relaxed gathering to listen in Convocation Hall to reflect, connect and start the Fall 2022 term as a community,” says Hummel. “New students, parents, faculty and staff will reflect collectively and creatively what new leaves we are hoping to turn over this year. It’s a great way to start the new school year by building community, a sense of belonging and the knowledge that we are each capable of expanding our hearts and minds.” 
 
Additional Orientation programming is being held for international students and student registered with the Meighen Centre beginning Aug. 29 and 30.

Visit our Fall Orientation 2022 website for full details or follow the Orientation committee’s Instagram: @mta.orientation
 
Masks are mandatory at all indoor Orientation activities, following the University’s maintained COVID-19 health and safety measures on campus for the balance of this summer and through the Fall Term.

Photo caption: Rev. Ellie Hummel, Chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator; Shelly Colette, interim Director of Student Life and Manager of Academic Support; and Alix Corwin, fourth-year student and Chair of the 2022 Orientation Committee