Fall Orientation | Mount Allison

SAVE THE DATE
University Orientation 2023: Sept. 1-6

Details about University Orientation 2023 will become available in the summer. In the meantime, browse information about last year's Orientation to give you an idea of what to expect!


Starting Mount Allison in September? Welcome to Fall Orientation 2022!

We strive for Orientation to be a fun, welcoming, and inclusive experience for all new students. There's something for everyone!

You'll also receive information directly from the Mount Allison Students' Union (MASU) on the schedule of events and what to expect.

First things first: register

Take a minute to register for University Orientation with your MtA username and password.

Register for University Orientation

The sooner you register, the sooner we can put you in your Orientation group and the sooner you can start connecting with other new students and Orientation leaders.

Download our orientation app

All things Orientation in one place: our Mount Allison Orientation 2022 App includes everything you'll need, including our evolving schedule of events.

To download the app, visit https://guidebook.com/g/mta2022/ or scan the QR code below. For best results, first download the Guidebook app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play.

Questions? Email orientation@mta.ca or connect with us on social media!

Get connected on social media
What is Orientation like?

Wondering what Orientation Week will be like? Take a look at some of our events and activities from Orientation 2021!

 

 


Early Orientation 2022

Mount Allison runs the following two pre-orientation programs in advance of University Orientation. Get a head start on your time at Mount A!

International Orientation

Aug. 29-Sept. 1
International Orientation is open to all new international students and Canadians who live abroad.

Meighen Centre Orientation

Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Meighen Centre Orientation is open to students with disabilities registered with the Meighen Centre.


Get ready for University Orientation!

Sept. 2-6, 2022

Greetings from our President and Vice-Chancellor

 

Greetings from Dr. Jean-Paul Boudreau, President and Vice-Chancellor

Bienvenue — Pjila’si — Welcome to Mount Allison! Mount A is a community-minded place where we learn from and look out for one another. The past year-and-a-half have been challenging for all of us, but we are looking forward to returning to more on campus, in person classes, events, and activities — and that all starts with Orientation!

These next few months will be memorable for you as you graduate and look ahead to life at Mount Allison. Orientation will give you lots of opportunities to get to know the campus and the people who make up our community — even before you set foot on campus. I'm very excited about what your Orientation Chairs and Committee are planning for you this year — in a time when we are looking forward to being back together in person. They are planning an amazing program of activities to help you settle in to university life and I hope you will take the time to check them out.

Orientation will help make your transition to Mount A that much easier. Whether you are joining us on campus or at a distance in the fall, we look forward to having you with us. I can’t wait to meet you in person or digitally. Have a safe and enjoyable Orientation and a fantastic first year at Mount A!

Jean-Paul Boudreau
President & Vice-Chancellor

P.S. I invite you to follow and share your ideas with me on Twitter @Boudreau_Ideas

Welcome to MtA from our Orientation Chairs

A message from Alix Corwin, 2022 University Orientation Chair

Hi Future Mounties!

My name is Alix Corwin, and I'm a 4th year Psychology student from Victoria, BC. I'm beyond thrilled to be your Orientation chair this year!

For the last couple months, I have been working to try and put together an amazing Orientation program for all of you, and I will continue to do so over the summer.

Orientation was one of my favourite parts of my first year, and I'm hoping it becomes one of yours, which is why I have over 120 dedicated, friendly, and energetic volunteers working with me to help bring the whole week together. I know they're as excited as I am to meet all of you.

But... what is Orientation? Orientation is a week-long event, filled with activities of all kinds: there's something for everyone! You'll have the opportunity to meet the people in your residences and programs, as well as other students in your incoming class! You'll also have the chance to meet returning students: some of whom may become mentors and guides for you throughout your first year of university! Finally, you'll be able to meet some of the incredible faculty and staff members at Mount Allison, who are all committed to helping you succeed as a student

Over the summer I'll be sending lots of updates with all things Orientation, so make sure to keep an eye on your Mount Allison e-mail addresses! You should also go follow the Orientation Instagram account which I've linked here.

Finally... congratulations on finishing high school! That's an incredible achievement :). I remember how excited I was when I was in your shoes. Make sure to take some time to relax and recharge over the summer, and then get prepared to start the next chapter of your life at Mount Allison! MtA... You've Got This!

Alix (she/her/hers)

 

A message from Lestyn Lobo, 2022 International Orientation Chair

Summer is finally here which means it is time to start preparing yourselves for the next chapter of your amazing lives beginning this upcoming fall here at Mount Allison University.

Hello fellow international students! My name is Lestyn Virgil Lobo, a third-year international student pursuing a BSc degree with a major in Aviation and a minor in Psychology. I can’t express how excited I am to work as the International Orientation Chair this summer and fall, alongside a team of esteemed and talented individuals who will help you discover the uniqueness and charm of the place you will soon call home for the next four years of your life.

I share a background and culture with three different countries: Portugal, India, and Kuwait, and have been studying in Canada as an international student for the past four years. I can understand how challenging it must feel to bid goodbye to your family and friends to start a whole new life here in Sackville; I can assure you that myself and the IO facilitators will be interacting with you all summer with fun and exciting virtual summer events designed to make this transition to a new country as smooth as possible.

International Orientation 2022 is going to be a blast with an exceptional team of upper-year students ready to take you on an adventure that will instill you with confidence and motivation as well as introduce you to resources that will help you achieve a unique life here at Mount A filled with possibilities and hopes for a better tomorrow. So sit back and stay tuned for the kick-start of IO 2022 coming to you this summer!

Lestyn (he/him/his)

 

A message from Kate MacLean, 2022 Meighen Centre Orientation Chair

Hello everyone!

My name is Kate MacLean, I am going into my fourth year at Mount Allison and I will be this year’s Meighen Centre Pre-Orientation Chair.

The Meighen Centre is a place for all students who have been diagnosed or struggle disabilities and chronic conditions. The Meighen Centre offer to Students to have a chance to embrace academics with the support that you will need during your university years. The Meighen Centre has a variety of accommodations, with their technology, and services. There is a long list of services and accommodations that are offered from Meighen Centre. One reason why Pre-Orientation was offered and came into the picture.

I did Pre-Orientation in my first year coming to Mount Allison and it was a great experience and opportunity to meet the community of people from Meighan centre, build connections with other students who are going through the same experience as me and learn about their services being offered. I would very much recommend coming and joining us for Pre-Orientation.

If you will be using the Meighen Centre during your time at Mount A or if you have any questions about Pre-Orientation or how to register, you can send me an e-mail at khmaclean@mta.ca

I can’t wait to meet you all in a few months!

Kate MacLean
Pre-Orientation Chair 2022-23
(She/Her/Elle)

 

Meet your orientation groups and o-group leaders

 

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).

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.

Meet your Mount Allison Students' Union Exec

Rohin Minocha-McKenney

MASU President

 


 

Alivia Warr

MASU VP Student Life


 

Ngoc Huynh

MASU VP External


 

Suhjung Chun

MASU VP Academic


 

Suchet Mittal

MASU VP Communications


 

Nate Lesser

MASU VP Finance & Admin

Arrival information — September 2

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:

For residence students

  • Once you arrive on campus, you can go directly to your assigned residence. Their 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 Sept. 2?

The Orientation Check-In Fair at the Wallace McCain Student Centre will also be open on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19

For the latest information on Mount Allison's vaccination requirements, mask-wearing, physical distancing, and cleaning and sanitizing, visit campus updates.

Important note: many events during Orientation may require you to wear a mask. Please come prepared and have a mask with you.

Orientation FAQ

 

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).

It's led by three outstanding student Orientation Chairs:

  • Alix Corwin (University Orientation Chair)
  • Lestyn Lobo (International Orientation Chair)
  • Kate MacLean (Meighen Centre Orientation Chair)

Supporting Alix, Lestyn, and Kate 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.  The arrival/residence move-in date for these students is August 29. Meighen Centre Pre-Orientation participants will move in on August 30. All remaining new students are invited to arrive/move in on Friday, September 2. 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 2 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.

MASU

Orientation is a collaborative effort between Mount Allison's Student Life Office and the Mount Allison Students' Union (MASU).

Town of Sackville

As a MtA student, you're now part of the community of Sackville. Explore everything the town has to offer!

Shinerama Campaign

Each year, the MASU holds a Shinerama Campaign to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. The Shinerama campaign takes place throughout the summer leading up to our largest fundraising event called Shine Day.

Shine Day 2022 will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10. Over 500 student volunteers will be spread out across Sackville, Amherst, and Greater Moncton to collect donations.

Have questions? Email us at shinerama@mta.ca.


After Orientation

What's next? Our staff and faculty are here to help support you during your first year as a new student.

New students