Starting Mount Allison in September? Welcome to Fall Orientation!
Aug. 30-Sept. 8, 2024
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.
Questions? Email orientation@mta.ca or connect with us on Instagram!
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First things first: register
Registration now open!
Register for University Orientation with your MtA username and password.
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.
Get connected on social media
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Explore the schedule
There's something for everyone!
Find your around around by visiting our interactive campus map.
FULL SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, AUG. 30 | |
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8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. | Move-In Day for new residence students |
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Welcome Centre » Tweedie Hall, WMSC Grab your Welcome Bag and Student ID. |
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Lunch » Jennings Dining Hall Lunch for all students and families. |
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Academic Orientation » Starts at Convocation Hall Join faculty to learn about academics. Students will be divided by degree program. |
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Parent Orientation » Convocation Hall Learn about MtA resources with a Q&A. |
4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. | Pilei Nipi » Convocation Hall A ceremony marking the beginning of your MtA journey. |
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Dinner » Jennings Dining Hall Dinner for all first-year students |
6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Off-campus and mature student social » Gracie's Cafe |
8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Carpe Diem » Gymnasium, Athletics Centre Show your house spirit with cheers, games, and more. |
9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. | Residence meetings » Your residence Meet your House Team and learn about residence living. |
Saturday, Aug. 31 | |
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8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. | Breakfast » Jennings Dining Hall |
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. | Orientation 101 » Convocation Hall Learn about Orientation and what to expect. |
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Meet your O-Groups » Various locations |
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Corn Boil » Bill Johnstone Memorial Park Join the Town of Sackville for corn, cake, and live music. |
12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Fun! Fun! Fun! » Landsdowne Field Bouncy houses, lawn games, and more. |
3:30 p.m.-4:40 p.m. | Off-campus social » Gracie's Cafe, WMSC |
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Mature student meet and greet » Tweedie Hall, WMSC |
5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | First-year banquet » Jennings Dining Hall All first-year students welcome to a fancy dinner — semi-formal encouraged. |
9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. | Headphone disco » Gracie's Cafe, WMSC A dance party where YOU control the music. |
9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. | Paint night » Tweedie Hall, WMSC A low energy evening, come show off your creative side. |
Sunday, Sept. 1 | |
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8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. | Breakfast » Jennings Dining Hall |
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Sexual violence prevention education » Convocation Hall |
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Equity, diversity, and inclusion education » Dunn 113 |
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Bazum! » Pool, Athletics Centre Fun dance workout in the pool. |
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Yoga » Dance Studio, WMSC Relax with some yoga. |
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. | Lunch » Jennings Dining Hall |
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Black student orientation » Dunn 113 An opportunity to hear experiences and connect with Black student supports on campus. |
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | 2SLGBTQIA+ orientation » Dunn 113 |
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Off-campus social and mature student family tours » Gracie's Cafe |
5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Karaoke BBQ! » Academic Quad & Alumni Field BBQ dinner provided. |
9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. | MtA-lympics » Alumni Field Join O-Groups for games and activities. |
9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. | Coffee House » Gracie's Cafe Low energy event to listen and show off your talent. |
Monday, Sept. 2 | |
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8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. | Breakfast » Jennings Dining Hall |
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | Wellness walk » Meet at Chapel Walk through Waterfowl Park. |
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | Wellness run » Meet at Chapel Beginner friendly run around town. |
10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | MtA-Mazing Race » Around campus Meet your O-Group for the ultimate campus race. |
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Lunch » Jennings Dining Hall |
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Pie the MASU » Academic Quad Sinerama fundraiser — come pie your Student Union execs. |
2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | What I Wish I Knew » Dunn 113 Get advice from upper-year students with academic, social, and first-gen panels. |
2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Library tours » Library Join the librarians to learn about all the library has to offer. |
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Dinner » Jennings Dining Hall |
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Movie night » Crabtree M14 |
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | Board game night » Tweedie Hall, WMSC |
Rest of the week!
Tuesday, Sept. 3 |
First day of classes! 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Wednesday, Sept. 4 |
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. |
Thursday, Sept. 5 |
4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. |
Friday, Sept. 6 |
7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. |
Saturday, Sept. 7 |
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. |
Sunday, Sept. 8 |
Clubs and Societies Fair » Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts |
Wondering what Orientation Week will be like? Take a look at some of our events and activities from Orientation 2023.
Early Orientation
Mount Allison runs the following two pre-orientation programs in advance of University Orientation. Get a head start on your time at Mount A!
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International Orientation
Aug. 26-29
International Orientation is open to all new international students and Canadians who live abroad.
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Meighen Centre Orientation
Aug. 27-29
Meighen Centre Orientation is open to students with disabilities registered with the Meighen Centre.
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University Orientation for all new students
Aug. 30-Sept. 8
Meet your 2024 Orientation Chairs
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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!
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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)
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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
Meet your orientation groups and o-group leaders
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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.
Arrival information
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. 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 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). 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.
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MASU
Orientation is a collaborative effort between Mount Allison's Student Life Office and the Mount Allison Students' Union (MASU).
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Town of Sackville
As a MtA student, you're now part of the community of Sackville. Explore everything the town has to offer!
MtA Shinerama Campaign
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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.
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.
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After Orientation
What's next? Our staff and faculty are here to help support you during your first year as a new student.