Welcome, Class of 2030!
Nearly 6,000 incoming undergraduate students are set to join UCalgary this fall. On Aug. 27 and 28, staff, returning students and volunteers welcomed more than 3,600 of them to campus at New Student Orientation. Over two days, students met peers from their faculties, explored the campus and discovered the many people and resources ready to support them in their journey at UCalgary.
“New Student Orientation is an important opportunity for students to come together with thousands of their peers, learn about the UCalgary campus community and immerse themselves in the student experience,” says Verity Turpin, Vice-Provost (Student Experience).
From academic and student supports to a wide range of co-curricular activities, Turpin says Orientation offers new Dinos valuable tools to begin their post-secondary journey.
“Orientation gives students a starting point,” says Temitope Sowunmi, who is on the First Year Experience team at the Centre for Career and Personal Development. “It introduces them to their campus, resources and communities while reminding them that they do not have to figure everything out on their own.”
For Sowunmi, a Faculty of Arts student entering her fifth and final year, seeing months of preparation come to life was especially rewarding. “From the welcome ceremony and afternoon sessions to the BBQ and carnival, it was so exciting to see all the different pieces fall into place and watch students enjoy what we had worked to create,” she says.
As the incoming class celebrated the start of a new academic year, the welcome ceremony featured a musical performance by former student Seraphina Ellen, presentations from student speakers and time for the groups to engage in some friendly competition with faculty chants, each led by student orientation leaders.
Welcoming words from UCalgary President Ed McCauley, Chancellor John Osler, Provost Sandra Davidson and Vice-Provost (Student Experience) Verity Turpin highlighted that students are now part of a community ready cheer them on. Students were also invited to “Start Something” — whether exploring a new interest, contributing to campus life or taking the first step toward a bold idea.
The excitement continued into the evening, as 1,787 fans gathered to cheer on the Dinos men’s soccer team against the Mount Royal University Cougars. The crosstown matchup gave students an early taste of Dinos pride — complete with a 2-0 victory for the Dinos.
Over both days, the Great Dino Challenge invited students to explore and put their new campus knowledge to the test. Answering trivia questions and completing missions gave students a chance to win coveted UCalgary swag and the mobile-app challenge drew 2,742 submissions.
Orientation wrapped up with the UCalgary Strong Carnival, featuring games, live music, and free food.
As incoming students settle into university life, Sowunmi encourages them to remain open to new experiences and make the journey their own.
“Try not to compare your path to someone else’s,” she says. “Explore, ask questions, own your mistakes and, most importantly, make your university experience your own.”
For a glimpse into the events, view the photo gallery below.
