Welcome, Class of 2030!
Nearly 6,000 incoming undergraduate students are set to join UCalgary this fall, with staff, students and volunteers welcoming over 3,600 to campus on Aug. 27 and 28 at New Student Orientation. Over those two days, students were able to meet peers from their faculties, explore campus, and discover 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 academics and student supports to a wide range of co-curricular activities, Turpin says Orientation gives new Dinos valuable tools as they 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, who is herself 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.
One highlight was the Welcome Ceremony, where the incoming class came together to celebrate the start of a new academic year. The 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 reminded new students that they belong, and that they are now part of a community ready to support and 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.
Running throughout both days, the Great Dino Challenge invited students to explore, play and put their new campus knowledge to the test for a chance to win coveted UCalgary swag. The mobile-app challenge drew 2,742 submissions, with students answering up to 200 trivia questions and completing up to 100 missions.
Orientation wrapped up with the UCalgaryStrong Carnival on Aug. 28. Games, live music, free food and plenty of fun offered new students one more chance to connect, kick off the weekend and celebrate two successful days together.
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.”
Welcome, new Dinos!
For a glimpse into the events, view the photo gallery below.
