Over 1,900 first-year students in the Faculty of Arts and Science participated in orientation events this past weekend.
The Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) welcomed new students and integrated them into the Queen’s community during the first weekend of orientation, spanning Sept. 1 to 2.
On Sept. 1, first-year students participated in the Welcome Forum event at Richardson Stadium where they listened to the Queen’s chant, “Cha Gheill,” for the first time. They also learned about campus clubs at the Queen’s in the Park event and snacked on popcorn and cotton candy during Carnival at Tindall Field.
The following day, first-year students, sporting the iconic Queen’s tam—a flat hat symbolizing their faculty—participated in the traditional Tamming Ceremony before getting muddy in the Mud Run at Robinson’s Farm.
For Jackie Evans, ArtSci ’28, the Mud Run was a fun way to get out of her comfort zone. Orientation events curbed Evans homesickness and eased anxiety about the school year.
“As a first-year student in the FAS, my orientation experience has been a fantastic way to transition into university life and feel part of [the] Queen’s lively and inclusive community,” Evans said in a statement to The Journal.
“It’s been exciting to meet new people, receive guidance from my Gaels, and get involved in campus activities.”
Over 300 Gaels and Orientation Coordinators (OC’s), upper year students that lead and organize orientation events, are ing first-years like Jackie and facilitating a positive environment for all students, Cole Olidis, ASUS president, said in an interview with The Journal.
Orientation can be loud and overwhelming, Olidis said. This year, he’s ensured introverted students can participate in orientation, hosting low intensity events.
“If you don’t want to go run through the mud, which isn’t for everyone, we had our Daffodil Day also taking place at the same time,” Olidis said.
Daffodil Day takes place at Robinson’s Farm and features live music, crafts, and board games.
While Queen’s has a reputation of being a party school, orientation events like Daffodil Day show students you can have a good time without alcohol Olidis added. Gaels and OC’s
signed a contract with Orientation Round Table (ORT), who help faculties deliver their orientations, agreeing to stay sober during orientation period.
First-year Arts and Science students can look forward to events like the ORT Mystery Concert in Miller Hall’s parking lot on Sept. 6, and Coverall Painting on Sept. 7 in Lower City Park.
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