University Orientation Program

Orientation

The University's Orientation program is designed to smooth the transition to university and residence life, as well as to welcome you to the Western community.

The university administration, the University Student's Council and the Division of Housing and Ancillary Services, together with students, staff and faculty, work to provide fun social and learning experiences throughout the week. Campus-wide events planned by the University Students' Council include a faculty orientation day, outdoor events and concerts. You will also have the opportunity to participate in activities organized by the residents' council at your own residence. These activities are designed to help you adjust to university life and to get to know your new campus community.

Please be aware that your name, room number and faculty will be used to assign you to groups for orientation activities and to invite you to programs and events related to your academic program throughout the year. You may choose to opt out of the contact list at any time by contacting housing@uwo.ca.

For detail information on Orientation Week activities, please visit www.usc.uwo.ca

The goals of Orientation Week are:

1. To welcome new students to Western University, and to be an important part of facilitating transition to a new learning environment, cultural setting and social climate within the University and the London community.
2. To use a personal approach, such as small group activities, faculty involvement, peer support and mentoring by residence and faculty sophs, in addition to larger organized events.
3. To recognize the changing demographics of the incoming class and prepare for this change by providing a variety of effective and enjoyable non-alcoholic events.
4. To enhance academics at Western by recognizing that learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom contribute to personal growth and advancement in a learning environment.

Tips To Enjoy Orientation Week

• All activities are voluntary; you should feel free to come and go as you wish and to decide your own orientation priorities and which events you wish to attend
• All first-year students are treated as equal to other students - hazing activities are not a part of the orientation experience and are strictly prohibited
• All differences in gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, and abilites are celebrated and treated with respect
• There are no planned orientation activities after 1 a.m. or before 8 a.m. on any day, to ensure adequate sleep
• For your own safety, you are encouraged to lock your doors at night or whenever you leave your room
• The rights and property of residents in the community around Western are to be respected. Disturbances, pranks and lewd or obscene behaviour are not acceptable. Local noise by-laws prohibit noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

If, in the course of Orientation Week, you feel that any of the principles of Orientation are not being met, please talk to your residence staff member or your Residence Manager.

Portions of the information on this website have been taken from the Residence Handbook. If there is any discrepancy between the copy on the website and that of the printed Residence Handbook for the current academic year, the most recent printed version will be deemed as correct.

Source: http://residenceatwestern.ca/orientation.cfm