Orientation FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Orientation?
Orientation is a week of activities designed to introduce new students to the academic, social and cultural life at Saint Mary’s University.
When is Orientation?
Orientation Week 2010 at SMU begins on Sunday, September 5th and ends on Friday, September 10th. Even if you can’t make it to all events, you should try to get to TurfBurn on Monday – it’s the most popular event, and it’s free!
What is a Frosh Pack?
A Frosh Pack is an assortment of items to both welcome you to SMU, introduce you to all of our events and services, and equip you with a SMU shirt and other branded items. The pack includes a wristband that grants you access to all Frosh Week events and makes you eligible for great prizes.
Last year’s Frosh Packs included: a SMU Laundry bag w/ washing instructions demystified, an Orientation 09 shirt, clipboard, reusable mug, water bottle, lanyard, and 512MB USB stick loaded with information and offers. the pack also included a wristband that allowed access to all events (a $60 value), reusable grocery bag, and an orientation pack from PW Leopard, loaded with some necessities for student life (razor, shampoo, deodourant, KD, chewing gum, chips, can of coke, laundry detergent, anti-allergen, body wash, lip balm, and more!). Last year’s Frosh Packs cost $100 +tx. We know university is expensive and want to give our new students better access to this year’s events and Frosh Packs. With that said, Frosh packs will be cheaper this year. we will have a solid price shortly. (This was written in April 2010, before our Orientation Coordinators have started, so we don’t know exactly how much our Frosh Packs will cost yet)
How do I purchase my Frosh Pack?
We will be offering Frosh Packs for sale soon. You will be able to purchase online via PayPal, by phone w/ Visa, or in person with cash, debit* or visa (*debit only available at the SMUSA office on the 5th floor of the Student Centre). We will also be offering Frosh Pack pre-orders at the open house scheduled in July.
Where and when can I pick up my frosh pack?
Frosh packs will be available for pickup beginning on Sunday, September 5th in the Student Centre Lobby. If you didn’t pre-order, you will also be able to buy a Frosh Pack here at the Info Desk.
Why should I buy a frosh pack?
There are several reasons why you should buy an Orientation Week pack:
1. Its cheaper to buy the entire package than to purchase the pieces separately
2. There are some pieces of the package that you can’t buy separately.
3. You are guaranteed to get into all Orientation Week events if you purchase a frosh pack.
4. Frosh packs are stuffed with some awesome extras from our sponsors.
5. There is a lot of supplemental information about the Saint Mary’s Community and events around campus.
6. There are huge prizes to be won that only those that buy frosh packs can win.
Can I go to the events if I haven’t bought a frosh pack?
Yes and No. Some of the events are “ticketed” events and so you would have to buy a ticket to go to these events; however, some of the events do not need tickets and you would be able to go to these events without the tickets. TurfBurn, for example, is not a ticketed event and we strongly encourage you to attend.
If I live off campus can I go to Orientation Week?
You better believe it! Orientation Week is for all first year students at Saint Mary’s University, no matter where you live! There are plenty of opportunities for both on- and off-campus students to learn a lot about Saint Mary’s and make new friends during the week. In fact, it is encouraged for off campus students to attend Orientation Week as it will provide you with so much information you otherwise will have to dig for (like where your classes are, how to buy books, and how to find your way around), and it’s an awesome way to meet new people. And of course, it’s a blast!
What happens during Orientation Week?
There are a variety of activities that take place during O-week, some of which introduce new students to the academic system at Saint Mary’s University. Other activities will provide you with an opportunity to meet the staff, faculty, and students you’ll be interacting with during your years as a Husky! Most importantly, orientation week activities are just plain fun!
Is there a cost to attend Orientation?
There is no overall cost for the week and many of the activities offered during orientation week are free of charge; however, it is recommended that you purchase your Frosh Pack to cover events that do have a cost.
If I come to Orientation Week am I going to be “froshed” or “hazed?”
No, at Saint Mary’s we have a strict no hazing policy. There are times throughout the week that you have the option of acting a bit crazy (just watch the Frosh Leaders) but we always have the “opt out” policy. If you don’t feel like doing something you might be uncomfortable with, it’s as simple as saying “no, thanks.”
What should I wear during Orientation?
You are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes during most of the Orientation Week activities, especially turf burn. Most of the activities are casual and some events may involve physical activity. A great many of the activities also take place outdoors during that week, weather permitting of course. Keep in mind that Orientation Week does have a theme and students are encouraged to dress up for themed events!
Did I miss something ?
Remember that our Orientation Week Coordinators and all the orientation week volunteers were first year students at some time or another, so if you should have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you for Orientation Week 2010! If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the Orientation Coordinator by any of the methods listed below
Presenting Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Official Charity Partner:
With Support From:
If your business would like to be part of Orientation Week 2011, please contact Justine Stacey, VP Student Life.
Justine Stacey
VP Student Life
5th Floor, Students’ Centre
923 Robie Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3
Phone: (902) 496 8709
Fax: (902) 425 4636
E-Mail: vpstudentlife@SMU.CA
Homepage: http://www.smusa.ca
