Here comes everyone

Having fun during Dalfest last year. (Bruce Bottomley Photo)

Dalhousie’s three campuses are about to get a whole lot louder and way more exciting next week as hundreds of new students arrive for 2009’s orientation week activities.

“For us, it’s having a whole new audience of students to talk to, show them what Dalhousie and the DSU offer,” says Kris Osmond, VP student life for the DSU. “We have an amazing opportunity to communicate what it is we do here at the DSU and let them know that we’re here to support them.”

If you’re an international student, there’s a good chance that you’re already on campus getting to know your peers – the International Students and Exchange Services office holds special events for new international students this week. But for most incoming students, the Dalhousie experience kicks off Sunday morning as hundreds of fresh faces begin moving their stuff into residence or joining in activities from off-campus.

Kardinal Offishall.

Even if the “week” in orientation week a bit of a misnomer – it actually lasts four days until classes start on the 10th – there’s certainly a week’s worth of activities. Familiar events from years’ past include the Sexton Field Party, visits from sexpert Sue Johannson and hypnotist Tony Lee, Shinerama day and the formal induction ceremony at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. There’s also the Big Ticket concert, which this year is being held in the Studley Quad and features Canadian hip hop icon Kardinal Offishall.

Some of the new activities this year include a “Dive-in movie”– students get to watch the comedy Adventureland on a big screen while lounging in the Dalplex pool – and “FAQ Dal,” an interactive game show that tests students’ knowledge of Dalhousie for prizes.

In addition to hosting the Family and Friends information session, Dalhousie Student Services is also expanding the popular “Ask Me!” campaign to include a second central location on Sexton Campus where students can drop by and get their questions answered.

“This week really sets the tone for their first-year experience,” explains Melissa Mackay, service and office manager with Student Community Services. “I think they really benefit from participating on campus and attending a variety events, whether they’re academic events, DSU events or otherwise.”

And lest you think that only new students have all the fun, there’s Dalfest: a rain-or-shine event on the Studley Quad on Friday, September 11 from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. There will be games, rides, food, DJs and an evening performance from the Joel Plaskett Emergency. Best of all: it’s free to all Dalhousie students, faculty and staff.

For the full schedule of Orientation events – for the week and beyond – visit: http://myguide.dal.ca/welcome/ 

For events organized by the Dalhousie Student Union, check out: http://www.dsuorientation.ca/

There's also an alternative orientation series being organized with events including a bike tour of Halifax gardens, vegan baking how-to workshop and an anti-war teach-in. See the full list of ALT 101 events on Facebook.