Photo Credit: University of St. Michael’s College
Your guide to everything happening this Orientation, straight from the Coordinators
Giovanna Macedo and Hedieh Hashemi, Orientation Coordinators
With St. Michael’s College’s first ever extended orientation schedule, the class of 2027 will experience a 15-day orientation, with events starting on August 31 and ending on September 14. There will be a variety of opportunities to learn about the college, make friends, and have loads of fun.
Don’t fret about getting too tired, though — only September 3–6 will consist of full day programming. The other days will only have one or two events scheduled per day. Additionally, none of the events are mandatory: orientees can pick and choose what they would like to attend. Led by the Orientation Coordinators (the OCs, in yellow shirts), marshals (red shirts), and leaders (dark blue shirts), the class of 2027 is sure to have an amazing time!
On August 31, orientees will have the opportunity to tour the U of T campus, led by a marshal. Then they will be able to get all of their questions answered at the Upper Year Student Panel, an event that will take place both in-person and online.
On day one of full day programming, September 3, students will start the day with registration in the Coop, where they can expect to receive their kits and name tags. Invocation and opening ceremonies will follow, officially welcoming students to St. Mike’s with speakers such as President David Sylvester and Principal Irene Morra. Back at St. Mike’s, orientation groups will have some time to get to know one another through Games Rotation. This event is also a great opportunity to win O-Cup points, so it will get very competitive! Dinner will be served, and once finished, students will walk over to Varsity Stadium to attend U of T’s Varsity Football Game — a classic first day of Orientation.
On day two, students can choose to tour the campus in the morning. Lunch will be served at noon and will be followed by a Consent Presentation by Karen BK Chan. After this, students will embark on a “Choose Your Own Adventure” session, with a wide variety of activities: Painting, Yoga, Rainbow Parachute, a Contemplative Walk, Bed Race Tryouts, and the BIPOC New College Fair. After an exciting afternoon, students will receive dinner, and be guided to the Block Party, a huge carnival mainly organized by Woodsworth College but attended by many of the U of T colleges and faculties. With a variety of inflatables, games, and sponsored products, students can expect a fun and exciting conclusion to day two.
Day three starts later than the other O-Week days, allowing orientees to sleep in. The day’s activities will begin in the afternoon, with Pre-U of T, an academic panel for students to ask professors questions and learn more about their streams of study. Once finished, students will return to St. Mike’s for Pancakes with the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) administration, which will be happening at the same time as Mock Lectures. Don’t stress though — mock lectures are not like typical university lectures. These fun lectures are delivered by USMC profs and showcase the four St. Mike’s-sponsored programs of study: Medieval Studies, Christianity & Culture, Celtic Studies, and Book and Media Studies. After dinner comes another “Choose Your Own Adventure” session. Students will be able to choose between Board Games, a Dance Party, a Praise and Worship Night, and a Mystery Hunt at Kelly Library. A more relaxed end to the day will prepare students for the high-energy day four that is just around the corner.
Day four is, in our opinion, the most exciting day of Orientation, since we get to show our St. Mike’s spirit in a variety of activities. It is also the day where you can really tell how big U of T is, since all orientees gather for one big event. The day starts off with a Pep Rally in the Quad, followed by the Cheer-Off between colleges at Varsity Stadium. After winning the Cheer-Off (as we always do), orientees will begin the famous U of T tri-campus parade. At the end of the parade, students will find the UTSU Clubs Fair, the perfect opportunity to learn about different clubs available here at U of T. A 90-minute break will follow, to allow students to rest after the excitement of the morning. We will then serve dinner and have our famous Kelly’s Korner event (our talent show and open-mic night). Traditionally, Kelly’s Korner was the official wrap-up of Orientation.
However, as noted, this year is not a normal orientation year as there are events until September 14. On September 7, students can attend an International Student Welcome at noon; Bed Races on King’s College Road at 4 pm; and to finish off the day, a Movie Night with Victoria College, starting at 7 pm.
On September 8, orientees can tackle the big task of reading their syllabi at the Syllabus Reading Party. With the college’s learning strategists, plans for success will be made during that afternoon. On Saturday, September 9, we will have the official closing ceremonies for Orientation, happening at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto. The winner of the O-Cup will be announced at this ceremony.
On Sunday, September 10, we will offer Toronto City Tours for students to explore the city by bus. On the evening of September 11, students can meet professors and U of T staff at our Academic Social. Wednesday and Thursday of that week feature two event collaborations with St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU). On Wednesday, September 13, a Resources and Clubs fair will be happening on St. Mike’s campus, offering a perfect chance for students to get involved with clubs and learn about the resources available to students at our college. On September 14, orientees and upper-year students will be able to attend the Blue Jay’s Game at the Rogers Centre — a classic Toronto activity to end the 2023 Orientation programing.
Orientation is many students’ favourite memory of St. Mike’s, and we hope that by the end of your Orientation, you will say the same. We can’t wait to meet you all very soon! HAPPY ORIENTATION!
Giovanna and Hedieh are this year’s Orientation Coordinators.
