U of A Orientation Programs
New Students: Share Your Feedback on Orientation
We want to hear your opinions on your orientation experience. Your feedback assists us with improving orientation to fit new students’ needs. Take the survey and opt-in for a chance to win one of three $150 gift cards for the U of A Bookstore.
WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA AND YOUR NEW COMMUNITY!
Your orientation includes in-person and online components to fit your university experience that relates to who you are and what you are studying and introduces you to your campus culture and student life.
How to register for all orientation programs
When you register for orientation, you receive a personalized in-person orientation schedule of all the in-person programs we recommend you attend. Fall in-person orientation events run at the end of August and the beginning of September. Please use these steps to register for all orientation programs.
Step 1: Register for orientation
All undergraduate and graduate students can log into the UASUevents Network portal to register for orientation using your CCID. When you log into the Network for the first time, if you are directed to the main UASU events page after you sign in, click the register for orientation on that page.
Winter orientation does not have central registration, but some winter orientation programs may require you to sign up.
Registration for fall 2024 orientation opens in May 2024.
Step 2: Start online orientation
Start learning about your U of A community with online orientation. Each module introduces you to a different aspect of studying at the U of A.
When you applied to the U of A, you were assigned a CCID to access campus resources such as Bear Tracks, eClass, email and apps. With your CCID, you can start working through your virtual orientation programs on eClass.
eClass is the U of A's learning management system and your key resource for accessing online courses. It's where you'll go for course materials and interactive learning activities to connect with instructors and classmates and do orientation! Learn eClass basics.
You can restart the module if you are familiar with eClass but forgot how to navigate it. Navigate to the bottom of the screen and click "Reset user tour on this page."
Step 3: Attend in-person orientation events
Get the complete orientation experience; attend in-person events to connect with campus resources and new friends!
Step 4: Download the MyUAlberta app
MyUAlberta is the official mobile application for the University of Alberta. The app is a great way to connect with the U of A community, and it offers quick access to orientation information, online orientation modules and events.
Make sure to allow notifications so you don't miss anything important.
Accessibility and orientation
Orientation Programs
The U of A offers a variety of orientation programs to meet your unique needs. Attend a combination of orientation activities to make up your orientation experience based on who you are and what you are studying. To register, please follow the steps listed above.
University-wide orientation programs
New Student Orientation for undergraduate students
New Student Orientation is your welcome to the U of A! Ease the transition to student life by attending presentations, panels, and campus tours. Connect with student clubs and groups at Week of Welcome’s clubs fair and check out other University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) welcome events.
Graduate Students Orientation
Graduate students connect with your Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). You automatically become a member of the GSA with the right to vote in elections, serve on committees and access GSA benefits. The GSA introduces you to the association and campus services in their online orientation module and in-person events.
International Students Orientation
International Student & Visitor Services (ISVS) provides programs, services, and events for U of A international students. They are ready to help you throughout your U of A journey and can’t wait to connect with you at their welcome events. Start your U of A experience with the International Student Orientation self-paced online course; it covers everything to prepare you for life in Canada. International students enjoy in-person events such as InfoMart, Bear Necessities, and Campus Check-in.
First Peoples' House Orientation
First Peoples’ House welcomes First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students to the U of A through an orientation program designed to give you the tools to be a successful learner. First Peoples' House Orientation provides an overview of the services available to support your physical, mental (academic), emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing.
Faculty of Native Studies
Connect to your Faculty of Native Studies at Student Orientation. Join the warm, close-knit, friendly and safe community to learn what to expect throughout your academic year. Hear a warm welcome from an Elder and connect with your fellow Faculty of Native Studies classmates, faculty and staff.
Campus Saint-Jean
Campus Saint-Jean Une orientation dans une ambiance estivale entre pair.e.s étudiant.e.s, l'AUFSJ, et tous les clubs du CSJ!
Campus Saint-Jean welcomes you this fall; you will have access to an orientation program introducing you to the student services and resources available at Campus Saint-Jean.
Augustana students
Augustana hosts orientation programming specific for students studying at the Camrose Campus.
Military and Veteran Friendly Campus
The Military and Veteran Friendly Campus team offers an in-person orientation program for currently-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members. This event will introduce the MVFC student space, outline our services, and feature presentations from several other offices.
Orientation programs for students living in residence
No matter where you are in your university journey, residence orientation is designed to introduce you to peers, your new living environment and the tools you need to succeed during the upcoming academic year. There are two streams of residence orientation programming – BaseCamp for first-year students and Ascent for upper-year students – each designed to the participant's level of study and experience as a student.
Residents are automatically enrolled in BaseCamp or Ascent when they confirm their space in residence. Learn more »
Undergraduate faculty-specific orientation programs
Your U of A faculty welcomes you with an orientation program tailored to your academic needs. Bookmark this page to check back for more details.
Graduate faculty-specific orientation programs
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Attend a short orientation session for newly admitted graduate students. FGSR staff are here to help you succeed and thrive as a graduate student. Select the virtual session that best suits your schedule, Thursday, August 17, from 9 - 11 a.m. or Friday, August 18, from 10 a.m. - noon. Space is limited.
At this important session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn strategies to build a strong relationship with your supervisor/advisor
- Gain valuable tips on graduate students’ expectations
- Become familiar with some of the University's support services
- Meet and network with other incoming graduate students
Faculty of Nursing
Attend your Faculty of Nursing mandatory orientation session on Thursday, August 31. Learn about the Faculty of Nursing, your program curriculum and university regulations to set you up for success in your studies. Learn more »
MBA
Get introduced to your MBA program, the various services available to you as a Master's student, and, of course, to prepare you for success with in-person MBA orientation! It's a great opportunity to connect with peers and build your network. Different programming is available for full-time, part-time, and international students. Learn more »
Is your department not listed? Your department may send you an email about their orientation program.
Additional orientation events
Campus Kickoff
Campus Kickoff is a special event to celebrate student life on campus. The jam-packed U of A's Main Quad program includes music and giveaways on September 4. Witness performances that will boost your excitement to be part of the U of A community, such as the U of A Cheer Team and a drum line. Campus Kickoff culminates with the President's Address, where university and community leaders welcome you to campus to kick off a fantastic year to come! Hear from prominent university figures, including the President of the U of A, the President of the U of A Students' Union, and the President of the Alumni Association. Take advantage of one of the year's most significant school spirit events! Wear your best green & gold, bring your friends, and celebrate the start of a promising and exciting school year.
Stop by the Main Quad at 3:30 p.m. to join in the festivities! Make sure to be there by 4:00 p.m. for the President's Address!
Week of Welcome
Week of Welcome (WOW) Village & MainStage is your hub for games, student clubs, services and live performances. Located in Main Quad, the heart of North Campus, you can explore some of what the university has to offer. There truly is something for everyone!
Get to know the various student clubs on campus during Clubs Fair in WOW Village, and access BearsDen to explore student groups events in September.
Week of Welcome takes place in September. Learn more »
Satellite Stage
Connect. Laugh. Thrive. Check out the Satellite Stage during the Week of Welcome to enjoy a BBQ, performers and Indigenous Storytellers, pet therapy, drag bingo and more!
Varsity Events
Be the Roar!
The U of A spirit is alive at athletic events. Cheer on your fellow U of A athletes and soak in the school spirit at these varsity games. All current students get access to a free ticket to each of our conference home games!
Follow varsity teams on Instagram: @bearsandpandas and @uab_varsitylife
Students
Involvement