U of A Orientation Programs
Welcome to the University of Alberta and your new community!
Orientation prepares you for life as a U of A student. The U of A community offers virtual and in-person Orientation experiences, from August 22 - 31, 2022.
Step 1: Register for Orientation
When you register, you receive a personalized orientation schedule of all the programs we recommend you attend.
Step 2: Start Virtual Orientation on eClass: Use Your CCID to Access
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. You can start working through your virtual orientation programs on eClass.
What’s eClass? eClass is the University of Alberta's learning management system and your key resource for accessing online courses. It's where you'll go to class to connect with instructors and classmates and do orientation! Learn eClass basics.
Are you a returning student? If you are familiar with eClass but forgot how to navigate it, you can restart the tour. Navigate to the bottom of the screen and click “Reset user tour on this page.”
Step 3: Start Using Your UAlberta Email
The U of A sends the latest updates, information and advice to help you prepare for your university experience. We recommend checking your new UAlberta email address every few days not to miss anything important.
Step 4: Attend In-Person Orientation Events
Get the complete orientation experience; attend in-person events to connect with campus resources and new friends!
What to Expect at Orientation?
The U of A offers a variety of orientation programs. Check out the programs based on who you are and what you are studying below.
New Undergraduate Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is your welcome to the UofA! Ease the transition to student life by attending presentations, panels, and campus tours.
Graduate Students Orientation
Take the Graduate Student Orientation eClass to learn about the GSA and other important services; attend the GSA Orientation Information Fair.
International Students Orientation
Get ready for your first year with this self-paced online course that covers important topics to help you prepare for life in Canada.
Bridges Orientation
Bridges Orientation is for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students who are new to campus or the University of Alberta.
Campus Saint-Jean
CSJ's La Centrale CSJ 2022 and Orientation videos introduce you to student services and resources available to you on Campus.
Augustana Campus
Augustana's student orientation program provides information that is critical to your orientation and experience as a first-year student.
Military & Veteran Orientation
The Military & Veteran Friendly Campus team offers a self-paced eClass and an Open House/Information Session orientation program for Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans.
Students Living in Residence
Basecamp: First-Year Residents
BaseCamp is a residence-based orientation program specifically designed for first-year students to help ease the transition into residence and university life. Residents will have the opportunity to get to know other students in the residence community, familiarize themselves with residence and campus, and be introduced to academic strategies and resources before their classes begin.
Residents are automatically enrolled in BaseCamp when they confirm their space in residence.
LEARN MOREAscent for Upper-Year Residents
Ascent is the Residence Services upper-year student orientation program specifically designed for students in their second year or more. Ascent enables residents to become comfortable in their new living environment, develop peer connections and become better oriented to the Edmonton community and UAlberta campus upon move-in. Ascent allows residents to explore and develop a sense of citizenship within the Edmonton community and establish a strong support system in residence before fall term classes start.
Residents are automatically enrolled in Ascent when they confirm their space in residence.
LEARN MOREFaculty Orientations
Your faculty will reach out to you through your UAlberta email regarding faculty-specific orientation programming. For any questions, email:
Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Science: questions.ales@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Arts: arts.recruiting@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Business: ugradbus@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Education: edevents@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Engineering: engglife@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation: ksr.info@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Native Studies: nsadvisor@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Nursing: nursing.studentadvisor@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Science: science.recruiting@ualberta.ca
Professional Programs
New students in professional programs receive information about orientation events directly from their faculty unless otherwise noted. For any questions, email:
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: oawadmin@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine: frminfo@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Law: law.studentlife@ualberta.ca
School of Public Health: sph.programs@ualberta.ca
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: phstud@ualberta.ca
Orientation Events
WOW Village
The WOW Village & MainStage is your hub for games, student clubs, services and live performances. Located in Main Quad, the heart of North Campus, you will be able to explore some of what the university has to offer. There truly is something for everyone! WOW Village takes place from August 31 - September 2.
LEARN MOREU of A Coalition for Action on High Risk Drinking Alcohol-Free Event
Visit the Satellite Stage for a comfortable and inclusive space to participate in activities, connect with students, and chill out during the first week of school without the presence or pressures associated with alcohol.
LEARN MOREStudents