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!
Orientation prepares you for life as a U of A student. The U of A community offers online and in-person orientation experiences.
Step 1: Register for orientation
When you register for orientation, you receive a personalized in-person orientation schedule of all the programs we recommend you attend.
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. 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. 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!
Accessibility and accommodations at the U of A
The U of A offers academic accommodations to eligible students who encounter limitations or restrictions to their ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary level due to medical conditions, including physical and mental conditions, and/or non-medical protected grounds.
Apply for medical accommodations now!
Take advantage of this assistance to apply them to your first term. Verification takes time; if you submit later, your accommodations may not be granted in time. Accessibility supports include adaptive technologies, alternate formats, CART/real-time transcribing, sign language interpretation, and other specialist services.
You can access the Student Equity and Accessibility team for non-medical accommodations at any time. Learn more
What to Expect at Orientation
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.
University- and campus-wide orientation events
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
As a graduate student, the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) is your home faculty at the University of Alberta. From admissions and academic guidance to professional development, awards and funding, GPS is here to guide and support you through your graduate program.
Graduate students are also part of the 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, BBQ 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. Bridges Orientation provides an overview of the services available to support your physical, mental (academic), emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing.
Faculty of Native Studies Orientation
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 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
Augustana hosts orientation programming specific for students studying at the Camrose Campus.
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 and graduate 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.
Faculty Orientations
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.
Orientation Events
Family Orientation
Family Orientation is a program offered by the University of Alberta Students’ Union as part of New Student Orientation that focuses on transitioning new undergraduate students and their parents/guardians to the U of A community. This program includes service providers across campus, offering sessions about academics, finances, and student life to give students and families tips and tricks to support one another throughout the transition to university.
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! WOW Village takes place in September.
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!
Read about campus life on the YouAlberta blog
Start reading the YouAlberta blog, by students for students, to get a slice of what you can expect as a U of A student. The YouAlberta student bloggers know what it's like to balance study, work and play at the U of A.
Their stories represent everything from the every day to the extraordinary experiences of U of A students. Topics include mental health, study tips, relationships and all things academic.
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