Creating unbreakable bonds and memories that never fade. This is the Trent experience that nearly 3,500 new students, one of the largest groups of incoming students in the University’s history, will discover for themselves during Orientation Week 2017. 

Starting Sunday, September 3 with Move-In Day and running through Saturday, September 9, Orientation Week will offer Trent’s newest class the opportunity to take part in a series of events and activities designed to welcome them to the Trent and Peterborough community. 

“We’re very excited to welcome so many new students to Trent,” said Nona Robinson, associate vice-president, students at Trent University. “Our focus with Orientation Week is to provide a diverse mix of programming to meet the diverse needs and interests of students. Orientation is a great way to grow connections to the campus, meet new people, learn about academic and student supports, get excited about your studies, and build your confidence to make the most of your Trent experience.”

From Tipi Talks, a session that helps new students understand and learn more about Indigenous spaces on campus and their significance, to historic Trent events like the Great Race and cheering on the Excalibur at the annual varsity game, Orientation Week offers first-year students an opportunity to make important connections with the University and its services, meet faculty and staff from their department of study, prepare for classes with academic workshops and seminars, and enhance their University experience through fun and interactive activities.

Helping to make Orientation Week an outstanding experience for new students, over 200 senior students, faculty, and staff dedicate their time to coordinate and run the various dynamic events.

Highlights of campus-wide orientation events offering engaging photo opportunities for media include:

Move-In Day

Sunday, September 3, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Orientation Week staff from all colleges and staff from housing services at Trent will be on hand to welcome and assist 1,649 new students and their families with registration and their move into residence.

Draw the Line: Sexual Assault Prevention

Monday, September 4, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wenjack Theatre

At Trent, the safety of all students is a key aspect of all programming. Every incoming student is required to take part in this sexual assault prevention session led by Trent Wellness and the Office of Student Affairs and is part of a new Ontario initiative called Draw the Line. This session sets expectations for student conduct and reinforces what steps the University takes when approaching issues of sexual assault prevention.

Orientation Squads

All Week

Starting day one, new students will begin to meet with their Orientation Squads – groups of between 30 to 40 on-campus and off-campus students. Together, groups will participate in academic preparedness sessions facilitated by Academic Skills Advisors, along with a number of other sessions which are either academic in nature or focused on community building. The strong bonds new students form with their peers in their squads, along with the trust they build with the upper-year leaders, will provide students with a strong foundation to support them throughout their first year.

Tipi Talks

Monday, September 4 to Wednesday, September 6, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Gzowski College

Tipi Talks is an initiative created to provide opportunities for Trent students to learn about the Indigenous spaces on campus, most notably the Tipi and Traditional Area, the Ernest and Florence Benedict Gathering Space, and the Nozhem Theatre.

Excalibur Varsity Soccer Game & BBQ

Wednesday, September 6, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Justin Chiu Stadium

The Trent Excalibur men’s soccer team will take on the RMC Paladins in this year’s Orientation Week varsity game. The bleachers will be filled with spirited Trent students ready to #bleedgreen and cheer on the Excalibur.

Flavours of Peterborough Food Festival

Thursday, September 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., LEC South Field

Students will kick off the first day of classes by enjoying great food from some of Peterborough’s finest food providers. The Flavours of Peterborough Food Festival is a fun event filled with music, games, activities and will feature some of the most popular food dishes in Peterborough and local vendors from the town’s Farmers’ Market.

Improv: Citiots

Tuesday September 5, 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Wenjack Theatre

Peterborough’s very own improv team performs for all new students. Students can just watch or join in on the fun!

The Great Race & Closing Ceremony

Friday, September 8, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Justin Chiu Stadium

The Great Race, a time-honoured tradition at Trent, is run by the TCSA, and starts off with the annual cheering competition. Each college is assigned the task of creating a new cheer for their college and Trent University. This giant relay race, which takes place at Justin Chiu Stadium, always brings out the college spirit in everyone. The race ends with a song by Unity, along with guest speakers who will congratulate the students on a successful Orientation Week, and prepare students for the start of the school year.