Orientation Week – or “O-Week” as we call it at U of G – is coming up soon and it’s a great way for everyone on campus to celebrate the start of the academic year.

Orientation Week runs Sept. 1 to Sept. 9. While the week is geared to first-year students, there are a number of events that community members are welcome to join!

  • Move-In Day – Sept. 1 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
    Watch the intranet later this month for more information on places you should avoid during this hectic Saturday (unless you’re moving in!). Interested in helping out? Volunteers are needed! Sign up on GryphLife or email Rosanna Beattie (rbeattie@uoguelph.ca) for more information.
  • Move-In Night March to Johnston Green – Sept. 1 (8:40 p.m. – 9:20 p.m.)
    As new students march to Johnston Green, their route will be lined with U of G community members, decked out in U of G swag, welcoming them to campus with signs and cheers! Sign up to take part in this exciting new event.
  • GryphFest – Sept. 2 (5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
    Johnston Green will be transformed into a carnival and music festival! Local bands, carnival games, bouncy castles and food trucks create a fun-filled second night on campus.
  • Pep Rally – Sept. 5 (7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
    New students and Orientation Volunteers take to Alumni Stadium to dance the night away and show off their U of G spirit! This time-honoured tradition includes toy winding, cheering and a whole lot of Gryphon enthusiasm. Be part of the excitement!

Strong O-Week programming is a major contributor to student success and creating a smooth transition to university. All programming meets one of five Orientation Week objectives: community establishment, academic transition, health and well-being, inclusive campus and way finding.

Watch for more details in the weeks ahead about the full listing of events! Questions? Email the Orientation Team at orientation@uoguelph.ca.

O-Week By the Numbers

  • 5 O-Week objectives: community establishment, academic transition, health and well-being, inclusive campus, and way finding
  • 9 days of activities, events and programming to help new students transition to life as a Gryphon
  • 300 unique activities to help new students find their place at U of G
  • 1,000 volunteers helping with everything from hauling suitcases to directing lost first-years to teaching our newest Gryphons how to boogie
  • 5,000 new students coming to campus and ready for the next step in their lives
  • 20,000+ total hours volunteered