Where do I register?
Click on this link to head over to our registration page!
How much does Orientation cost?
Orientation 2021 is FREE! Simply register at the link above to participate in our various events and receive a complimentary virtual and in-person Orientation Kit.
How has COVID-19 affected Orientation 2021?
While it was a difficult decision, in consideration of the health and safety of our team and incoming students, orientation programming will be held virtually. Traditional (New Roots) Orientation Week is now Orientation Weeks, with online events taking place from Monday, August 30 until Friday, September 10. We will be recording and posting our sessions to account for time-zone differences and students not attending school in Toronto. In order for our programming to be as accessible as possible for incoming students, ALL orientation programming this year (New Roots, New Journeys and IGNITE) will be free of charge.
There will also be select in-person sessions on the second week with limited capacity to allow students the opportunity to meet the community. All public health and University guidance has been taken into consideration during our entire planning process and will be followed to ensure the safety of all our incoming students and Orientation staff.
Regardless of program format, we are excited and confident that our orientation programming will involve, inform, and inspire you, our NewCs. We are looking forward to embarking on this journey with you and are honoured to welcome you this fall.
Do I have to attend all the events?
While we can’t mandate you to come to all the events, we encourage you to come out to as many of the events as possible. Check out the schedule and event descriptions to find out about all the amazing events that we have planned for you! We’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
What if I am in a different timezone?
Though our schedule is based on the EST timezone, we have done our best to accommodate all timezones by primarily offering events in the morning and evening. Moreover, all our programs will be recorded and posted on our YouTube Channel for you to engage and watch at a time more suitable for you. Additionally, we will have assigned Peer Leaders and Executives hosting socials and providing opportunities to connect with other incoming students during alternate timezones, so regardless of where you are, you won’t be missing out on anything!
What is the Orientation (New Roots) theme in 2021?
This year, our theme for New College Orientation is Generation New: Level 2021. The Orientation team was inspired by video games to better embrace our virtual environment. In addition, it also represents the incoming class and New College community through this common identity of Generation New. The second part, Level 2021, represents this new stage, or “level” that you and your fellow incoming students will be entering. Like actual players in a video-game stage, you will have various challenges or tasks to overcome and Orientation can help provide you with all the tools and resources that you will need to LEVEL UP!
What is the difference between New Roots, New Journeys, and IGNITE?
These are the three different types of Orientation programs that New College hosts for incoming students each September. New Roots is the largest and most popular offering, also known as Traditional Orientation. Its programming is geared towards the broader New College audience and consists of a variety of social, academic, and foundational events. New Journeys, known as International Orientation, is directed towards international students at New College. Much of its programming introduces participants to Canada and walks through many fundamental resources at U of T that an international student should take note of. IGNITE is known as Academic Orientation and will be interwoven as academic session offerings throughout New Roots and after the school year begins.
What is SPROUT Mentorship?
Prior to Orientation, you may have noticed that you have been receiving “My New Roots” newsletters in your email. These are biweekly summer updates on New College programming, including Orientation, and include letters from your assigned an Head Peer Leader (HPL) and Peer Leader (PL). Your HPL/PLs are assigned upper-year students specifically for you to reach out to and ask any questions, whether it’s about university life, academics, New College, or more! They are here to welcome you and assist you along this new journey called post-secondary.
During Orientation, you will meet your HPL/PLs and other fellow NewCs (incoming students) in various group activities!
After Orientation, your HPL/PLs will still be there throughout the school year to give advice and help you along the way should you need it. All incoming students are automatically enrolled in the SPROUT E-Mentorship program.