Incoming University of Guelph students are set to take part in an array of fun-filled opportunities to learn about university life, make new friendships and settle into campus life through Orientation Week (O-Week) 2024. 

 O-Week kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 8, offering fun and informative events for new students arriving for the fall 2024 semester, whether they live on- or off-campus. 

“We’re looking forward to introducing our new students to campus life and setting them up for success as they transition into university,” says Rosanna Beattie, coordinator of orientation programs with the Department of Student Experience.  

“Whether living on- or off-campus, we want all our students to have guidance, resources and community to make them feel welcome, safe and ready to begin the school year.” 

students dressed in red shirts wave their arms and walk on a track
The off-campus student team enters Pep Rally

O-Week events 

Student volunteers work hard to make O-Week a reality. The week-long campus welcome includes more than 250 events run by student clubs and departments.  

Events range in size from small community-building gatherings to the annual Pep Rally, a time-honoured Gryphon tradition in which students gather to show their school spirit in pursuit of the spirit award.  

Events kicking off the fall 2024 semester include: 

  • Monday, Sept. 2 CSA Subs & Clubs, a free lunch event to connect with over 100 student clubs. It’s a great opportunity to learn about different ways to get involved 
  • Tuesday, Sept. 3: Academic Orientations, to enable students to meet faculty, staff and classmates and learn more about their majors 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 4: Mini-Canvas Masterpieces, an event for new off-campus and transfer students to enjoy some low-key painting time with fellow Gryphons. 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 4: A Mythical Evening, a laid-back alternative to the Pep Rally, featuring a variety of activities inspired by our legendary mascot, Gryph. 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 4: Black and Racialized Queer Connect, a crafting event designed for LGBTQ2IA+ Black and racialized students to connect, socialize, and discover available resources 
  • Thursday, Sept. 5: Trivia with Gryphons Nest, a challenging event that sees residence and off-campus students put their pop-culture knowledge to the test! 
  • Thursday, Sept. 5: Games on the Green with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISE), an event to introduce new students to the ISE team and the resources for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. 

Off-campus life 

a team of students in dark purple shirts performs on a turf football field
Students perform at Pep Rally

Off-Campus Shuttle Buses 

To help off-campus students with commuting between campus and home, U of G is offering shuttle buses on Aug. 31, Sept. 1, and Sept 2 to surrounding communities. Buses are free, but students must RSVP for a spot on a first-come-first-serve basis. Buses will leave campus from the University Centre at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., offering stops in: 

  • Kitchener and Waterloo 
  • Milton and Square One 
  • Aldershot and Hamilton 

The full shuttle bus schedule is available on GryphLife. 

Guelph Late Night Charter 

OCUS will provide shuttle service within Guelph on Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 2. Buses will leave campus from the University Centre at 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. and drop students off at the closest intersection to their residence or the closest Guelph transit stop if available. Students do not need to RSVP for these shuttles. 

Off-Campus Kick-Off 

incoming university students sit in rows on the grass and receive information from standing volunteers
Incoming students take part in Orientation Week

The Off-Campus Kick-Off is the official welcome event for students to learn about the off-campus student experience. Students can connect with the off-campus community, enjoy a pizza party and then learn the OCUS Pep Rally boogie.   

All off-campus students have been added to the Off-Campus Gryphons Nest Teams channel, an online community to connect with others in their classes and program. Additionally, the Off-Campus Living team is available to offer information on commuting, renting and navigating life as a student living off-campus.

Student safety 

Creating a safe and welcoming environment is a top priority for all faculty, staff and students at U of G. All students are encouraged to download the SafeGryphon app, which sends campus alerts, offers an interactive map, provides access to student services and residence contact information and allows students to schedule a SafeWalk. 

Alcohol is not permitted at any O-Week events.  

The full schedule is available on GryphLife.ca and the I Am A Gryphon App. 

Related posts:

  1. Orientation Week 2021 to Welcome First- and Second-Year Students 
  2. I am a Gryphon Orientation Week Begins Sept. 5
  3. Orientation Week Helps New Students Feel Like a Gryphon
  4. New U of G Students Welcomed to Campus for Orientation Week 2023