Welcome Week Schedule: Sept. 2-11

Photo of students welcoming first-year students

Welcome Week is an annual experience for St. Thomas University’s incoming class designed to help new students make friends, gain familiarity with campus and Fredericton, and have a positive transition to student life. This first week is comprised of many fun events organized to encourage school and residence/off-campus pride, giving you the opportunity to connect with peers and get to know the services available to you. We’re excited to announce that this year’s events will be taking place both in-person and virtually! 

Both FIRST and SECOND year STUdents are encouraged to participate.

Our Welcome Week will be a dry week, which means there is an alcohol and cannabis ban that applies to all students, regardless of their age or year of study. The St. Thomas University community has a zero-tolerance hazing policy that allows students to enjoy a positive and safe environment during Welcome Week.

Come join us for a fun-filled Welcome Week. We cannot wait to welcome you to St. Thomas University!

  

Virtual Event Schedule

PDF version: coming soon!

 

Friday, September 3 (7pm-8:30pm)

Virtual Community Meeting

Link: https://zoom.us/j/97359630069?pwd=WGtaRFdTYWI4ZXZEczVaUVhVMmgrQT09

Meeting ID: 973 5963 0069 

Password: Welcome

Saturday, September 4 (12pm-1:30pm)

Virtual Tour of Fredericton

Link: https://zoom.us/j/99005646894?pwd=NGFWdEVSL3IxUStBbzVEQVY3TGl0QT09

Meeting ID: 990 0564 6894 

Password: Fredericto 

Sunday, September 5 (6pm-7:30pm)

Virtual Game Night

Link: https://zoom.us/j/96478771229?pwd=dVZvUjJXTEZmcE9jU3JjUTN4eU5HQT09
Meeting ID: 964 7877 1229 

Password: Games 

Monday, September 6 (7pm-9pm)

Get the “Scoop” - Sexual Violence Prevention with CSASA

Link: https://zoom.us/j/91217743683?pwd=cW01bzdmNDd1c1FMeldDQ2VIZC91QT09

Meeting ID: 912 1774 3683

Password: sex

Tuesday, September 7 (7pm-9pm)

Frost the Rainbow - Positive Safe Spaces training with Cassidy Wilson

Link: https://zoom.us/j/92830918353?pwd=WVEyeVF4RG9RNGxBNU9OQWl6NVQ4UT09

Meeting ID: 928 3091 8353

Password: rainbow

Other online opportunities:

 

In-Person Event Schedule

PDF version: coming soon!

Thursday, September 2

Move-In Day

Time: 10am-4pm (by appointment)

Location: Holy Cross House & Harrington Hall

Students will have the opportunity to meet their Residence Advisors, Residence Coordinators, and Welcome Week volunteers as they move into their new homes for the year. Lawn games will also be happening in the courtyard for students to enjoy!

 

Parents & Supporters Reception Area

Time: 11am-2pm (drop-in)

Location: Great Hall

Parents/supporters will have the opportunity to chat with staff members as students move into residence.

 

Community Meeting #1

Time: 6pm-7pm (Harrington Hall + Holy Cross House)

Location: determined by your Residence Advisor/Coordinator

In small groups, students will have the opportunity to get to know their Residence Advisor while enjoying a fun night packed with games and activities with their peers.

 

Movie Night

Time: 9:30pm-12am (Move-In Day #1 group)

Location: meet in Sir James Dunn Hall (see transportation schedule below)

Students will see Jurassic Park (1993) on the big screen at Cineplex Fredericton. The cost of admission is covered by Welcome Week and students will have the opportunity to purchase their own popcorn, candy, and more at the concession stand. Bus transportation will be provided both ways.

 

Transportation schedule:

  • Harrington Hall first-years: 8:30pm + 8:45pm
  • Harrington Hall second-years: 9pm
  • Holy Cross House: 9:15pm

Friday, September 3

Move-In Day

Time: 10am-4pm (by appointment)

Location: Vanier @ Rigby Hall (Forest Hill Residence)

Students will have the opportunity to meet their Residence Advisors, Residence Coordinators, and Welcome Week volunteers as they move into their new home for the year. Lawn games will also be happening in the courtyard for students to enjoy!

 

Parents & Supporters Reception Area

Time: 11am-2pm (drop-in)

Location: Rigby Hall (Forest Hill Residence) foyer

Parents/supporters will have the opportunity to chat with staff members as students move into residence.

 

Kick-Off

Time: 4pm-5pm

Location: lower courtyard

Students will receive a welcoming address from STU and STUSU representatives and learn more about the exciting week ahead. This event marks the official inauguration of Welcome Week!

 

Community Meeting

Time: 7pm-8pm (Harrington Hall + Holy Cross House + Vanier Hall + Off-Campus)

Location: determined by your Residence Advisor/Coordinator (Off-Campus will meet in Sir James Dunn Hall Student Lounge)

In small groups, students will have the opportunity to get to know their Residence Advisor/Coordinator or Off-Campus Leader while enjoying a fun night packed with games and activities with their peers.

 

Cheer-Off Prep

Time: 8pm-9pm

Location:

  • Harrington Hall: outdoor basketball court
  • Vanier Hall: upper courtyard
  • Holy Cross House: Holy Cross House front lawn
  • Off-Campus: Sir James Dunn Hall Student Lounge

In small groups, students will join Residence Advisors/Off-Campus Leaders and Welcome Week volunteers to prepare for Cheer-Off.

 

Cheer-Off

Time: 9pm-10:30pm

Location: lower courtyard

Cheer-Off, a Welcome Week classic, is an opportunity for students to show their newly adopted pride for their residence or off-campus community in hopes of claiming the title of the proudest, and most spirited group on campus.

 

Pizza Party

Time: 10:30pm-11pm

Location: lower courtyard

Listen to tunes while enjoying a slice of delicious pizza and a beverage from our proud sponsors, Papa John’s and Pepsi.

 

Saturday, September 4

Downtown Exploration

Time: 10:30am-4pm

Location: meet in lower courtyard

Students will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Fredericton which they now get to call home. From checking out local shops, restaurants, and art galleries to strolling along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) -- there’s lots to see and do!

 

  • “Check out our local Farmer’s Market”: Volunteers will be walking students to the market at 10:30am, 11am, and 11:30am. Volunteers will be walking students back to campus at 11:30am and 12pm.
  • “Shop at Regent Mall”: Volunteers will be taking students to the mall at 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Volunteers will be taking students back to campus at 2:30pm and 3:30pm.
  • “Play boardgames at Unplugged”: Volunteers will be walking students to Unplugged at 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Volunteers will be walking students back to campus at 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Cost of admission to Unplugged is covered by STU Welcome Week.
  • “Explore on your own”: Volunteers will walking students downtown at 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Volunteers will be walking students back to campus at 2:30pm and 3:30pm.

STU Vegas

Time: 7pm-10pm (prize auction starting at 9:30pm)

Location: Brian Mulroney Hall

Enjoy some mocktails and casino/board games with your peers. At the end of the night, you will have the opportunity to use your winnings to bet on awesome prizes. Students are encouraged to dress to impress!

 

Sunday, September 5

Fun in the Courtyards

Time: 12pm-4pm

Location: lower + upper courtyard

Join us for an afternoon packed with fun and entertainment. Get ready for laser tag, paint fight, a campus scavenger hunt, and more!

 

Hypnotist Show

Time: 8pm-9:30pm

Location: meet in Sir James Dunn Hall (transportation starting 7pm)

Students are invited to see the legendary Hypnotist Cyrus perform at the Fredericton Playhouse. The cost of admission is covered by Welcome Week. The Fredericton Playhouse is a cultural staple in the downtown community, which hosts hundreds of amazing musical and theatrical performances all year long! Remember to bring your ID and proof of full vaccination. Bus transportation will be provided both ways.

 

Monday, September 6

Student Life 101

Time: 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm

Location:MMH rooms 203 & MMH 308

Students will participate in sessions led by staff members and community organizations. Students will learn about the various resources available both on campus and in the Fredericton community. Topics to be covered include sexual health, physical health, mental health, and harm reduction.

 

Get the “Scoop” on Sexual Violence Prevention

Time: 7pm-9pm

Location: assigned Community rooms (Off-Campus will meet in Sir James Dunn Hall student lounge)

Get the “scoop” on sexual violence prevention with our Campus Sexual Assault Support Advocates (CSASA). Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions and enjoy a delicious ice cream!

 

Tuesday, September 7

GROUP A 
Group A includes first year students with last names starting with A to L

 

Commencement Ceremony (Group A)
Kinsella Auditorium @ 9:30 AM

This ceremony officially welcomes you into the STU community. Each student receives a T-Pin — the “T” is the symbol all St. Thomas students identify with while they  are attending STU and long after they graduate.

 

Academics 101 & Tips for Achieving Academic Success (Group A)
Kinsella Auditorium @ 10:30 AM

Learn how to answer your questions about academic  programs, majors, dropping and adding courses, paying fees, academic issues, and advice on how to succeed at university.

 

BBQ Lunch (Group A)
GMH Cafeteria @ 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for a BBQ lunch sponsored by the STU Alumni Association and the Students’ Union Office.


GROUP B
Group B includes first year students with last names starting with M to Z

 

BBQ Lunch (Group B)
GMH Cafeteria @ 12:15 – 1:15 PM

Join us for a BBQ lunch sponsored by the STU Alumni Association and the Students’ Union Office.

 

Commencement Ceremony (Group B)
Kinsella Auditorium @ 1:30 PM

This ceremony officially welcomes you into the STU community. Each student receives a T-Pin — the “T” is the symbol all St. Thomas students identify with while they  are attending STU and long after they graduate.

 

Academics 101 & Tips for Achieving Academic Success (Group B)
Kinsella Auditorium @ 2:30 PM

Learn how to answer your questions about academic  programs, majors, dropping and adding courses,  paying fees, academic issues, and advice on how to succeed at university.

 

Mature Learner & Transfer Student Reception

Time: 4pm-5pm

Location: Brian Mulroney Hall – Rotunda

Mature learners and transfer students are invited to join us for a reception and chance to connect with faculty and staff.

 

Frost the Rainbow: Positive Safe Spaces with Cassidy Wilson

Time: 7pm-9pm

Location: assigned Community rooms (Off-Campus will meet in the Sir James Dunn Hall Student Lounge)

Cassidy Wilson, LGBTQIA2S+  Wellness Coordinator, will go over the resources available at on campus to support students while also discussing the importance of creating a safe space on campus for everyone. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and enjoy a delicious rainbow cupcake!

 

Wednesday, September 8

Celebration of Culture

Time: 3pm-4:30pm

Location: lower courtyard

Our entire campus community is invited to the Wabanaki Centre in the lower courtyard to learn more about Indigenous culture. Students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to take part in traditional social dances.

 

feSTUval Day #1

Time: 5pm-8pm

Location: Sir James Dunn Hall + lower courtyard

Celebrate the first day of classes with a free yoga class, bingo, STU trivia, and lawn games!

 

Thursday, September 9

feSTUval Day #2

Time: Sir James Dunn Hall + lower courtyard

Location: 1pm-4pm

Learn more about campus resources and initiatives at our STU Services Fair or paint ‘n’ pot a succulent plant in support of our Shinerama campaign!

 

Welcome Freddy Beach BBQ

Time: 5pm-7pm

Location: meet in lower courtyard

The City of Fredericton Welcomes you to the community! Join your fellow classmates for a delicious BBQ and live music at Officers’ Square

 

Friday, September 10

Powwow

Time: 2:30pm-5pm

Location: lower courtyard

Our entire campus community is invited to attend the Powwow organized by the Wabanaki Centre.

 

feSTUval Day #3

Time: 5pm-7pm

Location: upper courtyard

Celebrate the end of a successful first week of classes with a free yoga class, music, and inflatables!

 

Saturday September 11

Shine Day

Time: 9am-4pm

Location: meet in Sir James Dunn Hall

Hit the streets of Fredericton to flip burgers, wash cars, and more to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Canada through St. Thomas University’s annual Shinerama campaign. Students of any year are welcome to participate. Lunch provided.

 

Time to Shine Talent Show

Time: 7pm-9pm

Location: lower courtyard

Share a talent for the chance to win an awesome prize! Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to perform or watch the show. Admission is by donation and there will also be the opportunity to purchase snacks and beverages. All proceeds will be going to our Shinerama campaign. To register to perform your talent, click here: https://forms.office.com/r/mpYHraX3vT.

 

Other Important Welcome Week Information

Vaccination Clinics during Welcome Week

During Welcome Week, students can access COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Campus Pharmacy (29 Dineen Drive, UNB Bookstore) on Tues. Sept. 7, Thurs. Sept. 9, and Friday, Sept. 10 from 10 am to 5 pm. To book an appointment see here. To access a vaccine before you come to campus, see the Vitalité or Horizon Health Clinics or a local pharmacy. Students outside New Brunswick are encouraged to seek information on vaccination in their province of residence.

 

Campus Tours during Welcome Week

New to campus? Book a campus tour! Our Campus Tour Ambassadors are happy to show you your classrooms, available students services, the best study spots, and more! Tours of campus will be offered from 10am-5pm on September 4, 5, and 6.

 

Welcome Week Kits & T-Shirts

All first-year students just out of high school will receive a Welcome Week Kit containing STU swag and other university essentials. 

 

Welcome Week Kits are now available at the Welcome Centre in James Dunn Hall, until the end of Welcome Week.

 

Make sure to bring your student ID! For students studying remotely and joining us on campus after Welcome Week, a kit will be reserved by the STUSU for pick-up at a later date.

 

Other events you should know about

 

Wellness Zone

September 3-6 (open 10am-10pm)

Location: Sir James Dunn Hall 3rd floor lounge (in between the Wabanaki Centre & STU Mental Health)

Our Wellness Zone is a great place to go if you are feeling overwhelmed during Welcome Week or if you are looking for a quiet place to unwind. Come borrow one of our yoga mats, puzzles, or activities!

 

Support our Tommies

September 11

  • Women’s Soccer vs DAL AC Rams 2pm
  • Men’s Soccer vs DAL AC Rams 4:15pm

September 12

  • Women’s Soccer vs Holland Hurricanes 12pm
  • Men’s Soccer vs Holland Hurricanes 2:15pm

 

All games are at the Grant-Harvey Turf Field (formerly known as Scotiabank Park South).

 

STUCares: Volunteer Fair

September 13 (12pm-2pm)

Come learn about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved with our community! Representatives of local organizations will set up booths answering any questions students may have regarding volunteering, while also promoting their causes. Students will also have the chance to sign up for future volunteering opportunities, and STU Cares Day of Action.

For more information, click HERE.

 

STUCares: Day of Action

September 18

STU Cares will be a combination of virtual and in-person events this year. Both are concurrent and are excellent ways to meet new friends; engage with a community organization in Fredericton; make a difference; and explore current/future volunteer and career opportunities.

See STU.ca/STUcares for more information.

 

Follow Welcome Week on Social Media

Show us your Welcome Week experience by tagging us & using the hashtag #stuwelcomeweek

Follow us on Instagram: @stuwelcomeweek

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stuwelcomeweek2021