Welcome Week Schedule: Sept. 2-10
Welcome Week is an annual experience for St. Thomas University’s incoming class, designed to help new students gain familiarity with campus and have a positive transition to student life. This first week is comprised of many fun events organized to encourage school/house pride as well as give first-year students the opportunity to connect with peers.
Welcome Week is 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!
Wellness Zone
The Wellness Zone offers peer support, resources, self-care activities, and quieter wellness events for students during Welcome Week. Located in the Student Lounge on the first floor of Sir James Dunn Hall, the Wellness Zone is open throughout Welcome Week in the evenings. Check out the Welcome Week schedule for events taking place in the Wellness Zone!
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
PDF Schedule - Available for Download
Friday September 2
Residence Move-In
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Residences (VAN, HAR, & HCH)
Description: Students meet their Residence Advisors and Residence Coordinators as they move into their new homes for the year. House shirts available for pick-up.
Welcome Kit Pick-Up
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Welcome Centre (JDH)
Description: First-year students can pick up a Welcome Kit containing STUSU swag and other university essentials. These are available at the Welcome Centre until the end of Welcome Week. Student ID required.
Parents & Supporters Reception
Time: 2:30pm-4pm
Location: Great Hall (GMH)
Description: Join Ryan Sullivan, Associate Vice-president of Enrolment Management, at 3pm to learn how to support your student throughout their first year at university. Parents and supporters will have a chance to mingle with members of the student service staff before and after the presentation. Refreshments provided.
Kick-Off
Time: 3pm-4pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: All first-year students will meet to celebrate the start of Welcome Week! Brock Richardson, Director of Student Services and Residence Life, will provide tips on how to navigate your first year at STU.
Supper at Meal Hall
Time: 4:30pm-6pm
Location: Meal Hall (GMH)
Description: Fuel up for the evening activities with a dinner at meal hall. Dinner will be provided for all off-campus students as well. Tickets will be provided.
House Huddle
Time: 7pm-8pm
Location:
Harrington Hall: Edmund Casey Hall classrooms
Vanier Hall: George Martin Hall classrooms
Holy Cross House: Sir James Dunn Hall classrooms
Off-Campus: Ted Daigle Auditorium (ECH)
Description: In small groups, students get to know their Residence Advisor/Off-Campus Welcome Week Leader as well as peers from their House community.
Cheer-Off Practice
Time: 8pm-9pm
Locations:
Harrington Hall: Outdoor Basketball Court
Vanier Hall: Upper Courtyard
Holy Cross House: Holy Cross House Front Lawn
Off-Campus: Ted Daigle Auditorium (ECH)
Rain Location: Students remain in their House Huddle
Description: Residence Advisors and Off-Campus Welcome Week Leaders will prepare their house for Cheer-Off. Students will learn their House’s cheers as well as the traditional STU Cheer.
Cheer-Off
Time: 9pm-10pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: A Welcome Week tradition where students show pride for their residence or off-campus community in hopes of claiming the title of the most spirited group on campus.
Wellness Zone
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: The Wellness Zone is a space where you can catch your breath during Welcome Week or take part in quieter, wellness activities.
Saturday September 3
Shine Day
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Gather in Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Gather on the Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Students 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. Transportation provided.
Pizza Party
Time: 1pm-2pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Dining Area (JDH)
Description: Join us at lunch for some free pizza, proudly presented by Papa John’s! Vegetarian option available.
Paint ‘n’ Pot
Time: 2pm-3pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: JDHG1
Description: Unwind in the courtyard and paint a potted succulent to take home with you!
Theatre Games
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Black Box Theatre (JDH)
Description: Black Box Productions, St. Thomas University’s ‘home for theatre’ invites new students to come to the Black Box Theatre for a few hours of fun theatre games. This is a great way to meet other students, see a new part of the campus and learn more about what kind of theatre happens on campus. No theatre experience necessary!
Campus Tours
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Donald C. Duffie Hall (DDH)
Description: Get to know STU inside-and-out on a tour of campus with a current STUdent!
Off-Campus Group Picture
Time: 7:30pm-8pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Calling all off campus students! Join your off-campus team for a group photo before heading to the STU social together.
STU Social
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Great Hall (GMH)
Description: A fun night of refreshments, prizes, and music in one of the most iconic spaces on campus: the Great Hall. Students are encouraged to wear their best green and gold attire.
STU Bingo & Trivia at the Wellness Zone
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Test your knowledge of campus and win prizes at STU-themed trivia and bingo at the Wellness Zone.
Sunday September 4
Fun in the Courtyards
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Lower Courtyard & Upper Courtyard
Rain Location: TBD
Description: Join us for an afternoon of fun in the courtyards where you can play lawn games, make crafts, participate in the Amazing Race (1pm) and Paint Fight (3pm), or just hang out and snack! Students will also have the opportunity to unwind with dog therapy.
Hypnotist Show
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: See the legendary Hypnotist Cyrus perform live on-campus. Students may volunteer to be hypnotized on stage or enjoy a hilarious one-of-a-kind performance!
Sundae Night at the Wellness Zone
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Come unwind from a busy day with a sundae bar.
Monday September 5
Pancake Brunch
Time: 10:30am-12pm
Location: Meal Hall (GMH)
Description: Fuel up for the day with a free pancake brunch.
Student Life 101
Time: 12pm-3pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: Gain skills to navigate university life and learn about resources available on campus through interactive sessions led by staff on topics such as mental health, harm reduction, and more!
Sex Trivia: Satisfy your Curiosity
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: This event will be an engaging way for students to learn about the fundamentals of consent, sexual health, and pleasure through. Presented by Fredericton’s Campus Sexual Assault Support Advocates and featuring local drag queen Freeda Whales as a guest host/performer. Lot’s of prizes to be won!
Board Games at the Wellness Zone
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Enjoy a relaxed evening of board games at the Wellness Zone.
Tuesday September 6
Academic Orientation
Time: 9:30am-11:30pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: Have all your questions answered regarding programs, majors, dropping and adding courses, paying fees, and other academic issues. Then, hear from professors on how to succeed at university. Please wear your green Welcome Week T-Shirt.
Lunch
Time: 11:45pm-1:15pm
Location: Meal Hall (GMH)
Description: Join us for a BBQ sponsored by the STU Alumni Association and Students’ Union.
Commencement Ceremony
Time: 1:30pm-2:45pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: This ceremony officially welcomes you into the STU community. Each students will receive a T-pin. The “T” is the symbol all St. Thomas students identify with while they are attending STU and long after they graduate. Please wear your green Welcome Week T-Shirt.
Adult Learners & Transfer Students’ Reception
Time: 3:15pm-4pm
Location: Second floor of GMH
Description: Adult learners & transfer students are invited to join us for a reception and chance to connect with faculty, staff, and other peers continuing their education at STU. Refreshments provided.
Coffee House
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Great Hall (GMH)
Description: Enjoy a chill evening with coffee, snacks, and live student performances. This is a chance to show off your special talents! Click here to sign-up to perform.
Sunset Yoga
Time: 7pm-8pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Basketball Court (JBO)
Description: STU has a partnership with a local yoga studio: the Nest. Join one of their amazing instructors for an outdoor, intro-level yoga class. No yoga experience necessary!
Wednesday September 7
Breakfast Club
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Kick off your first week of classes on the right foot by eating breakfast! On-the-go breakfast items will be available for students such as granola bars, juice, fruit, and more.
Resource Fair
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Main Floor (JDH)
Description: This is a chance to get to know all the resources on campus that will help you find success at STU.
Photo Booth + Swag Sale
Time: 2pm-5pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Donald C. Duffie Hall (DDH)
Description: Purchase some STU swag and show it off at the STU photo booth!
STUISA Popsicle Social
Time: 7pm-8pm
Location: Upper Courtyard
Description: Enjoy a free popsicle and get to know the International Students’ Association. International and Canadian students welcome!
Thursday September 8
Breakfast Club
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Kick off your first week of classes on the right foot by eating breakfast! On-the-go breakfast items will be available for students such as granola bars, juice, fruit, and more.
Volunteer Fair
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Learn about how you can get involved at local organizations and charities. Students can also sign up to volunteer for STUCares: Day of Action.
Traditional Basket Making Workshop
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Wabanaki Student Centre Lounge (JDH – top floor)
Description: Create your own ash basket from start to finish.
Welcome Freddy Beach BBQ
Time: 4:30pm-7pm
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Gather on the Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Every year, the City of Fredericton welcomes new students to the city by hosting a BBQ downtown in Barrack’s Square. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the Garrison Night Market. Transportation provided.
Campus Ministry Event
Time: 8pm-9pm
Location: Wabanaki student lounge, Second floor of Sir James Dunn Hall
Description: Come meet or catch up with the Campus Ministry community. Sign up for activities : forest foraging, cooking classes, cookie baking, Faith formation and others. Chill time with prayer and hot apple crisp!
Friday September 9
Breakfast Club
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Kick off your first week of classes on the right foot by eating breakfast! On-the-go breakfast items will be available for students such as granola bars, juice, fruit, and more.
Clubs & Societies Fair
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Students will have the opportunity to learn about all the different clubs and societies on campus and sign up for groups that interest them!
Wabanaki Student Social
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Location: Wabanaki Student Centre
Description: Join us for a indigenous student social, food and refreshments will be provided.
Speed Friending for Queer and Trans Students
Time: 4pm-7pm
Location: Virtual via Teams
Description: Feeling lonely? Want to start the semester off on a high note? Come to this tri-campus speed-friending event for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies, open to UNB, STU, and NBCC students! Come with an open mind to discuss wide-ranging topics of interest, get to know your peers, and network.
Game Show Night
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: Test you skills at minute to win it style games, family feud and more! Participate for the chance to win some great prizes and STU Swag.
Wellness Zone
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: The Wellness Zone is a space where you can catch your breath during Welcome Week or take part in quieter, wellness activities.
Saturday September 10
Downtown Exploration
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Gather on the Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Students will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful City of Fredericton. From checking out local shops, restaurants, art galleries, and markets to strolling along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) or Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge -- there’s lots to see and do! Transportation provided.
Wellness Walk
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Meet in Lower Courtyard
Description: Join your Healthy Campus team to kick off the weekly walking club for a walk on one of the beautiful Fredericton trails.
Courtyard Concert
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Great Hall (GMH)
Description: Celebrate the end of Welcome Week with a live concert in the courtyard featuring local artists “Jamie Comeau & The Crooked Teeth” and “Marian.”
Wellness Zone
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: The Wellness Zone is a space where you can catch your breath during Welcome Week or take part in quieter, wellness activities.