U of A Orientation Programs

New Students: Share Your Feedback on Orientation

We want to hear your opinions on your orientation experience. Your feedback assists us with improving orientation to fit new students’ needs. Take the survey and opt-in for a chance to win one of three $150 gift cards for the U of A Bookstore.

Take the survey

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA AND YOUR NEW COMMUNITY!

Orientation prepares you for life as a U of A student. The U of A community offers online and in-person orientation experiences.


Step 1: Register for orientation

When you register for orientation, you receive a personalized in-person orientation schedule of all the programs we recommend you attend.

Orientation registration opens mid-April 2024.

Step 2: Start online orientation

Start learning about your U of A community with online orientation. Each module introduces you to a different aspect of studying at the U of A. Use your CCID to access.

When you applied to the U of A, you were assigned a CCID to access campus resources such as Bear Tracks, eClass, email and apps. With your CCID, you can start working through your virtual orientation programs on eClass.

What's eClass?
eClass is the U of A's learning management system and your key resource for accessing online courses. It's where you'll go for course materials and interactive learning activities to connect with instructors and classmates and do orientation! Learn eClass basics.
Are you a returning student?
You can restart the module if you are familiar with eClass but forgot how to navigate it. Navigate to the bottom of the screen and click “Reset user tour on this page.”

Step 3: Download the MyUAlberta app

MyUAlberta is the official mobile application for the University of Alberta. The app is a great way to connect with the U of A community, and it offers quick access to orientation information, online orientation modules and events.

Make sure to allow notifications so you don’t miss anything important.

MyUAlberta app

Step 4: Attend in-person orientation events

Get the complete orientation experience; attend in-person events to connect with campus resources and new friends!

Accessibility and orientation

If you have accessibility or inclusion needs that may impact your ability to participate in orientation activities, please complete the Orientation Accessibility & Inclusion Supports for Students form to help us best assess your situation and facilitate your participation. PLEASE NOTE: This form addresses your orientation needs only and is not the application form for accommodations for your academic studies.

Orientation Events

The U of A offers a variety of orientation programs to meet your unique needs. Attend a combination of orientation activities to make up your orientation experience based on who you are and what you are studying.

University- and campus-wide orientation events

Students in a walking tour on campus

Undergraduate Students

New Student Orientation is your welcome to the U of A! Ease the transition to student life by attending presentations, panels, and campus tours. Connect with student clubs and groups at Week of Welcome’s clubs fair and check out other University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) welcome events.

Triffo Hall

Graduate Students

Graduate students connect with your Graduate Students’ Association. You automatically become a member of the GSA with the right to vote in elections, serve on committees and access GSA benefits. The GSA introduces you to the association and campus services in their online orientation module and in-person events.

University mascots GUBA and Patches with athletics fans

International Students

International Student & Visitor Services (ISVS) provides programs, services, and events for U of A international students. They are ready to help you throughout your U of A journey and can’t wait to connect with you at their welcome events. Start your U of A experience with the International Student Orientation self-paced online course; it covers everything to prepare you for life in Canada. International students enjoy in-person events such as InfoMart, Bear Necessities, and Campus Check-in.

Jerry Whitehead painting on First Peoples' House

Bridges

First Peoples’ House welcomes First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students to the U of A through an orientation program designed to give you the tools to be a successful learner. Bridges Orientation provides an overview of the services available to support your physical, mental (academic), emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing.

Building on Campus Saint-Jean

Campus Saint-Jean

Campus Saint-Jean welcomes you this fall; you will have access to an orientation program introducing you to the student services and resources available at Campus Saint-Jean.

Building on Augustana campus in Camrose

Augustana

Augustana hosts orientation programming specific for students studying at the Camrose Campus.

Orientation events for students living in residence

No matter where you are in your university journey; residence orientation is designed to introduce you to peers, your new living environment and the tools you need to succeed during the upcoming academic year. There are two streams of residence orientation programming – BaseCamp for first-year students and Ascent for upper-year students – each designed to the participant's level of study and experience as a student.

Residents are automatically enrolled in BaseCamp or Ascent when they confirm their space in residence.

Undergraduate faculty-specific orientation events

Your U of A faculty welcomes you with an orientation program tailored to your academic needs. Bookmark this page to check back for more details.

Additional orientation events

Family Orientation

Family Orientation is a program offered by the University of Alberta Students’ Union as part of New Student Orientation that focuses on transitioning new undergraduate students and their parents/guardians to the U of A community. This program includes service providers across campus, offering sessions about academics, finances, and student life to give students and families tips and tricks to support one another throughout the transition to university. Learn more »

Week of Welcome

Week of Welcome (WOW) Village & MainStage is your hub for games, student clubs, services and live performances. Located in Main Quad, the heart of North Campus, you can explore some of what the university has to offer. There truly is something for everyone! WOW Village takes place in September. Learn more »

Connect. Laugh. Thrive.

Check out the Satellite Stage during the Week of Welcome to enjoy a BBQ, performers and Indigenous Storytellers, pet therapy, drag bingo and more!


Varsity Events

Crowd of fans cheering on the Golden Bears hockey team.

Be the Roar!

The U of A spirit is alive at athletic events. Cheer on your fellow U of A athletes and soak in the school spirit at these varsity games. All current students get access to a free ticket to each of our conference home games!

Follow varsity teams on Instagram: @bearsandpandas and @uab_varsitylife


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Students

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Involvement

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