For the first time since the pandemic hit, the UNB Student Representative Council is welcoming students back to campus with Orientation Week, many events, and plenty of smiles.
Tuesday started early with a campus welcome in the Athletic Center by UNBSJ’s Vice President, Petra Hauf; afterwards, students were split up and guided to their individual faculty to meet fellow students and make friends in their program.
After the campus welcome, students were invited to attend a discussion panel hosted by students for students to get tips on “things I wish I knew as a first-year,” such as the best study places and how they can get involved on campus.
At lunchtime in the quad, student services hosted a free BBQ along with the SRC clubs and societies expo. Students were able to discover what clubs and societies are offered on campus and sign up for the dozens of clubs UNBSJ offers at the expo.
There were representatives from each campus club and some local New Brunswick organizations for students to talk to.
SRC VP of Finance and Operations, Dominic Rocca noted that “the expo was something that I experienced during my O-week back in 2019. I felt as though (the club expo) was important to implement, as clubs are the lifeblood of any sort of campus culture and building friendships, and exposing these students who will be on campus for the next 4 years was priority number one, as they will be able to carry on this vision long after I have left UNB”.
To end the day, the Whitebone Pizzeria hosted a tropical beach party with music, board games, and lots of pizza. The Hans Klohn Commons was also open and provided snacks and an opportunity to ask questions to department representatives for families and guardians of new students.
The clubs and society expo continued today in the quad from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Which will be followed by a watercolour war in the parking lot. Don’t forget to wear your orientation shirt because each department has its own colour.
After working up an appetite in an all-out colour war, students can come to the Baird Dining Hall for free tacos provided by the SRC. After supper, the Whitebone Pizzeria is hosting a Consent and Sexual Wellness Trivia night hosted by drag queen Goldie Cox.
Thursday afternoon, students can sign up to spend some time at Lily Lake enjoying the kayaks, canoes and water bikes they provide, then students can head over to Breakout Saint John and practice team working skills while trying some escape rooms.
More prizes will be offered at the Whitebone Pizzeria on Thursday night at a glow-in-the-dark bingo game at 7:30 p.m. where students can meet their SRC executives. The SRC is bringing back the popular casino night, arguably the best night of the week, in the Baird Dining Hall. Bring your dressiest attire and hope for luck as you try to win some exciting prizes the SRC offers.
“Yesterday’s commencement and clubs and societies expo were the best we’ve seen in a while. It’s important to know that our welcoming to UNB doesn’t stop here. We’re excited for the rest of orientation week and our welcome week party next Saturday. We really realized what we were missing over the past two years. Any opportunities students can get to participate this year; they will jump on it,” SRC President and CEO Devin Debly expressed.
