Find Your FROST (with Flock crossed out) - MSVU Winter Orientation 2025, January 2-31

Land Acknowledgement

MSVU etek Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki, Mi’kmaq wmitkiwew ta’n mna’q iknmuetasinuk. Ula maqamikew wiaqtek  Wantaqo’tie’l aqq Ila’matultimkewe’l Ankukamkewe’l kisutasikipn 1725ek aqq 1779ek. Ula ankukamkewe’l ketlewite’tasikipn Mawi-espe’k Ilsutekemkewey Kanata aqq keknuite’tasik  Teli-alsutmi’tij ula Maqamikew L’nu’k ( wiaqwikasik kitk 1763ewey Eleke’witewey Teplutasik aqq elt ankukamkewe’l weja’tekemkek aqq Pkesikn35(1) 1982ewey Wi’katikn Teplutasik Tel-pukuik Kanata). Ankukamkewe’l na keknue’kl kisa’matimkl ta’n wettaqne’wasikl tplutaqnn wjit  Te’sunemiksijik tel-wije’wmi’titl  Ankukamkewe’l tela’matulti’tij. Kepmite’tmek kjijitaqnwesko’tmi’tij Mi’kmaq wjit teli-anko’tasik maqamikew aqq sam’qwan aqq elt teli-kina’muksi’k kisiku’k wejkwa’taqnik,  kiskuk aqq elmi’knik.

MSVU is located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), part of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded ancestral territory which remains the homeland of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the Covenant Chain of Treaties of Peace and Friendship signed between 1725 and 1779. These treaties are affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada and recognize Aboriginal Title (which is embedded in both the 1763 Royal Proclamation and in section 35(1) of the 1982 Constitution Act). The treaties are living agreements that establish the rules for an ongoing Treaty relationship between nations. We pay respect to the knowledge embedded in the Mi’kmaw custodians of the lands and waters and to the Elders, past, present, and future.

Winter 2025 Orientation

No matter where you’re coming from, or how you found your way here, there’s a place for you at MSVU! Orientation is your chance to learn more about your new university, connect with people, make friends, and learn what it means to be a Mystic!

We’ve partnered with the Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union to deliver a program full of fun and informative social events and sessions. Join us for a chance to meet other students and connect with people in your program and across campus. Events are open to all new and returning MSVU students! No registration is required except where indicated under specific events.

Find the full schedule below or download an accessible PDF of the schedule. All times are in Atlantic Standard Time (AST). Please note that all events are subject to change.

If you have any concerns about accessibility or your ability to participate in any events, please email us at orientation@msvu.ca.

calendar view of orientation event schedule, also available to download as a PDF.

We have events running all month long to welcome you to campus – whether you’re new or returning! Expand the blue accordion tabs below for details on all events.

Schedule PDF – Full descriptions

Schedule PDF – Calendar view

Campus Map

Same-Day Academic Advising

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday

Location: Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success (Seton 303) or Online

Need help with course selection and registration for Winter 2025 courses? To accommodate the January 13 add/drop deadline for Winter 2025 courses, the Academic Advisors will be holding same-day appointments from January 6 to January 13 (excluding weekends). To secure a same-day appointment, visit the Office Assistant in SAC 303, phone 902 457 6657, or email advising@msvu.ca. Appointments are booked in the order they’re requested and must be booked on the same day as the appointment so reach out early!

Residence Early Move-in

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

If you have secured a room in residence and are arriving early to campus to attend Winter Orientation, please click on the link to arrange for early move-in.

Early Move-in Request Form

Online Orientation

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Daylight Time)

Location: Microsoft Teams

Get a head start and learn what you need to know about being a student at MSVU in our early arrival online orientation series. These webinars will help prepare you for life at MSVU and ensure you are ready for your classes on Monday, January 6. Stop by for any session that interests you!

Online Orientation Schedule

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.: Welcome to MSVU 101

Talk with Nicolle, a long-time Student Services employee at MSVU, and hear her tips and tricks of what supports and services all first year MSVU students should really know!

Welcome to MSVU 101 Teams Link

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Studying Online at MSVU

Hear from students who have taken online courses at MSVU and learn what it takes to be a successful virtual student.  You will also be introduced to all things technology to support you to this virtual transition.

Studying Online at MSVU Teams Link

12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Meet Your MSVU Students’ Union

MSVU Students’ Union is here to support students in a variety of ways. Meet MSVU SU President Union President Carson Cameron and learn what the Union can do for you!

Meet Your MSVU Students’ Union Teams Link

1:10 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: 5 Tips for Success in the Canadian Classroom

Learn how to set yourself up for success for a successful first semester with five helpful tips!

5 Tips for Success in the Canadian Classroom Teams Link

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Fees and Finances

Get to know your payment and fees before you arrive! This webinar will help you learn all the fees, your payment options, and the deadline. This session will focus mainly on international students’ needs but all are welcome.

Fees and Finances Teams Link

3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Ask Me Anything

Mount Mentors are here to answer all your questions – even the ones you didn’t know you had! Stop by to ask questions or submit them ahead of time and we’ll answer during the session.

Ask Me Anything Teams Link

New International Student Orientation

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

Staff from the International Education Centre are looking forward to welcoming you to MSVU. New International Student Orientation (NISO) is a great way to prepare yourself for university life in Canada as well as meet other students from across the world. NISO will continue after 12:30 with New Student Orientation. Registration is required to attend NISO.

Register for New International Student Orientation

New Student Orientation

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

The Orientation fun continues with events open to all #newtoMSVU students. This is your chance to get to know your fellow Mystics, find your way around campus, learn tips and tricks about being a student at MSVU, and set yourself up for a successful first semester!

Presidents’ Welcome Lunch, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Campus Tour, 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.

Presentation: Classroom Expectations, 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Trivia Challenge: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Residence Move-in

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Get settled back into your residence room or move in for the first time! Move-in day is happening all day Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m. Apply for residence if you haven’t done so yet.

Residence Games Night

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Location: Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

Hang out with your fellow residence students at a games night in the MPR! We’ll have all kinds of games to choose from.

Ask Me Anything

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Locations: Library Learning Commons, McCain Atrium, Rosaria Terrace

New to MSVU? Keep an eye out for the “Ask Me Anything” signs to ask any general questions and learn how to find your classes on campus.

Frost Week Winter Carnival

Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

MSVU’s Students’ Union and Residence Life team invite you to join them for a FREE afternoon of carnival fun. Come, meet new people, and enjoy bouncy castles, games, prizes, and carnival snacks!

Hemlock Ravine Hike

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Seton Lobby (taking Halifax Transit to Hemlock Ravine Park)

Take a break within Halifax as we explore the beautiful Hemlock Ravine Park Trails. We will be meeting in the Seton lobby at 1:00 p.m. to take the bus to Hemlock Ravine. You can also meet us at the heart-shaped pond at 1:30 p.m.

Trivia Night

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Join Mount Campus Rec for an evening of Trivia with a chance to win some MSVU swag!

Student Services Fair

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: McCain Atrium

Get to know the different services on campus and support that’s available to you as an MSVU student. Stop by, connect, and participate to score some great swag!

Speed Friending

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Speed Friending is exactly what it sounds like! This is a fun, low-pressure, easy way to meet other MSVU students. Here you can meet a lot of people quickly and form lasting friendships.

Student Societies Fair

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Rosaria Terrace (outside the dining hall)

Looking to gain valuable experience for future career goals or education program applications? Attend the Student Societies Fair and sign up on-the-spot to volunteer with MSVU societies on campus or community organizations off campus. It’s a great way to build your Co-Curricular Record (CCR), a digital certificate that validates the competencies you earn during extra-curricular activities, giving you third party support that employers and admissions committees notice.

Crafternoon

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Library Learning Commons

Silent Disco

Time: 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Free Admission with Student ID! MSVU’s Students’ Union and Residence Life team invite you to join them for another fun (“silent”) night this winter orientation! Just pop on your headphones, choose your channel and dance the night away!

BINGO Night

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Mount Fitness Centre (MFC) Demo Days start

Monday, January 13 to Wednesday, January 22

Location: Mount Fitness Centre (MFC), Rosaria

This week the Fitness Centre will be offering free orientations and recreation demo classes! Demo classes such as Aikido, Hip Hop, and Dancefit will be ONLY $5 each during this period! Descriptions and registration on our website: msvu.ca/rec

Mafia with the Students’ Union

Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Mafia is a thrilling party game where players dive into a world of mystery and deception. Assigned as sneaky Mafia, clever Police, protective Bodyguards, or unsuspecting Villagers, everyone has a secret role. By day, the town debates and votes to eliminate suspects, but by night, the Mafia plots, the Police investigate, and the Bodyguard shields others from harm. Can the Villagers outwit the Mafia before they take over the town? Get ready for suspense, strategy, and lots of finger-pointing in this ultimate game of bluff!

Big Picture Mapping with Learning Strategist James Jollymore

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Seton 337

Stay on top of your semester with Big Picture Mapping, a hands-on workshop designed to help you organize your academic, personal, and free time effectively. This workshop will guide you in creating a comprehensive, visually engaging semester calendar to manage your commitments, deadlines, and self-care moments. By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with a personalized semester calendar and actionable strategies to stay ahead, stay balanced, and achieve your goals for the semester!

SHIFT Career Development – Day 1

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (drop-in)

Location: Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

Wondering what career help will be available after you graduate? Thinking about starting your summer job search? It’s never too soon to access resources. Drop by SHIFT Career Development anytime between 1:00-4:00 p.m., January 15-16 in the MPR, for resume review, community exhibitors, practice speed interviews, and more! Find more details on the SHIFT website.

Swifties’ Night

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Calling all Swifties! Join us for the ultimate Taylor Swift party – we will have trivia, games, photo booth, dance fitness and much, much more.

SHIFT Career Development – Day 2

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (drop-in)

Location: Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

Wondering what career help will be available after you graduate? Thinking about starting your summer job search? It’s never too soon to access resources. Drop by SHIFT Career Development anytime between 1:00-4:00 p.m., January 15-16 in the MPR, for resume review, community exhibitors, practice speed interviews, and more! Find more details on the SHIFT website.

Crafternoon

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Library Learning Commons

MFC Demo Days – Super Sampler

Time: 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Location: Mount Fitness Centre (Rosaria)

Join us for an hour of introductions to some of our most fun and best strength building classes. Experience Boot Camp, Power & Stability and Yoga with 3 different instructors. For MSVU students ONLY so bring a friend or two and feel the burn!

Welcome Back Pub Night

Time: 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub

Mount Mystics Volleyball Home Game

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Join us to cheer on the Mystics women’s volleyball team in their home game against the Dalhousie Rams! You can wear blue and discover the comradery as you cheer on your varsity teams.

MSVU students get free admission to all Mystics regular season home games.

CROWaoke

Time:

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Mount Mystics Volleyball Home Game

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Join us to cheer on the Mystics women’s volleyball team in their home game against the Mount Allison Mounties! You can wear blue and discover the comradery as you cheer on your varsity teams.

MSVU students get free admission to all Mystics regular season home games.

Graduate Student Social

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub

The Grad Social is the ultimate mixer where graduate and mature students come together for an evening filled with fun and games. Step away from the books and dive into a lively atmosphere where laughter and friendly competition are on the agenda. Play classic favorites like Cards, Bingo, and Charades, or discover new games that will have everyone on their toes. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, meet fellow students, and forge new friendships. Join us for an afternoon where fun is the only item on the syllabus!

Volleyball Cup

Time: 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Location: MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Have fun this winter and compete in the Volleyball Cup starting on January 20!  Register online at msvu.ca/rec as a team by designating your team captain, or as an individual and we will add you to a team! All MSVU students are welcome.

The game schedule will be emailed out on Friday, January 18. No league play on February 17.

Bell Let’s Talk Day

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Rosaria Dining Hall

Bell partners with MSVU to host Bell Let’s Talk Day, an initiative to help promote mental health on campus. Learn more about health and wellness at MSVU with Counselling Services, Peer Support, Athletics & Recreation, and more!

Waves of Change Bystander Intervention Training

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location: Don MacNeil Room (ROS 401)

Waves of Change is a free education program designed to address sexual violence on university and college campuses in Nova Scotia. Learn consent skills, bystander intervention skills, and the value of supporting survivors of sexual violence. This program draws on participants’ existing skills, knowledge, and creativity to facilitate broader strategies for social change.

Become a student leader by learning ways to address and prevent sexual violence on campus. Waves of Change is also CCR-eligible!

Crafternoon

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Library Learning Commons

REC Division: 3v3 Basketball Intramurals

Time: 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Mount Campus REC’s 3v3 basketball league REC division starts on January 23. It’s for beginners or participants who are interested in less competitive play. It is meant to be an inclusive space for participants to be active, create community and have fun!

Register online at msvu.ca/rec as a team by designating your team captain, or as an individual and we will add you to a team! All MSVU students are welcome.

The game schedule will be emailed out on Tuesday, January 21. No league play on February 20.

Competitive Division: 3v3 Basketball Intramurals

Time: 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Mount Campus REC’s 3v3 basketball league competitive division starts on January 23. It’s for participants who have experience playing basketball and are looking engage in friendly competition with others. It is meant to be an inclusive space for participants to foster healthy competition in pursuit of the coveted Intramural Champions T-shirt and bragging rights!

Register online at msvu.ca/rec as a team by designating your team captain, or as an individual and we will add you to a team! All MSVU students are welcome.

The game schedule will be emailed out on Tuesday, January 21. No league play on February 20.

Winter REC Series: Skating at the Emera Oval

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Emera Oval, Halifax Commons

Embrace winter with MSVU Athletics & Recreation and International Education Centre! Meet MSVU staff at the Emera Oval entrance for skating at 11:45 a.m. Skate and helmet rentals are available for FREE with a valid government ID.

Mount Mystics Basketball Home Games

Women’s Game: 6:00 p.m.

Men’s Game: 8:00 p.m.

Location: MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Join us to cheer on the Mystics women’s and men’s basketball teams in their home games against the UKC Blue Devils! You can wear blue and discover the comradery as you cheer on your varsity teams.

MSVU students get free admission to all Mystics regular season home games.

Board Game Night

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: The Rook Campus Pub (Rosaria)

Mount Mystics Volleyball Home Game

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Join us to cheer on the Mystics women’s volleyball team in their home game against the STU Tommies! You can wear blue and discover the comradery as you cheer on your varsity teams.

MSVU students get free admission to all Mystics regular season home games.

Mount Mystics Basketball Home Games

Women’s Game: 6:00 p.m.

Men’s Game: 8:00 p.m.

MSVU Gymnasium

Join us to cheer on the Mystics women’s and men’s basketball teams in their home games against the Mount Allison Mounties! You can wear blue and discover the comradery as you cheer on your varsity teams.

MSVU students get free admission to all Mystics regular season home games.

Mount Mystics Volleyball Home Game

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: MSVU Gymnasium (Rosaria)

Join us to cheer on the Mystics women’s volleyball team in their home game against the UNBSJ Seawolves! You can wear blue and discover the comradery as you cheer on your varsity teams.

MSVU students get free admission to all Mystics regular season home games.

Knowledge Fair

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: McCain Atrium

Knowledge Fair is your go-to event to explore the array of services available on campus. Join us to connect with representatives from different campus services, discover tools and support systems to enhance your student experience. Whether you’re an undergrad or a grad student, this is a perfect opportunity to gather information, ask questions, and make the most of your university journey. Dive into a world of resources at your fingertips!

Martock Ski Trip

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Locaton: Ski Martock – Windsor, NS

Embrace winter and join us for a fun-filled day at Ski Martock! All skill levels are welcome. Must be an MSVU student, or guest of an MSVU student.

Brought to you by Campus Recreation and the Residence Life Office.

Crafternoon

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Library Learning Commons

Here are the ways we are working to make Orientation as inclusive as possible.

Accessible Campus

Seton, EMF, McCain, Rosaria, Assisi Hall, and Evaristus are all connected through accessible indoor tunnels.

The link between Rosaria and Evaristus has a motorized lift; instructions for use are on site, and you can call Assisi Security at 902 457 6412 for assistance. All main buildings except EMF have accessible exterior entrances if travelling outdoors from other areas of campus. Please refer to the campus map for details on where to find accessible entrances.

Comfortable Seating

Whenever possible, alternative comfortable seating will be available at events.

All-Gender and Accessible Washrooms

All-gender washrooms are located at Seton 4th and 5th floors, McCain Atrium, Rosaria 4th floor, Evaristus levels 2, 2C, 3C, 4, and 4C, International Education Centre, and Indigenous Student Centre.

Accessible washrooms are located at Seton 3rd, 4th and 5th floors, EMF 1st and 2nd floor, McCain all floors, Rosaria all floors, Evaristus all floors, and International Education Centre. Please note that the Evaristus C-level floors are not currently elevator accessible.

The campus map shows additional details on where to find washrooms that are gender inclusive and/or accessible.

Low-Sensory and Quiet Spaces

The Crows’ Nest on the main floor of Rosaria is a more relaxing social environment with comfortable seating.

For a quiet space, you can go to the Peace Room (Evaristus 4C level), Library quiet area (lower level EMF), Indigenous Student Centre (46 Melody Drive), or International Education Centre (Seton Annex). Hours for those locations will vary, but are generally open between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at minimum. Please note that the Indigenous Student Centre does not have an accessible entrance.

Accessible Parking

Designated accessible parking spaces can be found in several parking lots, including:

  • Assisi Hall
  • Rosaria
  • Between EMF and Seton
  • Seton Annex
  • Evaristus south end

Please refer to the campus map for details on where to find accessible parking spaces.

Parents

If you’re an MSVU student and a parent, many of the all-gender and multi-stall washrooms are equipped with change tables.

The Students’ Union Wellness and Parental lounge is located off the Crows’ Nest. This room is filled with comfortable seating, stim toys & decompression materials, a nursing pillow, bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, mini fridge, tamper evident milk bags, and soft lighting. It’s controlled access, so if you’ll need access during your time at MSVU including Orientation, email supres@msvu.ca to make arrangements.

The Fountain Play Centre will be operating starting on January 6 to provide care (up to 4 hours at a time) at a subsidized rate for children up to age 5. Email suplayce@msvu.ca to enroll your child(ren) and to book time at the Fountain Play Centre. You can also bring children to daytime Orientation events!

Contact

If you are planning to attend an event and have any concerns, please contact us at orientation@msvu.ca to discuss it.

If you are at an event and have an accessibility-related issue arise, please email orientation@msvu.ca or call 902 457 6567 for assistance.

Campus Map

A student looking at the MSVU campus with the text Mount 101 in the background

Mount 101: Your Early Orientation

Your orientation starts with Mount 101! Complete this free program to learn everything you need to know about being a Mount student. Mount 101 is your introduction to your university and your how-to guide for all things MSVU! Transfer students are enrolled in Mount 201.

Ongoing Support: We’re Here for you

All new students have access to the Mount Mentors: a team of upper-year students who are here for you during your entire first year! Have a question? Just ask! They can connect you with services, help you find what you need, and answer questions you didn’t even know you had.

Connect with your Mount Mentor by emailing mount.mentor@msvu.ca or booking an online appointment.

Green bench outside Evaristus covered in snow.

Your First Six Weeks at MSVU

There can be a lot to take in during the first half of the semester. Use the Mount 101 First Six Weeks Checklist to prepare yourself for what’s ahead and set yourself up for a successful first semester.

Connect

Instagram: @MSVU.Orientation
Email: orientation@msvu.ca