Winter 2024 Orientation, January 4 – January 12, 2024

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! Find the full schedule in the drop-down menu below. All times are Atlantic Standard Time (AST).

If you require any accommodations to participate in Orientation events, please contact us at orientation@msvu.ca.

Please note that all events are subject to change.

Download an accessible PDF schedule for Winter 2024 Orientation

Same-Day Academic Advising, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

Need help with course selection and registration for Winter 2024 courses? To accommodate the January 15 add/drop deadline for Winter 2024 courses, the Academic Advisors will be holding same-day appointments from January 2 to January 15 (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!

Location: Seton 303 or online

Residence Early Move-in, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

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

Early Move-in Request Form

What You Need to Know about MSVU: Online Orientation, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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 8. Stop by for any session that interests you.

Online orientation schedule:

1.     10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Fees & 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 & Finances: Slides

Fees & Finances: Frequently Asked Questions

2.     11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: MSVU Students’ Union

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

3.     12:15 – 1:00 p.m.: What to Expect in Your First Week of Classes

Excited to start classes at MSVU but feeling a little nervous about what to expect? Join the Mount Mentors as they walk you through what to expect during your first week of classes and discuss how you can prepare for the semester.

What to Expect in Your First Week of Classes: PowerPoint slides

4.     1:15 – 2:00 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: PowerPoint slides

5 Tips for Success in the Canadian Classroom: Video recording

5.     2:15 – 2:45 p.m.: What You Need to Know About Educational Technology

Learn about all of the electronic technology you need to be a successful student at MSVU.  Topics include: myMount, Office 365, Moodle, Blackboard Collaborate and more!

What You Need to Know About Educational Technology: PowerPoint slides

What You Need to Know About Educational Technology: Video recording

6.     3:00 – 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.

New International Student Orientation, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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.

Location: Multi-Purpose Room, 3rd floor Rosaria

Register for New International Student Orientation

New Student Orientation, 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

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!

  • President’s 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 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Multi-Purpose Room, 3rd floor Rosaria

Residence Move-in, 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.

Movie Night, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

After a long day moving in, relax at movie night in the Seton Auditorium. You bring the blankets, we’ll bring the snacks!

Location: Seton AUD B/C

Frost Week Winter Carnival, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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!

Location: Multi-Purpose Room, 3rd floor Rosaria

Ask me Anything, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

International students can stop by the Services Canada clinic to process their Social Insurance Number (SIN) applications. A SIN is required to work in Canada or to get benefits and services from government programs. Registration is required to attend.

Location: McCain 102

Register for the SIN Clinic

Board Game Night, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Unwind after the first day of classes with a fun night of board games and good company!

Location: Campus Pub (Rosaria, second floor)

 

Hemlock Ravine Hike, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

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.

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

BINGO Night, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

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

Location: Campus Pub (Rosaria, second floor)

 

Student Services Fair, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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

Location: McCain Atrium

Speed Friending, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

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.

Location: Campus Pub (Rosaria, second floor)

Silent Disco, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

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!

Location: Campus Pub (Rosaria, second floor)

Ice Skating at the Oval, 7:00 p.m.

Join the Orientation Committee for a free skate at the Emera Oval. This is a family-friendly event open to all members of the Mount community and their friends and family. Free skate rentals are available.

Please note that all skaters under 12 years of age must wear a CSA approved helmet.

Location: Emera Oval
5775 Cogswell St.

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.

Students starting at MSVU in January will be enrolled in Mount 101 by December 19, 2022.

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