Excited groups of new students on the Keele and Glendon campuses mark the start of academic and social orientation events.
Orientation is an opportunity to get the inside scoop on York University and what to expect as a student. It is also a great way for students to start their academic careers by learning all about the many academic and learning supports made available to them by the University. In fact, orientation is for everyone – new students, transfer students, mature 
students, international students – all students. There’s even an orientation for parents.
Glendon students offer their version of the peace sign during 2011 orientation events
Social orientation begins on Friday, Aug. 31 with new students moving into residence and continues until Sept. 9. Academic and social events are sorted by college affiliation, with each college managing their own registration process, fees and events. All students, including those who commute to campus, are invited to take part in the fun.
The college councils of Bethune, Calumet, Founders, Glendon, McLaughlin, New College, Stong, Vanier and Winters, and the Schulich School of Business, have been busy planning a host of activities designed to welcome first-year students to York and help them get into university life. Dozens of events, from water balloon fights to trips to local attractions, have been organized by the intrepid college councils. Social orientation promises and delivers lots of good fun and solid advice designed to steady the nerves of first-year students.
McLaughlin frosh bosses lead first-years through a midnight cheer
All orientation events are designed to help students engage socially and academically, within the parameters of a safe, all-inclusive program of events. Students get to have fun and meet students from other colleges during quad parties and other pan-University and team events.
Staff in Student Community & Leadership Development oversee orientation and orientation leaders or Frosh Bosses as they are otherwise known, receive social orientation and safety training. All events are designated as “dry” meaning no alcohol is allowed.
Schulich School of Business frosh get “superhuman” during orientation 2011
For students who commute to the Keele and Glendon campuses, overnight sleepovers, parties, trips to Wonderland, a Toronto harbour boat cruise and a Wasaga Beach party are just some of the great activities on the schedule, all designed to familiarize first-years with everything the University and surrounding communities have to offer.
A full schedule of all academic and social orientation events linked to each college is available on the Red Zone Orientation web page.