Orientation
A warm welcome to new students and a welcome back to those of you returning this year! This page is your one-stop-shop for information related to orientation at Queen’s. Here you can find details about Orientation Week events as well as our new summer webinar series and the “Did you know..?” and “How to…” fact sheets – all devoted to ensuring you have access to the information you need for a smooth transition to the new academic year!
Summer Webinar Series
June 2018 Webinars
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tues June 12th 10am EDT | Canadian Visas and Permits: A Guide for International Students If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll require specific Canadian immigration documents to come to Canada and to study at Queen’s. The International Student Advisers at the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) will be introducing you to the subject in this webinar. |
Arthur Chen, International student advisor, QUIC | View the Recording |
| Wed June 20th 4pm EDT | Athletics & Recreation at Queen's Want to stay fit and have fun next year? Hear all about the ARC, find out about how you can get involved in intramurals, and get info on attending Varsity games. |
Student Experience Office | View the Recording |
| Wed June 27th 12pm EDT |
Get to Know QUIC |
Student Experience Office | View the Recording |
July 2018 Webinars
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed July 4th 4pm EDT | Academic Accommodation at Queen's Queen's Student Accessibility Services works with members of the Queen's community to ensure that the university and its programs are accessible to students with disabilities. Learn about how they can support your successful transition to university. |
Student Experience Office | View the Recording |
| Wed July 11th 10am EDT | Getting Started: Registration, Fees, Accessibility & more Registration, fees, payment plan, photo ID and more. What you need to do before you can start you graduate degree. |
Colette, SGS | View the Recording |
| Wed July 18th 10am EDT | Living in Kingston New to Kingston and want to know more about what the city has to offer? Beyond having one of the highest restaurants per capita of any Canadian city, Kingston has a multitude of services, organizations, museums, summer activities and more! Listen to this webinar to get the low-down on where graduate students choose to live, rental issues to be aware of, fun activities and information for the whole family. |
Grad Student: Isabel Luce and Heather Merla |
View the Recording |
| Tues July 24th 10am EDT | From Undergrad to Grad Studies: the Academic Transition You've heard that grad studies is different from undergrad, but aren't sure what to expect? The transition often means learning how to manage your time and many commitments, setting up a successful relationship with your supervisor and finding your community at Queen’s. Join us to learn about the key differences and how you can properly prepare to start the school year off strong. |
Grad Student: Isabel Luce |
View the Recording |
| Wed July 25th 4pm EDT | Be Well: Health Resources on Campus In this webinar the Health Promotion team will show you how making healthy choices on campus can be easy. Hear about the health resources available to you as a student. |
Student Experience Office | View the Recording |
| Tues July 31st 10am EDT | Orientation & Beyond: Getting Involved Orientation is a great time to get to know Queen's and make friends! Even after orientation ends, there are countless ways to get involved on campus. Hear from Queen's students about orientation and opportunities for involvement at Queen’s and in the Kingston community | Grad Students: Isabel Luce (SGPS), Astrid Hobill and Jillian Lanthier | View the Recording |
August 2018 Webinars
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed August 1st 4pm EDT | Aboriginal Student Guide to Life on Campus The Four Directions Aboriginal Centre strives to be a home away from home for Indigenous students and a site of information and support for the broader Queen's community. Learn about the supports and services available there. | Student Experience Office | View the Recording |
| Tues August 7th 10am EDT |
Financing your Graduate Education |
Student Awards Office & SGS | View the Recording |
| Wed August 8th 10am EDT | Writing Support: Where is it and how can I get it? Writing is an essential part of grad studies. Learn what resources are available to you and what regulations must be followed |
Colette (SGS) and Ian (SASS) | View the Recording |
| Tues August 14th 10am EDT | International students: What to do when you arrive & what is QUIC? Are you ready to come to Canada and Queen’s? Learn what you need to do before you arrive, when you arrive and how QUIC can help you. |
Arthur Chen QUIC | View the Recording |
| Wed August 15th 10am EDT | Getting Ready to Head to Queen’s? Here is Your Pre-arrival Information. Last chance to hear all about registration, academic accommodations, orientation, housing, transport, medical and opportunities for Professional Development and getting involved. |
Colette, SGS | View the Recording |
| Tues August 21st 10am EDT | Medical Insurance in Ontario: Understanding Primary vs Supplementary coverage Want to know more about your health coverage? This webinar discusses what’s covered in your mandatory health insurance plan (UHIP for international students and OHIP for Ontario residents) versus your Supplemental Health & Dental Insurance Plan from the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS). This is your chance to find out what it all means to you and your family. |
Steacy Tibbutt (QUIC) and Isabel Luce (SGPS) | View the Recording |
| Wed August 22nd 10am EDT | Grad 101: Tips for a Successful First Year in Graduate Studies? Hear the top tips for a successful first year from current Grad students. This is a great chance to ask any questions you have before starting in the fall! |
Graduate students: Isabel Luce, Jillian Lanthiier | View the Recording |
In Person Orientation Events
Fall Term - September 2018
| Date | Event/Venue | Host(s) | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tues September 4th 8am - 11am |
(Re) Orientation: Welcome and Resources Fair Venue: The Athletics & Recreation Centre main gym 8am - 9am - light refreshments Campus Tours are also being run during this time. |
SGS, DSA, SGPS | None required |
|
Tues September 4th 12noon - 1pm |
Tours of the Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC) Venue: The Athletics & Recreation Centre main gym This is your chance to see the whole of the ARC, where to go to use the weights or dance studios, the swimming pool and much more. |
Athletics & Recreation | None required |
|
Wed September 5th 8.30am - 4pm |
Teaching Development Day Venue: Dunning Hall Auditorium This will be a day dedicated to understanding the ways in which all academic disciplines inform the theory and practice of teaching and learning. While academic disciplines turn inward when it comes to understanding content, we have much to learn from each other when it comes to teaching that content. |
Centre for Teaching and Learning | Register here |
|
Wed September 5th 9am - 4pm |
Sidewalk Sale Get some freebies and discounts and sign up for volunteering and social activities both on campus and within the Kingston community |
AMS | None required |
|
Thur September 6th Throughout the day |
Photo ID Pickup Day You need this to show you are a student and you can use it to get on buses in Kingston, the gym or discounts at select stores in town. |
University Registrars Office | None required |
|
Thurs September 6th 5pm - 8pm |
Tri-Colour Athletics Open House Venue: The Athletics & Recreation Centre Come and see the over 200 clubs, faculty societies, AMS student-run services and intramural teams all in one place. |
Queen's Athletics & Recreation | None required |
|
Fri September 7th 9am - 11am |
Jump Start Your Career Part of the Expanding Horizons workshop series. Learn how to deal with the Top Four Career Challenges faced by grad students. In this session, you will learn about graduate career pathways and helpful resources, as well as get started on an action plan to integrate career development with your academic studies from the beginning of your program. |
Career Services and SGS | Registration will be open soon |
|
Fri September 7th 11am - 12noon |
Meet the Deans Venue: Gordon Hall room 302 |
SGS | None required |
|
Wed September 12th 5pm - 7pm |
International Graduate Student Orientation Participants will have the opportunity to explore issues that typically arise for graduate students and to become familiar with how resources and support services contribute to student success. The session begins with refreshments and the opportunity to socialize with staff and other students. The session will be facilitated by QUIC, with the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS), and the SGPS Peer Advisors |
QUIC, SGS, SGPS | None required |
|
Wed September 19th 5pm - 7pm |
Aboriginal Graduate Student BBQ Meet the staff and other students at Four Directions while enjoying a nice BBQ |
4DISC | None required |
|
Thurs September 27th 5pm - 7pm Please note this is a new day from previously advertised. |
Supporting Aboriginal graduate enhancement (SAGE) Queen’s SAGE is an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional peer-mentoring program designed to support indigenous graduate students with the successful transition into and completion of their graduate programs. Come along and find out more about how SAGE can help you. |
4DISC | None required |
|
Throughout the first 2 weeks of September |
Social gatherings This is your chance to meet current graduate students across disciplines. Go to the SGPS website for details on what's on and which ones to register for |
SGPS | Link to SGPS website |
|
September
|
Program Specific Orientations Contact your program graduate assistant to find out about specific orientation events for your program |
Graduate program | contact your program |
Winter Term 2019
| Date | Event/Venue | Host(s) | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
January 2019 |
Mini Orientation Orientation for grad students starting in January |
SGS | TBA |
|
|
Program Specific Orientations Contact your program graduate assistant to find out about specific orientation events for your program |
Graduate program | contact your program |
|
May 2019 |
Mini Orientation Orientation for grad students starting in May |
SGS | TBA |
|
|
Program Specific Orientations Contact your program graduate assistant to find out about specific orientation events for your program |
Graduate program | contact your program |
Did You Know..?
Balancing your academic, professional, and personal needs is an important part of graduate school. The “Did You Know..?” series introduces you to important resources and departments on campus that are available to help support you during your time at Queen’s, whether you’re looking for research and writing support, assistance with job searches, or information on library services.
- Accessibility Unit
- Athletics & Recreation
- Ban Righ Centre
- Career Services
- Centre for Teaching and Learning
- Division of Student Affairs
- Equity Office
- Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- Human Rights Office
- Office of Faith & Spiritual Life
- Queen's University International Centre
- Queen's University Library
- Registrar's Office
- Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Services
- Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS)
How to...
Transitioning to a new school or program has its challenges! The “How to…” series is here to make things a little easier by providing you with information for everything from how to set up your internet connection and NetID, to understanding acronyms at Queen’s, to ensuring your family’s needs are met.