Back to School Series

Trent University Oshawa will welcome new and returning students to the Thornton Road Campus for the Fall Start-Up Orientation Program on Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 3. Hosted by the University and by the Trent Oshawa Student Association (TOSA), the orientation program is the first step in providing new students from high school, transfer students, mature students and international students with the tools and information they need for a strong university career.

Students, staff, and faculty have worked since early March to create this year’s Fall Start-up program. Helping to make orientation an outstanding experience for new students, 35 senior student volunteers dedicate their time to coordinate and run the various dynamic events, along with the support of faculty and staff.

Students who participate in the orientation will connect with their peers, upper-year students, faculty, and staff; learn of the many clubs, intramurals, and leadership programs they can get involved in; and prepare to be actively engaged with their peers and faculty in class. They will also receive academic support that will allow them to feel confident in their ability to succeed academically, including information on time management, academic integrity, and university-level expectations. Additionally, information will also be available to students about the variety of career options available with their major of choice

Highlights of Fall Start-Up Orientation are listed below, including exciting photo opportunities.

Welcome & Official Opening of the Trent in Durham Tipi

Tuesday, September 2, 10:30am – 11:00am

Harold Ashkewe, Elder from the Mississaugas of Scugog Lake First Nation, will welcome guests to the territory, followed by a welcome to new students from Trent president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Leo Groarke. City of Oshawa Mayor John Henry and Joe Muldoon, head of Trent Oshawa, will also welcome students and reflect on post-secondary education. Harold Ashkewe will open the tipi with a traditional smudging.

Boomwhacker Experience

Tuesday, September 2, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Boomwhackers are tuned acoustic tubes that create different harmonic tones. They are played by tapping the end of the tube against one’s hand or clashing two together, rather like cymbals. This low-risk, high-energy event is designed to connect our incoming students with their peers through interactive rhythm and music.

Team Competitions

Tuesday, September 2, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Designed to ensure new- and upper-year students work together through a variety of physical, intellectual, and creative challenges. This activity will also provide students insights into the services and supports provided at Trent in Durham.

Campus Fair

Tuesday, September 2, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

A lively event held on the Trent Oshawa Thornton Road back yard includes a live band, inflatable obstacle course, carnival games, Campus Clubs fair, bannock cooking in the tipi, cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones, Pan Am Games booth and mascot Patchi, Oshawa Athletics booth, and Durham Regional Transit booth.

Friendly Student/Faculty/Staff dodgeball game

Tuesday, September 2, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Trent Think Tank *NEW*

Wednesday, September 3, 10:30am – 11:15am

Students and faculty selected a text and a documentary for the Trent in Durham Think Tank. This programs connects all students through common texts and offers new students a chance to experience a seminar before classes begin.

Academic Sessions

Wednesday, September 3, 11:15am – 3:45pm

This is an important piece of orientation for all new Trent students as they learn many different academic skills through these specially-designed sessions and workshops in order to give them a strong head start on their first classes.