Welcome Week 2024
Welcome Week is an annual experience for St. Thomas University’s incoming class, designed to help new students gain familiarity with campus and have a positive transition to student life. This first week is comprised of many fun events organized to encourage school/house pride as well as give first-year students the opportunity to connect with peers.
Welcome Week is a dry week, which means there is an alcohol and cannabis ban that applies to all students, regardless of their age or year of study. The St. Thomas University community has a zero-tolerance hazing policy that allows students to enjoy a positive and safe environment during Welcome Week.
Come join us for a fun-filled Welcome Week—we cannot wait to welcome you to St. Thomas University!
Welcome Centre
The Welcome Centre is a booth set up in Sir James Dunn Hall between August 21st and September 8th from 10am-6pm each day next to the Help Desk. The Welcome Centre is staffed by upper-year students who can help answer any questions you have about starting your journey at STU. This is also where you will be able to pick up your student ID card, Welcome Week kit, campus map and Welcome Week schedule.
Wellness Zone
The Wellness Zone offers peer support, resources, self-care activities, and quieter wellness events for students during Welcome Week. Located in the Student Lounge on the first floor of Sir James Dunn Hall, the Wellness Zone is open throughout Welcome Week in the evenings.
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, August 30 - Move in Day and Welcome to STU
Residence Move-In
Time: 10am-4pm for Harrington and Holy Cross; 11am-4pm for Vanier
Location: Residences (Vanier Hall, Harrington Hall, & Holy Cross House)
Description: Students meet their Residence Advisors and Residence Coordinators as they move into their new homes for the year. House shirts and Student IDs available for pick-up.
Welcome Kit Pick-Up
Time: 10am-6pm
Location: Welcome Centre (Help Desk-James Dunn Hall)
Description: First-year students can pick up a Welcome Kit containing STUSU swag and other university essentials. These are available at the Welcome Centre until the end of Welcome Week. Student ID required.
Parents & Supporters Reception
Time: 2:30pm-3:00pm
Location: Great Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Join Ryan Sullivan, Associate Vice-president of Enrolment Management, at 2:30pm to learn how to support your student throughout their first year at university. Parents and supporters will have a chance to mingle with members of the student service staff before and after the presentation. Refreshments provided.
Welcome Address
Time: 2:30pm-3:00 pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium, Margaret Norrie McCain Hall
Description: Join some key campus supports as they welcome you to STU. This event is for all students- including those living off campus, while parents join the parents and supporters' reception.
Test Out Dining Hall
Time: 3:30pm - 6pm
Location: Dining Hall
Description: Fuel up with a meal in our dining hall! It’s a great chance for parents and supporters to experience where students get to dine and for off- campus students to test out an off-campus meal plan! Pop in anytime between 3:30-6pm. Free for all students- including off campus, 5$ for any parents and supporters.
Welcome Mixer
Time: 3:00pm-4pm
Location: Lower courtyard
Description: Students and their families will have a chance to meet campus supports, faculty members and each other!
Swag Sale
Time: 2:30pm-4pm
Location: Lower courtyard
Description: Parents and supporters (and students)! Grab some STU swag from our admissions and recruitment office or purchase some Tommies gear to support your Athletics teams!
House Huddles
Time: 4pm-8pm
Location:
- Students living in Harrington and Vanier will meet in their respective floor common rooms
- Students living in Holy Cross House will meet in BMH 101
- Off-campus students: Ted Daigle Auditorium, Edmund Casey Hall
Description: House huddles are run throughout welcome week and they are a chance to get to get to know other students living in your house community! This includes Vanier, Harrington, Holy Cross and off-campus groups. They are also an opportunity to connect with Residence Advisors or your Off-campus leaders who will provide you with support and important information to help you navigate your first year at STU! Students living in Harrington and Vanier will meet in their floor common rooms, students living in Holy Cross House will meet in BMH 101, and off-campus students will always meet in the Ted Daigle Auditorium, Edmund Casey Hall.
The first house huddle will provide students with necessary information to navigate welcome week, residence students will learn about living on campus, then will turn into some fun evening events!
Saturday, August 31
Downtown Exploration
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard to walk downtown as a group
Rain Location: Gather on the Main Floor (James Dunn Hall)
Description: Students will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful City of Fredericton. From checking out local shops, restaurants, art galleries, and markets to strolling along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) or Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge — there’s lots to see and do! Welcome week Leaders will take a group downtown- leaving from campus at 10am. Welcome week leaders will also lead a group back to campus leaving from the Boyce Farmers Market at 1pm.
Lunch
Time: 1:30pm-3pm
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Join us for lunch in the Dining Hall. Tickets will be provided for Off-campus students.
House Huddles – Cultural Diversity
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location:
- Students living in Harrington and Vanier will meet in their respective floor common rooms
- Students living in Holy Cross House will meet in BMH 101
- Off-campus students: Ted Daigle Auditorium, Edmund Casey Hall
Description: Interactive session hosted by student leaders surrounding the topic of equity, diversity and inclusion on campus.
Dinner at Dining Hall
Time: 5pm-7:30pm
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Join us for dinner in the George Martin Dining Hall. Tickets will be provided for Off-campus students.
Cheer-Off Practice
Time: 7:30pm-8:30pm
Locations:
- Harrington Hall: Outdoor Basketball Court
- Vanier Hall: Lower Courtyard
- Holy Cross House: Holy Cross House Front Lawn
- Off-Campus: Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)
Rain Locations:
- Harrington: Kinsella Auditorium
- Vanier Hall: Sir James Dunn Hall Dining area
- Holy Cross House: Great Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Residence Advisors and Welcome Week Leaders will prepare the houses for Cheer-Off. Students will learn their House’s cheers as well as the traditional STU Cheer.
Cheer-Off
Time: 8:30pm-10pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Kinsella Auditorium (Margaret Norrie McCain Hall)
Description: A Welcome Week tradition where students show pride for their residence or off-campus community in hopes of claiming the title of the most spirited group on campus. Cheer-Off will be followed by Freezies in the courtyard.
Wellness Zone Open
Time: 7:30pm-10pm
Location: Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: The Wellness Zone is a space where you can catch your breath during Welcome Week or take part in quieter, wellness activities.
Sunday, September 1
Lunch in Dining Hall
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Fuel up for the day with free lunch in the George Martin Dining Hall. Open to all new incoming students (including off campus, mature and transfer). Tickets will be provided for students without a meal plan.
House Huddle
Time: 1pm-2pm
Description: Meet in your house huddle locations for some team activities.
Fun in the Courtyards
Time: 2pm-5pm
Location: Lower Courtyard & Upper Courtyard
Rain Location:
Description: Join us for an afternoon of fun in the courtyard!
- 2pm-5pm: Lawn Games (lower courtyard, rain location- JBO Gym)
- 2pm-3:30pm: Snack (lower courtyard, Rain location: dining area Sir James Dunn Hall)
- 2pm-4pm: Henna with a local artist
- 2pm-4pm: Dog Therapy (lower courtyard, Rain location: Sir James Dunn Hall bottom floor classroom)
- 2pm-5pm: STU scavenger hunt- Get to know campus and win some great prizes (Meet by the steps of George Martin Hall in the lower courtyard)
STUSU Paint Fight
Time: 4pm-5pm
Location: Lawn next to Holy Cross House (Rain Date: Monday, September 4)
Description: Join your Student Union executives for an epically fun and colourful paint fight! White T-shirts will be provided.
Mental Health Paint and Sip
Time: 2pm-5pm
Location: Lower courtyard
Rain location: Sir James Dunn Hall, Lower floor Classrooms
Description: Create something to make your space feel like home! Paint a pot and plant a seed or decorate a vinyl for your room. While you’re painting you will have a chance to learn about mental health support on campus.
Team pictures
Time: 7:15pm-7:30pm
Location: House huddle locations
Description: Join your house for a group photo before heading to bingo together
Big Bingo Night
Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Dining Hall, George Martin Hall
Description: Classic bingo night with some extraordinary prizes. Come join us and our hilarious host for the chance to win some awesome prizes, big and small!
Wellness Zone
Time: 7:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Come unwind from a busy day in our wellness zone.
Monday, September 2
Courtyard Pizza Party
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Description: Join us for a pizza party in the lower courtyard with music, activities, games and community resources!
Theatre Games
Time: 2pm-4pm
Locations: Ted Daigle Auditorium
Description: Black Box Productions, St. Thomas University’s ‘Home for Theatre’ invites new students to come to the Ted Daigle Auditorium for a couple of hours of fun theatre games. This is a great way to meet other students, see a new part of the campus and learn more about what kind of theatre happens on campus. No theatre experience necessary!
Learn to play Rugby
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: JB O'Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Join your STU rugby teams to learn the basics of Rugby and what it’s like to play for the STU Rugby teams!
Friendship Bracelet Making & Trading
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Description: Come to the lower courtyard and make beaded friendship bracelets to trade and gift with new friends you meet throughout the week! Materials will also be found in the wellness zone throughout the rest of the week.
Sex Trivia: Satisfy your Curiosity
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: This event will be an engaging way for students to learn about the fundamentals of consent, sexual health, and pleasure through an interactive trivia game. Presented by Fredericton’s Campus Sexual Assault Support Advocates and featuring local drag queen Barbra Wire as a guest host/performer. Lots of prizes to be won!
Board Games at the Wellness Zone
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Enjoy a relaxed evening of board games at the Wellness Zone.
Tuesday, September 3
Academic Orientation
Time: 9:30am-11:30am
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: Have all your questions answered regarding programs, majors, dropping and adding courses, paying fees, and other academic issues. Then, hear from professors on how to succeed at university.
Lunch
Time: 11:45pm-1:00pm
Location: Dining Hall (GMH)
Description: Join us for a BBQ sponsored by the STU Alumni Association and Students’ Union.
Commencement Ceremony
Time: 1:30pm-2:45pm (Gather in the Study Hall at 1:10 PM)
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (MMH)
Description: This ceremony officially welcomes you into the STU community. Each student will receive a T-pin. The “T” is the symbol all St. Thomas students identify with while they are attending STU and long after they graduate. Gowns will be provided before the ceremony for students to wear. Students can pick up their gowns for the Commencement ceremony in the Foyer outside the Kinsella Auditorium between 12:15 PM and 1 PM. Gowns are to be returned after the ceremony.
Adult Learners & Transfer Students’ Reception
Time: 3:30pm
Location: MMH 203
Description: Adult learners & transfer students are invited to join us for a reception and chance to connect with faculty, staff, and other peers continuing their education at STU. Refreshments provided.
Find your class Mini tours
Time: 3pm-7pm
Location: Meet in front of Duffie Hall
Description: Join campus tour ambassadors who will help you find your classes before your first day or just tag along to learn more about the STU campus. They will print your class schedules at Duffie Hall.
Self- care movie night
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Lower courtyard
Rain Location: Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)
Description: Enjoy a chill evening with snacks, and an outdoor movie hosted by STUSU. Bring your blankets and wear your PJ’s! Movie will be announced during house huddles!
Wednesday, September 4- Welcome back days (open to all students)
Pancake Breakfast
Time: 9am-11am
Location: Lower Courtyard
Description: STU staff and faculty will be serving a free pancake breakfast in the lower courtyard for STU students. Breakfast is open and free for all STU students so come fuel up before your first day of classes!
Resource Fair
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Dining area
Description: This is a chance to get to know all the resources on campus that will help you find success at STU.
Photo Booth + Swag Sale
Time: 2pm-5pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Donald C. Duffie Hall (DDH)
Description: Purchase some STU swag and show it off at the STU photo booth!
Can I kiss you?
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Currie Centre or meet in lower courtyard at 6:30 to walk down with other STU students
Description: "Can I Kiss You?" is a hilarious program that teaches you how to ask for what you want sexually or intimately – without having to play any of the games. And at the same time, shares some serious conversations. This program is delivered by Mike Domitrz and provides how-to skills on consent, respect in relationships, bystander intervention and addressing sexual assault. Students will also have the chance to win lots of swag and some great prizes!
Thursday, September 5
Breakfast Club
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Kick off your first week of classes on the right foot by eating breakfast! On-the-go breakfast items will be available for students such as granola bars, juice, fruit, and more.
Volunteer Fair
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Learn about how you can get involved at local organizations and charities. Students can also sign up to volunteer for STU Cares: Day of Action.
Hearty STU for the Masses
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
Location: Outside of Holy Cross House
Description: The Hearty STU is our free weekly community lunch program, cooked by students and showcasing our many flavours and culinary skills. Join us for a free lunch outside Holy Cross House. Vegans welcome.
Introduction to the JBO
Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Location: JB O’keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come check out all the JBO and STU recreation has to offer. Join Mark Gifford, Athletics Coordinator, for intro to the weight room session as well as open gym time to play badminton, pickleball, basketball and more!
Welcome Freddy Beach BBQ and City Night Market
Time: 4:30pm-7pm
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard, Buses will leave at 4:45pm and 5:15pm and returning at 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Rain Location: Gather on the Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Every year, the City of Fredericton welcomes new students to the city by hosting a BBQ downtown in Officers' Square. There will be live music, yard games as well as the opportunity to explore the Garrison Night Market. Buses will be transporting students to and from campus. There will be stations to fill you water- please try and reduce plastic waste by bringing your own water bottle.
Friday, September 6
Breakfast Club
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Kick off your first week of classes on the right foot by eating breakfast! On-the-go breakfast items will be available for students such as granola bars, juice, fruit, and more.
Clubs & Societies Fair
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Main Floor (JDH)
Description: Students will have the opportunity to learn about all the different clubs and societies on campus and sign up for groups that interest them!
Pride Picnic
Time: 2pm- 4pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Student lounge (JDH)
Description: Join us for a picnic celebrating our 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies! Come get to know some local community resources, as well as your peers. Snacks, as well as drinks donated by Pepsi will be provided.
Dorm Burn
Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Courtyard next to Student Union building, UNB campus
Description: Come learn about fire safety in dorm rooms as you watch live how quickly a mock dorm room can burn. Local resources and prizes to be won!
STU Mario Kart Tournament
Time: 8pm-10pm
Location: Kinsella Auditorium
Description: Sign up to compete in a single-elimination style Mario Kart tournament. Sign up with friends or show up solo and race your way to the top to win some huge prizes and have your name added to the Mario Kart Trophy! Register HERE.
Saturday, September 7
Tailgate Party and Soccer Home openers
Time:
- Tailgate: 11am-12:30pm
- Buses leave at 12:30pm
- Women’s Game: 1pm
- Men's Game: 3:15pm
- Buses back: 5:30pm
Location:
- Tailgate: Lower courtyard
- Games: Grant Harvey
- Join everyone in the lower courtyard wearing your best STU gear for a Tailgate BBQ before being bused to the Tommies home opener soccer games. STUSU will have music, face painting and sign making! Buses will bring students to the Grant Harvey field where there will be a canteen, halftime prizes and tons of fans cheering on the Tommies.
NB Afro Fest
Time: September 6 and 7 (Two days of activities)
Location: Fredericton Waterfront
Description: Get ready for Atlantic Canada's biggest cultural celebration! The New Brunswick African Festival (NB Afro Fest) is just a few weeks away, happening live in Fredericton on September 6th(Meet & greet event at the Cultural Centre) and 7th (full day festivities at the Fredericton Waterfront, followed by a Gala Dinner). Do not miss this incredible opportunity to experience vibrant performances, delicious food, make new friends and rich cultural displays that bring our community together. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities and make unforgettable memories. Mark your calendars now!
https://youtu.be/6v4q4amFczo?si=BOZxirX5Xs9d7qpF
https://www.frederictoncapitalregion.ca/see-do/festivals-events/calendar-events/nb-afro-fest-2024
STUSU Carnival Night
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Dining Hall (GMH)
Description: Get ready for a night of fun and excitement at STUSU Carnival Night hosted by your own student union! Join us for an evening where the thrill of games meets good food and good drinks. Exciting prizes await the top game performers!
The event is open to all students. Bring a government ID and cash for alcoholic beverages.
Sunday, September 8
Opening Mass
Time: 7pm
Location: Holy Cross Chapel
Description: Opening mass followed by a welcome reception.
Monday, September 9
STUISA Buddy Program Event
Time: 3pm-4pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Meet and Greet for Little Buddies and Big Buddies to meet each other in person. Followed by a game to see which group knows each other better.
History Society Wacky History PowerPoint Night and Mixer
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Edmund Casey Hall Classroom G12
Description: A night of fun and goofy history and socializing with snacks. Anyone wanting to present a PowerPoint can send it to historysociety@stu.ca by the day before the event. Please keep presentations under 5 minutes. Everyone is welcome, you do not need to present but are more than welcome to, and you do not need to be a history major.
Tuesday, September 10
Experiential Learning and Career development information session
Time: 3pm-4pm
Location: George Martin Hall 207
Description: Join us to learn about all that the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Development has to offer! In this session, we will discuss how to find volunteer and employment opportunities, the Experiential Learning Certificate, how to navigate the Learning in Action platform, and more!
Wednesday, September 11
Ice Cream Social: Chill with the Philosophy Society
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Location: JDH Dining Area
Description: Join the Philosophy Society for an Ice Cream Social and meet & greet. Come on by to enjoy a sweet treat and learn about the Philosophy Society!
Welcome Students to the WAB
Time: 12pm
Location: Wabanaki Centre (JDH)
Description: Meet and Greet with members of the Reconciliation Committee to show the Wabanaki Centre resources and what is provided by it.
STUACSC Paint n’ Sip
Time: 2pm
Location: Lower Courtyard
Description: Join the STU African Caribbean Student Community to enjoy an afternoon involving the painting of African landscape and designs. Refreshments will be provided.
BIPOC Snack and Chats
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Location: Wabanaki Student Lounge
Description: The BIPOC Snacks & Chats is a weekly drop-in session for racialized students, to hang out, share, connect, opportunity to meet diverse guest speakers from the larger community to talk cultures, and the provincial government to share opportunities, make new friends, talk about subjects and topics that matter to students. An opportunity to talk about success & challenges faced in classroom and on the stu-campus environment.
Black Student Association Game Night
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: A social/games night for students to socialize and play games as well as have a chance to learn about the Black Student Association. Snacks and prizes will be provided!
Great Book “Binding” with the Great Books Society
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Brian Mulroney Hall Rotunda
Description: Are you interested in the Great Books Program? Join our student-led society to try your hand at making your own great book. Enjoy music, conversation, and leave with a hand-made journal!
Thursday, September 12
Enactus Iced Lemonade & People Bingo
Time: 11am-2pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Join Enactus to enjoy some free lemonade and a chance to meet new people. Bingo cards with questions will be provided and are filled out by getting answers from different people. Bingo cards can be exchanged for a raffle ticket upon completion. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase.
Aramark 60th Anniversary
Time: TBD
Location: Meal Hall
Description: Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Aramark on the STU campus! Travel through the ages by trying the most popular foods from each decade.
Campus Ministry Opening Retreat
Time: 3:30pm-8pm
Location: Meet at Holy Cross Chapel
Description: Stroll down to St. Dunstan’s Church where we will prepare a Maritime Feast and kick off the year with prayer and fellowship. Latecomers welcome at St. Dunstan’s. Afterwards, students can go off to explore the Harvest Music Fest together.
Irish Society Trivia Meet and Greet
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Student Lounge (JDH)
Description: Join the Irish Society (An Cumman Gaeilge) for a trivia night all about Ireland and a meet and greet with the new members of the executive group.
Friday, September 13
STU night at Harvest Jazz and Blues Music Festival
Time:
Campus BBQ- 4:30pm, Lower campus courtyard
Concert – 7pm, Ginger Agency Barracks tent
Description: We have teamed up with Harvest Music Festival to provide our STU community with free access to the Harvest shows at the Ginger Agency Barracks venue on Friday, September 13th. This concert is free for all STU students. In order to get into the venue, you MUST PICK UP A TICKET FROM THE HELP DESK AHEAD OF THE CONCERT. Tickets can be picked up at the Welcome Centre located in JDH from 10am-6pm starting September 4th. Must show Ucard to receive a ticket. Limited to one ticket per student. Join us in the lower courtyard before the concert for a free BBQ and buses down to the show.