Welcome Week 2025

Your first week on campus—Welcome Week—is packed with activities that will help you make friends, become familiar with your surroundings, and get comfortable on campus before you begin classes!

Welcome Week is designed for all incoming first-year students, both living in residence and living off-campus (OC). Regardless of where you live, you are encouraged to participate in Welcome Week events. Upper year students may also participate in activities; however, some events are meant only for New-to-STU students and are specified as such.

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!

STUdent Help Desk

The STUdent Help Desk is in Sir James Dunn Hall and is open all year round. The STUdent Help Desk is run by staff and 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 UCard (student ID) if you live off campus, 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 Dawn Russell Student Lounge on the first floor of Sir James Dunn Hall, the Wellness Zone is open throughout Welcome Week during busier events.

Ask Me About STU Campaign

We know it can be overwhelming to navigate your new surroundings during your first week at STU. That’s why we created the “Ask Me About STU” campaign! Look for faculty, staff, and students wearing Ask Me About STU buttons to find people around campus who can help you along the way. They can help you find specific rooms or buildings on campus, help you connect with a resource or service, or even help you find the best coffee spots on campus!

WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE

PDF Schedule - Available for Download

Saturday, August 30 - Move in Day and Welcome to STU

Residence Move-In
Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Residences (Vanier Hall, Harrington Hall, & Holy Cross House)
Description: Students meet their Residence Advisors, Residence Coordinators, and House Council members as they move into their new homes for the year. House shirts and Student IDs available for pick-up.

Welcome Week Kit Pick-Up (First-Year Students Only)
Time: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Help Desk (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: First-year students can pick up a Welcome Week Kit containing STU swag and other university essentials. These are available at the STUdent Help Desk until the end of Welcome Week. UCard (Student ID) required.

Registrar's Office Drop-In
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: George Martin Hall Room 101

The Registrar's Office will be open during Move-In Day for students and parents who may have questions. The Registrar's Office manages course registration and provides a one-stop service to students for most academic activities within the administrative or non-teaching context.

Information Technology Services Drop-In
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Room 201
Information Technology Services will be open during Move-In Day for students who need help accessing their STU account, setting up their Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and passwords, connecting to the campus Wi-Fi, or learning how and where to print, etc. Regular support hours will resume Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Parents & Supporters Reception
Time: 2:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Great Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Join Ryan Sullivan, Associate Vice-President of Enrolment Management, at 2:30 PM 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 services staff before and after the presentation. Refreshments provided.

Test Out the Dining Hall & Lawn Games

Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall) & Lower Courtyard
Description: Fuel up after a busy day 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 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. Free for all students- including off campus, $5 for any parents and supporters.

Swag Sale

Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Lower courtyard
Description: Students, parents, and supporters: come grab some official STU merch and get ready to show your Tommies pride. Whether you’re looking for new t-shirts, cozy options for cooler weather, notebooks, water bottles, lanyards for your new residence keys, or more, we have you covered!

House & Off Campus Huddles

Time: 6:00 PM-6:30 PM
Location:

Students living on campus will meet in their respective floor common rooms
Off-campus students: Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)

Description: Off-Campus Huddles and House Huddles are run throughout Welcome Week, and they are a chance to get to know other students living in your 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 residences will meet in their floor common rooms and off-campus students will always meet in the Ted Daigle Auditorium.

Cheer-Off Practice
Time: 6:30 PM-7:30 PM

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 Cafeteria
Holy Cross House: Great Hall (George Martin Hall)

Description: Residence Advisors, Off-Campus Leaders, and Welcome Week Leaders will prepare the students for Cheer-Off. Students will learn the traditional STU cheer as well as unique cheers for their respective groups.

Cheer-Off
Time: 7:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard (Rain or Shine!)
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 After Party

Time: 8:30 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Description: Carry on the excitement of Cheer-Off by celebrating the beginning of Welcome Week and making new friends with snacks, drinks, and music in the courtyard!

Wellness Zone Open
Time: 6:30 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell 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, August 31

House & Off Campus Huddles and Group Photos

Time: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Location:

Residence students to meet in their common rooms
Off campus students to meet in Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)

Description: This huddle will provide students with necessary information to navigate Welcome Week. Group photos will also be taken!

STUSU Paint Fight (First-Year Students Only)

Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Lawn next to Holy Cross House (Rain or Shine!)
Description: Join your STU Students’ Union executives for an epically fun and colourful paint fight! STUSU will be providing a limited number of white T-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to bring their own T-shirt that can get messy for this event!

Note: You will need to rinse off before entering any university buildings.

Wellness Zone Open
Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell 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.

STUSU Movie Night

Time:

First Screening: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Second Screening: 9:00 PM-11:00 PM

Location: Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)
Description: Enjoy a chill evening with snacks watching Pitch Perfect with your new classmates. Bring your blankets and wear your PJs! There will be two screenings of the same movie, so pick the time that works best for you!

Monday, September 1

Pizza Party presented by OMISTA Credit Union

Time: 11:30 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard

Rain Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Join us in the lower courtyard to fuel up for the day with pizza from our very own Dining Services!

Sustainability Workshop: Upcycle Old T-Shirts

Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM

Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)

Description: Join STU Alum and Upcycle Lab NB representative Estefania Martinez in this workshop to learn how to give life back to old shirts by turning them into pillows. Learn a new skill and bring home a handmade Welcome Week souvenir! Shirts and materials will be provided.

STU Scavenger Hunt (First-Year Students Only)

Time: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

Location: Lower Courtyard

Rain Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria

Description: Bring your friends or join a group to get to know campus and enter a raffle to win some great prizes!

Friendship Bracelet Making & Trading

Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location: Lower Courtyard

Rain Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria

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.

House & Off Campus Programming
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Description: Meet in your huddle locations for some team activities.

Wellness Zone
Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: Come unwind from a busy day in our wellness zone.

Tuesday, September 2

Athletics & Recreation: Gym Tours/Orientation
Time: 9:00 AM-9:30 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come get a tour of the JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre and see what we have to offer! Students will learn the machines and equipment so that you can work out safely and effectively. Students can also see our Basketball Court, Squash Court, Ping Pong area, and learn about our Bike Share and Winter Rental programs!

Academic Orientation Day (First-Year Students Only. Includes Academics 101, Lunch, and the Commencement Ceremony)

Academics 101
Time: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (Margaret Norrie McCain Hall)
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: 11:45 AM-1:15 PM
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall)

Description: Join us for lunch and enjoy the delicious options offered by STU’s Dining Services. Meal tickets will be provided to off-campus first-year students.

Commencement Ceremony
Time: 1:30 PM-2:45 PM
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (Margaret Norrie McCain Hall)
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.

Pick up a gown to wear between 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM outside the Kinsella Auditorium!

Adult Learners & Transfer Students’ Reception
Time: 3:15 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Margaret Norrie McCain Hall, Room 308
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.

Athletics & Recreation: Cross Country Run
Time: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Looking to join our Cross Country team? Or want to try organized group running? Have a trial run with our Coaches and current Athletes around campus and Fredericton’s beautiful trail system!

Athletics & Recreation: Pilates
Time: 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard

Rain Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come try Pilates put on by Precision Pilates in the lower courtyard! Work on balance, strength, and control! Mats are provided if you need one at the JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre.

Find Your Class Mini Tours (First-Year Students Only)

Time: 3:00 PM-7:00 PM

Location: Meet in front of Duffie Hall

Description: Join campus tour ambassadors for tours that will show you where each of your classes are, in addition to highlighting where you can find some of our signature services and resources on campus! We’ll have your schedule printed for you in Duffie Hall, so there’s no need to bring it.

SVNB Presents: Sex Trivia Night (First-Year Students Only)
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (Margaret Norrie McCain Hall)

Description: Get ready for a night that’s entertaining and educational! Sexual Violence New Brunswick (SVNB) invites you to our annual Sex Trivia Night, co-hosted by a fabulous drag queen who brings humour and a show-stopping performance mid-event. Trivia winners will have the opportunity to choose a sex toy prize in a private space at the end of the night!

This is not your average trivia night. Each question is followed by experts breaking down the facts in a fun and judgment-free zone. With four categories:

Consent: Let’s get real about what it means, how it works, and why it matters.
Myths & Misconceptions: Debunking myths about sex using clips from popular TV shows.
Sexual Health: Get the facts on safer sex, STBBIs, and caring for your body.
Sex Toy or Inanimate Object?: A guessing game with an educational twist.

Whether you're in it to win it or just there for the drag and good vibes, Sex Trivia Night is a chance to laugh, learn, and walk away a little wiser.

House & Off Campus Programming
Time: 9:00 PM-10:00 PM
Description: Meet in your huddle locations for fun group activities.

Wellness Zone
Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: Come unwind from a busy day in our Wellness Zone.

Wednesday, September 3

Athletics & Recreation: Drop-in Basketball
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come show off your basketball skills and shoot around in the JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre’s Basketball Court! This is an unsupervised event meant for trying out the space. All equipment will be provided.

Pancake Breakfast
Time: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lower Courtyard

Rain Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
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! You can grab and go, or enjoy your meal at the picnic tables in the courtyard or at the tables in JDH.

Clubs & Societies Fair
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
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!

Photo Booth + Swag Sale
Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Duffie Hall
Description: Students, faculty, staff, and other members of the STU community: join us for a sale that will feature items for STU’s latest collection of official merch.

Long Night of Organization (First-Year Students Only)

Time: 5:00 PM-10:45 PM

Location: Great Hall

Description: There’s no better time to set yourself up for success and dispel anxiety you may have about your first semester of university. During Long Night of Organization you will have the opportunity to attend sessions run by different campus services and learn how they can support you. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with peers, hear from current students, enjoy refreshments, and have some fun along the way!

Thursday, September 4

Athletics & Recreation: Drop-in Badminton
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come show off your badminton skills and play around in the JB O’Keefe’s Basketball Court! This is an unsupervised event meant for trying out the space. All equipment will be provided.

Breakfast Club
Time: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria

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: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Learn about how you can get involved with local organizations and charities. Students can also sign up to volunteer for STU Cares: Day of Action.

City of Fredericton Welcome Back BBQ and City Night Market
Time: 4:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Gather in the Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Every year, the City of Fredericton welcomes new students to the city by hosting a BBQ downtown in Barracks Square. There will be live music as well as the opportunity to explore local resources and the last Garrison Night Market of the year! There will be water available to drink - please try and reduce plastic waste by bringing your own water bottle.

Welcome Week Leaders will walk a group down together, leaving from the lower courtyard at 4:30 PM. Buses will be available for students who need them and will be leaving from the Student Union Building at 4:45 PM and 5:15 PM. They will then be doing return trips at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM from the drop off location.

STU Mario Kart Tournament

Time: 9:00 PM-11:00 PM

Location: Black Box Theatre (Sir James Dunn Hall)

Description: Sign up to compete in a single-elimination style Mario Kart tournament. Come with friends or show up solo and race your way to the top to win some fun prizes and have your name added to the Mario Kart Trophy! Sign up here!

Wellness Zone
Time: 9:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: Come unwind from a busy day in our Wellness Zone.

Friday, September 5

Athletics & Recreation: Drop-in Pickleball
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come show off your pickleball skills and play around in the JB O’Keefe’s Basketball Court! This is an unsupervised event meant for trying out the space. All equipment will be provided.

Breakfast Club
Time: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria

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.

Indigenous Initiatives Gathering - Mawiyamok
Time: 11:00 AM-3:30 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard

Rain Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: Join our Indigenous Student Services team for a day filled with Indigenous Initiatives! Activities will include Sacred Fire Teachings, Drumming, and Traditional Craft Demonstrations. Students are also welcome to some Frybread Tacos for lunch!

Resource Fair
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Join us in the Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria to get to know all the resources that will help you find success at STU! You’ll be able to talk to representatives from services both on and off campus such as Residence Life, the Student Health Centre, Fredericton Transit, and more!

STUSU Pride Celebration & Art Project

Time: 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM

Location: Lower Courtyard

Rain Location: Dawn Russell Student lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)

Description: Join us in celebrating our 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies! Come get to know STU’s Queer & Ally Society, participate in a community art project, meet your peers, and enjoy music provided by CHSR.

Bingo (First-Year Students Only)

Time: 9:00 PM-11:00 PM

Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall)

Description: Come join us and our host to enjoy an evening of classic bingo with some awesome prizes!

Wellness Zone
Time: 9:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: Come unwind from a busy day in our Wellness Zone.

Saturday, September 6

Downtown Exploration
Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard to walk downtown as a group
Rain Location: Gather in the Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
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! Lunch will not be provided while downtown so be sure to check out all the great food options offered by local vendors at the Boyce Farmers Market or explore the area for some lovely cafes and restaurants. Welcome Week Leaders will take a group downtown, leaving from campus at 10:00 AM and lead a group back to campus leaving from the Boyce Farmers Market at 1:00 PM.

Coffee House

Time: 7:00 PM-11:00 PM

Location: Great Hall

Description: Students have the opportunity to sign up to perform for their peers! Whether it be singing, dancing, poetry, playing an instrument, or anything else, all are encouraged to participate! Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be provided. Starting at 9:00 PM, a cash bar will also be available to purchase drinks, marking the official end of the ‘dry’ week. Students must be at least 19 years of age and have a government issued ID to purchase alcohol! Sign up here!

Wellness Zone
Time: 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge

Description: Come unwind from a busy week in our Wellness Zone.

Sunday, September 7

Opening Mass & Campus Ministry Hang Out

Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM

Location: Holy Cross House Chapel

Description: Opening mass followed by a welcome reception.