Orientation Week Kicks Off at Dentistry
By Rachel Boutet
The organizers of Orientation Week (O-Week) are gearing up to welcome 96 incoming first-year DDS students to the Faculty.
Riya George 2T4, Abby Lindzon 2T4 and Jade Schneider 2T4 are this year’s O-Week organizers. From August 30th to September 3rd, 21 O-Week leaders will host an array of virtual and in-person events.
“Last year’s orientation activities were completely virtual,” says Lindzon. “Because the outdoor limit has increased to 100 people, we’re able to do a lot more in-person events this year and we’re really excited about it.”
The students will be divided into eight groups with two O-Week leaders per group. The first day will kick off with a welcome event with speakers including dean Daniel Haas, vice-dean of education, Jim Lai, director of advancement, Selina Esteves, and direct or student life, Richard Rayman. Students will grab ‘swag bags’ including a backpack, water bottle and other fun giveaways, and head to the park to play ice breakers and get to know the people they will be spending the next four years with. In true pandemic style, everyone will be given a mask to decorate with fabric markers. The day will conclude with a barbecue provided by the Dental Students’ Society (DSS).
The rest of the week will include virtual games day, a boat cruise on the Harbourfront, a pub night, a virtual exercise/yoga session, an outdoor games/sports day and a restaurant night where students can choose from seven different restaurants and will be provided gift cards for their meals.
One of the biggest events is the “Amazing Race” which will take place on September 1st. Teams will get to explore the city while having some friendly competition. Riya notes her excitement for it being in-person this year.
“In-person events always allow for better conversation,” she says. “It’s the simple things like waiting in line that allow you to create a bonding experience. You end up with a sense of belonging with your classmates and with the school.”
The week will cap off with a Centre Island day so students can explore the island and compete in team activities. An awards ceremony will provide winning teams from activities throughout the week with Amazon gift cards. The final evening will give first-year students the opportunity to connect with upper-year students through a virtual trivia night.
Lindzon says O-Week is such a vital part of the first-year experience, and hopes that more in-person events will allow less outgoing people to come out of their shell, something that’s challenging to do over Zoom.
“Orientation Week is the time you get to share with your new classmates before things get crazy with school,” says Lindzon. “You’re going to share the next four years with these people and O-Week gives everyone the chance to have an unforgettable shared experience. It’s where you can meet your best friend, no matter how cliché that sounds.”
Financial assistance and planning for O-Week was supported by the student services office, the office of student life and the alumni office.
Photo: University College, U of T (Jeff Comber)