What is OWeek?

Students enjoying treats from some of our many food trucks available across campus during OWeek 2021

Western’s Orientation Program is a joint effort between several stakeholders on campus including Western University, The University Students’ Council, Brescia University College, Huron University College, and King’s University College. 

There are several programs and services at Western that support student transition; the Orientation Program is an important element of this large network. Although the Orientation Program is heavily focused on social connectedness, it also serves as a catalyst for the beginning of the lengthier, year-long transition by connecting students to learning and development resources at the University.

“OWeek helped me feel at home again when my home is actually a ways away. The Welcome Rally on Residence Day, the Opening Ceremonies, the Faculty Rally, the OneLove Rally, and the Closing Ceremonies were all crucial in providing me with the knowledge to thrive here”

(2019 OWeek Survey Findings)

The History of the Orientation Program

OWeek Closing Ceremony

Way back in the day, before the phenomenon of online registration, course registration had to be done by hand. As you can probably imagine, that took a long time – a week to be exact. Gradually, upper-year students on campus noticed that first-year students’ first impressions of Western involved waiting around in line. Something needed to be done. These upper-year students (now called “Sophs”) began organizing events for the incoming first-year students, to welcome them to Western and demonstrate the wide range of opportunities our school has to offer. This tradition continued and became known as Orientation Week, or OWeek! 

Now that online registration takes a matter of minutes and happens over the summer, Orientation Week focuses on welcoming you to your new home, helping you meet other first-year incoming students, and giving you the opportunity to learn about all the different aspects of life at Western. Over the years, Orientation Week has evolved into an incredible and truly unique experience!

Past OWeeks, Videos & Testimonies

By the end of OWeek 2019, 96% of respondents felt like they were part of the Western community.
(Orientation Survey Findings Report 2019)
“The message that I remember most from Welcome Rally [during OWeek 2019] was that Western is your home away from home, and although the journey may seem daunting at first, it’ll all work out in the end. There are so many people here to support each and every one of us on our journey through our respective careers, and we should take advantage of everything offered to us”
(Orientation Survey Findings Report 2019)
"I loved OServes, and it was probably the highlight of my OWeek! I’d love to see similar volunteer initiatives throughout the year"
(Orientation Survey Findings Report 2019)
Play Video about OWeek 2022 Recap Video

What to Expect

Who Are We?

Orientation Week is an initiative that aims to support both the social and academic transition of incoming students to Western’s campus. Our diverse programming is intentionally designed to familiarize incoming students with their surroundings, community, and on-campus supports and resources. Through our robust offering of events and activities, ranging from high to low intensity, students will experience programming that feels individualized, welcoming, inclusive, and safe. Ultimately, our focus for this week is supporting incoming students in building connections with other students, faculty members, and the greater Western community, all while having fun and making lifelong memories!

OWeek Opening Ceremony

Alternative Orientations

International Students OWeek

International Students:

International Student Orientation, from August 30 to September 2, is a great opportunity to get connected and get to know campus a few days before OWeek starts! Hosted by Western International, a full range of events and services will provide opportunities to meet friends, have fun, get help settling in, and learn more about academics, resources and student life on campus. Participation is completely free, and it’s open to all incoming international students.

Register online here.

Indigenous Students

Get connected before OWeek!

Are you an indigenous student? Come meet other first-year students for a fun day with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)! During the Indigenous Student Orientation you will also meet ISC staff, learn about resources and services offered on campus, and meet some amazing student leaders!

Learn more here.

The Strategic Plan