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
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
What to Expect
Faculty Day
Faculty Day is an entire day during Oweek dedicated to learning about your faculty and connect with professors and staff. You get a chance to pick your faculty sophs’ brain on course selections, time management, and everything school related. You will get a tour of campus so you’re as ready as you can be for your first day of classes!
Open and Closing Ceremonies
Open and Closing Ceremonies mark the beginning and the end of Oweek; naturally, they are the biggest events of Oweek! You will go with either your Residence team or your Faculty team, and you’ll get a chance to do some cheers and show some Western Pride. This is also where you can expect some of the most exciting programming, as the Ceremonies each end with a concert!
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!
Alternative Orientations
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
Through exceptional orientation programming, students will maximize their individual potential in the classroom, on campus and as citizens of broader communities.
The program seeks to orient incoming students to many aspects of campus life while fostering peer connections and building a sense of belonging on campus and in the London community. In collaboration with staff, faculty, and students, we aim to facilitate a seamless transition to campus, providing the necessary resources to support student wellbeing and academic preparedness.