ORIENTATION & FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
ORIENTATION
Learn the ins and outs of being a MacEwan University student—from getting around campus to finding student clubs and activities. Orientation events and resources will help you get ready for your first term and beyond.
Complete the online Orientation Course at your own pace and start navigating those tricky first-year waters. Attend an Early Bird Orientation event and New Student Orientation Day to learn all you need to know about being a first-year student. Attendance at these events is optional but highly recommended.
Complete the online New Student Orientation Course to discover tips and tricks to ease first-day anxieties. You’ll find an introduction to MacEwan’s online systems and tools and an overview of campus services and supports that will help you succeed in your studies.
You are automatically registered in this course in paskwâwi-mostos mêskanâs, the university’s online learning platform located in myPortal.

At this half-day event, you are introduced to life on campus. Take a tour, meet fellow students and learn about supports and services.
Take the rest of the day to get a head start on your to-do list while campus is quiet—reserve a locker, pick up your student ID and avoid big lines at the bookstore.
Early Bird Orientations are available at various times throughout the year. You can pick the date and time that works best for you.

New Student Orientation Day
Before the first day of classes each term, new students are invited to attend New Student Orientation Day. Planned activities take place throughout the morning, leaving you with the rest of the day to find your classrooms, set up your MacEwan ID and U-Pass, buy books, ask questions and explore campus.
Some faculties and programs host afternoon sessions geared specifically toward their students. If your faculty or program offers a separate orientation session, you will receive an invitation by email.
September 2, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
MacEwan University
The Fall New Student Orientation is a festival of activities filled with energy and excitement that you won’t want to miss. The day opens with a welcome address and includes an information and service fair, workshops, social media contests and prize draws.
Schedule
Time | Activity | Details |
---|---|---|
9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Welcome event | David Atkinson Gymnasium (Room 8-142) |
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | First-year group photo | David Atkinson Gymnasium (Room 8-142) |
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Info Fair | First floor of Buildings 6 and 7 |
10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. | Student skill sessions | Half-hour work sessions running back-to-back |
All day | Faculty and program orientations | All faculties have orientations throughout the day. Find yours in the schedule below. |
Friday, January 2, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
MacEwan University
At Winter New Student Orientation, you spend the morning touring campus and learning about the services and resources available to first-year students. In the afternoon, you can attend info sessions that focus more specifically on your areas of interest, or you can take care of your to-do list before classes start.
Location: Room 6-132
Time: 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
Get useful tips from our Student Success Navigators on improving your study skills to ease the transition into university classes.
Location: Room 6-136
Time: 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
Find out how to manage stress and thrive in university life with the Peer Health Education Team.
Location: Room 6-152
Time: 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
Discover how academic advisors can help you navigate university programs and help you succeed.
Location: Room 6-156
Time: 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
Take control over your finances and reduce stress by learning essential budgeting skills.
Location: Room 6-153
Time: 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
Learn about AI uses and best practices from the Academic Integrity Office.
Faculty of Arts and Science Orientation
Location: David Atkinson Gymnasium (Room 8-142)
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
New Student Orientation Lunch
Location: Allard Hall Atrium
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Dean’s Welcome
Location: Betty Andrews Recital Hall (Room 11-150)
Time: 1 – 1:30 p.m.
Program Orientations
Bachelor of Design
Location: Feigel Conference Centre (Room 11-204)
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Bachelor of Music
Location: Betty Andrews Recital Hall (Room 11-150)
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Bachelor of Communication Studies and Public Relations Diploma
Location: Room 11-452
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Theatre Production and Music Theatre Performance
Location: Triffo Theatre (Room 11-130)
Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Arts and Cultural Management
Location: Room 11-465
Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Studio Arts
Location: Room 11-157
Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies
Location: Room 7-146
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Educational Assistant
Location: Room 9-217
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Child and Youth Care 1st Years
Location: Room 9-207/208
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Child and Youth Care 2nd, 3rd and 4th Years
Location: Room 9-207/208
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Department of Health and Human Services Student Orientation
Location: Kule Theatre (Room 9-323)
Time: 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Acupuncture
Location: Room 9-302J
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Massage Therapy
Location: Room 9-310
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Bachelor of Physical Education Transfer
Location: Room 8-207
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Physical Therapist Assistant / Occupational Therapist Assistant
Location: Room 9-215
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Location: Room 9-216
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Social Work
Location: Kule Theatre (Room 9-323)
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies New Student Orientation
Location: Kule Theatre (Room 9-323)
Time: 12:30 – 1 p.m.
Police Studies
Location: Room 9-315 (PSSC Classroom)
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Investigative Studies
Location: Room 9-316
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Emergency Communications and Response
Location: Room 9-322
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Community Justice and Corrections
Location: Room 9-214
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration Virtual Orientation
Location: Link to be emailed
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Program Orientation
Location: CN Theatre (Room 5-142)
Time: 12:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Location: CN Theatre (Room 5-142)
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
New International Student Orientation
Location: CN Theatre (Room 5-142)
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
School of Business New Student Orientation
Location: Paul Bryne Hall in the Heart of the Robbins (Room 9-100)
Time: 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Students are asked to register for the School of Business Orientation.
University Preparation (Academic Upgrading) Student Orientation
Location: Room 9-201
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Office Assistant Student Orientation
Location: Room 9-202
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
English as an Additional Language (EAL/ESL) Student Orientation
Location: Room 11-567
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Gerontology and Hospice Palliative Care Student Orientation
Location: Room 9-213
Time: 12 – 2 p.m.
School of Continuing Education International – Professional Development Certificate Programs Student Orientation
Location: Room 9-102
Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
For School of Continuing Education International Students in Project Management and Professional Communication, Business Analysis and Professional Communication, Supply Chain Management & Logistics and Professional Communication, Bookkeeping & Accounting Technology and Professional Communication, Full-Stack Web Development and Professional Communication.
pimâcihisowin Foundation Program (pFP) Student Orientation CN Theatre
Location: kihêw waciston gathering space (Room 9-115)
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.