What is Orientation?
UTM provides lots of programming to welcome you to the community and get you ready and prepared for the year ahead. Check out this video introduction to the various orientation supports available at UTM!
If you are unable to access the YouTube video above, view the video on Microsoft Stream.
Quick Links:
- Orientation Programs
- Orientation Calendar
- Plan Your Orientation Journey
- Parent & Family Support
- Contact Us
Orientation Programs for YOU!
There is something for everyone! Start your online summer programming with EagleConnect and Head Start. EagleOrientation and UTMSU Orientation are additional hybrid orientation programs available for all incoming first year students. Then, you can also choose an orientation program(s) from the “Find-Your-Fit” section that best meets your interest. We offer orientation programs for students with disabilities, students who identify as black, international students, current undergraduate on-campus residence students, students enrolled in Sheridan courses, and our 2SLGTBQ+ community. Parent and Family Orientation is also available for parent and family members of new students.
IMPORTANT: Please note that this information on this page is from 2022. Updated information outlining the 2023 Orientation activities will be updated in June 2023.
Online Summer Programming
EagleConnect and Head Start are online summer programs that offer a wide variety of weekly modules, synchronous and asynchronous sessions. These sessions and modules are designed to help you get acquainted to post-secondary life at UTM. By attending these transition programs, students will learn how to manage a busy student life, meet peers, and get introduced to faculty, staff and upper year UTM students.
EagleConnect
As part of your pre-arrival programming at UTM, EagleConnect welcomes you to a 12-week period of academic (June - September), community-building and mentorship learning opportunities. In this program, you will be enrolled in squads (groups) which are led by Squad Leaders -upper year students. This transition program will help you start your undergraduate life at UTM through weekly modules; enrolling in classes, managing finances, campus arrival expectations and much more. Learn more on the EagleConnect website!
Head Start
Head Start (Aug 22 – Sep 2) offers two weeks of synchronous online programming to support your understanding of university expectations, develop key university-level academic skills and learning strategies, and welcome you to the scholarly community at UTM. Sessions include faculty-facilitated interactive presentations and workshops on writing, math, time-management, note-taking, academic integrity and much more. Participants will also get the opportunity to interact and learn from UTM faculty, staff and students in panel discussions and social hours themed around making the most of your first year and student life in general. Learn more on the Head Start website!
Orientations: All Students
With a mix of community-building, engagement opportunities, technical-skills workshops, EagleOrientation and UTMSU Orientation are offered to all incoming first year students.
EagleOrientation
Over a three-month period, during the summer before the start of their studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga, Eagle Orientation invites its incoming first-year students to engage with several social and informational events to increase their familiarity and connectivity with the UTM! Students will learn how to make connections with first-year and upper-year students, faculty, and staff as they learn about academic programs, course enrollment, and curricular support. Learn more on the EagleOrientation website!
UTMSU Orientation
For over 35 years, the UTM Students’ Union has hosted the most anticipated in-person frosh week of the year (Sep 4 – 9). With the return to campus, the UTMSU is offering events including a Boat Cruise, Paint and Foam Party, Carnival, Formal, Amazing Race and Games. Students will also get the opportunity to learn more about UTMSU's campaigns, events and services, clubs and academic societies, and get accustomed to life at UTM. For more information, visit the UTMSU Orientation website!
Orientations: Find Your Fit
Find Your Fit! The following orientation programs are offered for students who identify as either students with disabilities, students who self-identify as black, international students, current on-campus undergraduate residence students, students enrolled in Sheridan courses, and our 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Black Excellence Orientation
For students who self-identify as Black.
The Black Excellence Orientation (Aug 18 – 19) is for students who self identify as Black and are looking to get to know UTM’s black faculty, staff and students. This two-day orientation event will give you the opportunity to learn transition tips for life at UTM, learn about on and off-campus resources, meet student-led campus groups, explore on-campus engagement and recruitment opportunities and more. On day two, students will get together for a Barbeque and socialize with each other and most importantly, have fun! Learn more on the Black Excellence Orientation website.
Summer Academic Skills Institute (SASI)
For students who self-identify as having a disability.
The Summer Academic Skills Institute (SASI) designed for students who identify as having a disability. If you require accessibility accommodations, join the SASI orientation to participate in a customized program where you can develop academic skills, course planning, connect with upper-year peer mentors, and learn how to navigate your undergrad at UTM. Learn more on the SASI website!
Sheridan Orientation
For students who are enrolled in Sheridan courses.
Sheridan’s New Student Orientation (Aug 30 & Sep 1) is designed to assist you in your transition to Sheridan and prepare you for success. You will have the chance to learn about Sheridan, hear about upper-year student experiences and complete important tasks to get ready to start your Sheridan journey. Check out the New Student Orientation page and Transition Well page on Sheridan Central for event information and resources to help you succeed at Sheridan. More information will be available soon!
Residence Orientation
For undergraduate on-campus residence students.
Residence Orientation is your chance to get to know your new home, neighbours and residence community, including the Residence Student Staff who are here to support you throughout the year. Learn what it means to be a successful residence student, meet new people, and most importantly: have fun! Click here to visit the UTM Residence website.
International & New-to-Canada Student Welcome
For international, permanent resident, or a new-to-Canada students.
If you are an international, permanent resident, or a new to Canada student arriving at UTM, join the International & New-to-Canada Student Welcome (Sep 6) to become familiar with immigration services/policies, international student requirements, health services, and more. Learn about your transition to UTM as an international student, meet your peers and get acquainted with the International Education Centre (IEC). Learn more on the IEC's orientation website!
Queer Orientation
For new and returning 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, librarians.
Are you a 2SLGBTQ+ student? Are you an incoming or returning student, staff, faculty or librarian? Join the Queer Orientation (Sep 19 – 23) activities across all three campuses to participate in social events like game nights, networking and community-building opportunities, athletic activities, spiritual/faith-focused programming, and so much more. Queer Orientation will connect you to different offices, departments, and groups on campus and also allow you to learn about the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SGDO) programs, supports, and services.
Orientation Calendar
A full PDF calendar of August and September events is available.
Plan Your Orientation Journey
Below is the toolkit that will help you plan your orientation journey at UTM. We realize that there are numerous programs available to you and to make the planning process easier, we have created the following a step-by-step guide to orientation as follows.
Step 1: Road to UTM
Organized in a chronological order, this map will help you visualize the order of the orientation programs. Visit the second page to learn more about the orientation program so you can decide which one's interest you the most! An accessible alternative is also available.
Step 2: Make your personalized calendar
This tool allows you to create a customized orientation schedule for yourself. Click on the Google calendar icon to add the orientation event to your Google Calendar or the Outlook calendar icon to add to your Outlook calendar. By creating a personalized schedule, you can better prepare for the events, register on time and help avoid any schedule conflicts. An accessible alternative is also available.
Step 3: Register
View the full PDF. An accessible alternative is also available.
After creating your orientation schedule, you can register for orientation! Though several orientation programs don’t require registration (you will be invited to these programs automatically), registration is required for rest of the orientations with exception to Queer Orientation and UTMSU Orientation that require separate registration. If you want to register for S.A.S.I, EagleOrientation (Aug-Sep), International & New-to-Canada Student Welcome and/or Black Excellence Orientation, fill out the Orientation Registration Form.
Orientation registration is now open!
Other Orientation Learning Opportunities
The University of Toronto offers other orientation learning and support opportunities.
Family Care Office
UofT's tri-campus Family Care Office aims to assist university members and their families. For more information about their orientation programming and supports, visit the Family Care Office website. This year's offerings:
Orientation for Students with Family Responsibilities 2022
Friday, September 23 • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Orientation for Students with Family Responsibilities 2022 – Student Panel & Family Event
Saturday, September 24 • 10:00am – 12:30 pm
Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre
UofT's tri-campus Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre (SVPSC) works to create a campus environment where all members of the University community can study, work and live free from sexual violence. Visit the SVPSC website for more information about how to access the SVPSC's resources and orientation supports.
Parent & Family Support
Recognizing the important role parents and family members play in UTM students' lives, we are here to support parent and family members and build their capacity to serve as a helpful resource to their student. Parents and family members of new UTM students have access to the following resources during their student's first year of study at UTM.
Parent & Family Orientation
Parent & Family Orientation is the official welcome for parents and families of incoming UTM students. This one day event, scheduled for September 3, 2022, will include information-filled sessions about academic expectations, campus resources, and effective strategies for supporting your UTM student. In-person and streaming options available. Add this orientation to your Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar. More information can be found on the Parent and Family Orientation website.
Newsletter
Do you anticipate being a parent or family member to a student beginning their studies at UTM in September 2022? If so, we invite you to sign up for the UTM Family Connect Monthly Newsletter. Through this newsletter, you can receive updates and information about the Parent and Family Orientation. Check out the Parent & Family website to sign up.
Resources
Discover additional resources for parents and families! These include the UTM Office of the Registrar's Parent and Family Guide, as well as the University of Toronto's tri-campus Parent and Family resources.
For more information, visit the Parent & Family website!
Contact Us
For all of your questions about orientation and transition support, the Centre for Student Engagement is here to help. Send us an email at engage.utm@utoronto.ca.
Centre for Student Engagement
Room 2077, Davis Building
We hope you can visit us soon! Wayfinding
