Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

August 24, 2005

World Record Attempt, Food, Music Highlight Orientation Week

The University of Guelph will welcome thousands of new students to campus Sept. 4 to 10 with more than 350 events and activities. Highlights of Orientation Week include a pep rally, the Great Guelph Challenge and an attempt at breaking a Guinness World Record.

The theme of this year’s Orientation Week is "Festival."

"The theme was chosen to express the excitement of beginning university and to show our new students that we're celebrating their arrival on campus as they join our community," said Rachel Barreca, co-ordinator of student activities in the University’s student life and counseling services office.

Orientation begins Sept. 4 with student move-in starting at 8 a.m. More than 3,000 new students will be moving into residence with assistance from almost 1,000 representatives of the University, including orientation volunteers, residence life staff and other student, staff and faculty volunteers. Gordon Street will be closed between Stone Road and College Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help alleviate traffic congestion.

At 8 p.m., a pep rally and the annual "OV Boogie" will be held on the field of Alumni Stadium. Celebrating its 11th year, the "OV Boogie" is a 10-minute choreographed dance performed by the 600 orientation volunteers. New students from each residence hall and the off-campus university students group also perform a three-minute boogie dance and compete for prizes.

On Sept. 5, students will gather on Johnston Green at 10:30 a.m. for the 10th annual world record challenge. This year, students will attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for the largest game of "Duck, Duck, Goose." The current record stands at 432 participants.

On Sept. 7, the "Great Guelph Challenge" brings participants together in teams to solve clues and locate campus destinations starting at the Gryphon Dome at 12:30 p.m.

On Sept. 8 starting at 5:30 p.m. at various campus locations is "Festival." The event is an evening that includes an international food festival, a performance by hypnotist Mike Mandel, film screenings, an open stage and a big final concert.

"This is the first time all of the student groups involved with putting this event together have collaborated like this," said Barreca. "It’s an amazing undertaking and a powerful way to welcome new students to U of G."

Orientation Week festivities close Sept. 10 with a dinner and slide show beginning at 4:30 p.m. in Rozanski Hall.

For more information about Orientation Week contact Barreca at (519) 824-4120, Ext. 52994.