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

News Release

August 31, 2006

Two World Record Attempts, Food, Music Highlight Orientation Week

The University of Guelph will welcome thousands of new students to campus Sept. 3 to 8 with more than 350 events and activities. Highlights of Orientation Week include a pep rally, two Guinness World Record challenges, as well as games, food and performances.

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

"Thinking of the hopes and dreams that our entering students hold for their future here at Guelph, ‘Imagine’ seems like an appropriate theme," said Shawn Cooper, student activities co-ordinator in the University’s student life and counselling services office.

Orientation begins Sept. 3 with student move-in starting at 8 a.m. More than 3,500 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 12th 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. 4, students will gather on Johnston Green at 10:30 a.m. for the 10th annual world record challenge. This year, students will attempt to break one existing Guinness World Record and set another. The details of this year’s challenges shall be unveiled Sunday at the pep rally.

On Sept. 6, President Alastair Summerlee will give his official welcome to new students at 11 a.m. in the Gryphon Dome. It will be followed by a free lunch in the soccer field outside the dome. Lunch will be followed by the Academic Resource Fair on the soccer field.

On Sept. 7 starting at 4 p.m. in various locations is "Mosaic." The event is an evening that includes food vendors, film screenings, an open stage, as well as dance, music and spoken word performances, brought together to celebrate Guelph’s cultural diversity. At another venue at 6 p.m. a performance by hypnotist Mike Mandell will be featured.

Orientation Week closing ceremonies will take place Sept. 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Rozanski Hall. It will be a semi-formal event including a professional DJ.