World Record Attempts, Pep Rally, Live Music Highlight Orientation Week
August 29, 2007 - News Release
The University of Guelph will be welcoming more than 4,500 students to campus Sept. 2 to 7 for this year's Orientation Week.
Some 350 events are planned, including a Guinness World Record challenge, a huge pep rally and live music and student performances.
The theme of this year's Orientation Week is "Agents of Change."
"Orientation Week is a great opportunity to encourage students to empower themselves and become agents of change," said Alison Punnett, co-ordinator of orientation and transition programs. "We want our students to not only have an impact on campus but to also be global citizens."
Orientation begins Sept. 2 with student move-in day. About 3,600 students will be moving into residence with help from almost 1,000 representatives of the University. Gordon Street will be closed between Stone Road and College Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At 8 p.m., the pep rally and the "OV Boogie," a time-honoured U of G tradition, will be held at Alumni Stadium.
Students will be put to the test Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. with a challenge to set the Guinness World Record for the largest game of Simon Says. Breaking world records is nothing new to U of G students, who last year managed to break the record for the most simultaneous high-fives. They will also try to beat their own record this year.
The home opener football game will follow at 1 p.m. at Alumni Stadium with the Guelph Gryphons hosting the Ottawa Gees-Gees.
On Sept. 5 at 11 a.m., president Alastair Summerlee will welcome new students at a free lunch at the Gryphon Dome. Following the lunch, the students will be invited to a Resource Fair on the practice soccer fields. From taste-testing to trivia to chemical experiments, they'll learn interactively about all the resources available on campus.
A music festival called Fusion Fest runs Sept. 7 at noon on Johnston Green. It will feature live bands, student performances, off-campus foods, bubble tea and henna tattoos.
The week wraps up with the OVie Awards to recognize various achievements and celebrate the hard work of more than 600 Orientation volunteers.
For more information about Orientation Week.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338 or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982
