ORIENTATION
2013
Welcome to Mount Saint Vincent University!
You may be a new student starting your first year at the Mount in September, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience! We want to ensure that you have everything you need prior to your arrival so that you are able to enjoy all there is to experience during Orientation Week and beyond at Mount Saint Vincent University. We hope that the information in this orientation update will excite you for September as well as prepare and help you get ahead of the game by knowing what you can take care of now before you arrive. You’ll find information about upcoming Jump Start events, how to connect with other new students and plenty of teases about our best Orientation Week yet! Inside you’ll find information on: Your Students’ Union, Orientation Events, Orientation Kits, Mount Contacts and Social Media, our August Jump Start Event, the Mount Motivation Video Contest, Campus Services, Shinerama and much more! So dive on in and begin exploring some of the big changes ahead for you and discover how to start your first year at the Mount RIGHT NOW!
Meet Your Students’ Union Executive Team Zach Gallant President president@mountstudents.ca (902) 457 - 6434
Joey Leblanc Vice President Communications vpcomm@mountstudents.ca (902) 457 – 6153
Tyler Bechard Vice President Student Life vplife@mountstudents.ca (902) 457 - 6105
The Students’ Union provides students and community with a variety of services: Awareness Campaigns Campus Pantry/Food Bank Crow ‘n Go Snack Bar Crows Nest Computer Lounge Fountain Playcentre Frost Fest Health & Dental Plan The HUB: Information Desk
MOvember Orientation Relay for Life Shinerama Societies Used Textbook Fair Vinnie’s Pub & Student Lounge Wellness Centre
WHAT IS ORIENTATION? Orientation Week, or Frosh Week as it’s sometimes called, is the perfect time to kick-start your year at Mount Saint Vincent University! Orientation Week is a great opportunity to start the transition from high school or college, or to prepare you for re-entering the school system after some time away. Orientation Week will help you become comfortable within your new community while meeting fellow students and professors. Orientation also provides you with key information about faculties, resources, buildings, The Mystics: our varsity sports teams, societies, annual events, extracurricular activities and the support you can get within the campus. And of course, have fun while doing it. During Orientation students make long lasting friends and memories that they carry throughout their university careers. We have many dedicated, outgoing student Orientation leaders who can answer all the questions that you have about the Mount, Halifax, or university life itself! So take a chance and EXPERIENCE ORIENTATION!
Orientation events held in the past include: Monte Carlo Nights Concerts Frosh Olympics Hypnotists Society Fairs Barbeques Motivational Speakers
Comedians Dance Parties Community Fairs Mentalists Halifax Excursions Boat Cruises
Orientation week is a week you do not want to miss, so stay in the loop and absolutely never be afraid to ask any questions!
ORIENTATION KITS A Mount Orientation Kit or “Frosh Kit” is every new students all in one Orientation package for events, university gear and student specials. Each kit is only $60 (plus tax = $69) for an over $200 value. There are a limited number of kits available so order yours early! In each KIT you will find: - Information about everything the Mount has to Offer - Your Orientation Week All Access Bracelet - Coupons for freebies and discounts at local and campus businesses - Tickets to all Orientation events - Your official 2012 MSVU ORIENTATION T-shirt - University gear and paraphernalia like lanyards, water bottles, travel mugs, clip boards and more! PURCHASE ONLINE or for more detail visit the ORIENTATION WEBPAGE or contact us at (902) 457-6123 or vplife@mountstudents.ca RESERVE YOUR 2013 ORIENTATION KIT TODAY! An Orientation Kit is a SWAG BAG all in one package for events, university gear and student specials. Each Kit is $69 which includes tax. Cheque Payable to: MSVU Students’ Union, 166 Bedford Hwy. Rosaria Student Centre Halifax, Nova Scotia. B3M 2J6 Visa/Mastercard Online via PayPal, in person, by mail or by Phone (902) 457-6123 Debit On site at the Students’ Union offices. Room 118 Rosaria Student Centre.
GET CONNECTED! SOCIAL MEDIA! CONTACT US! We want you to be informed and up to date about all things Mount and Orientation related! Be sure that you are connected with us via social media and online websites. These resources are the best way to ensure you are not missing out on any key announcements! FACEBOOK PAGES /MSVUOrientation2013 LIKE /MountShinerama LIKE /MSVUSU LIKE /MountSaintVincentUniversity LIKE ______________________________________________________________ TWITTER @MSVUSU @MSVU_Halifax @vinniespubmsvu
Get the full Mount Social Media experience by checking out all of the various platforms online at the Mount Social Media Hub located at: www.msvu.ca/socialmedia
#UTXT service is brought to you by your MSVU Students’ Union
FOLLOW FOLLOW FOLLOW
MEET YOUR VICE PRESIDENT STUDENT LIFE Hello MSVU Students! It’s Tyler Bechard, your VP Student Life on your MSVU Student’s Union for the 2013/2014 year. My role is to plan events during the university year as well as organize events for Orientation Week. I am extremely excited to meet all incoming students and we have a jam packed week planned for Orientation as well as some great events coming up throughout the year. How can you get involved? Well it’s easy! There are so many ways to get involved with Student Life such as becoming an Orientation Leader, volunteering to help out for any event or hosting your own event. Tyler Bechard Vice President Student Life (902) 457-6105 vplife@mountstudents.ca
M O U N T M O T I V A T I O N VIDEO CONTEST Mount Motivation is a new contest specifically for incoming new Mount students! We’re asking you to create and upload videos showing us what your motivation is for coming to the Mount! What are you most excited about? What program are you entering into? What about it excites you? What have you learned about student and campus life at the Mount that you’re most anticipating? Be creative and fun with your videos but there should be no profanity please! We want to see your excitement, enthusiasm and pride as new Mount students! Winners will be announced during the September Orientation Week! DETAILS: To qualify you must be a registered Mount student starting your first year of studies at the Mount in September 2013. Only 1 video entry per student is allowed. Your video should be no longer than 3 minutes in length. You must submit your video link to Tyler Bechard, MSVUSU Vice President Student Life via email to vplife@mountstudents.ca by the deadline date of Friday, August 16th, 2013. There will be prize packs for the top 3 videos with the top video winning a new Ipad 3 among other things. So get filming your MOUNT MOTIVATION!
SHINERAMA Welcome First Year Students! Since 1999, Mount Saint Vincent University students have participated in the largest university and college student fundraiser in the country – SHINERAMA. Shinerama is one of the most rewarding and fun events you will participate in during orientation week. You will be one of over 35,000 students from coast to coast raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, a non-profit organization that funds Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research. CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians. In 2012, as a nation, we raised approximately $1,035,000 towards finding a cure or control for CF and continue to raise the bar. This year marks Mount Saint Vincent University’s 15th anniversary being involved with Shinerama, raising approximately $150,000 towards this extraordinary cause. The MSVU Shine team has set our 2013 goal at $15,000 to help reach our nation-wide goal of $1.16 M. What can you do? On Saturday, September 7th, we will be holding our annual “Shine Day” in Halifax. Students will hit the streets with one goal in mind – to raise money and raise awareness for the fatal disease. Shine Day is an excellent opportunity for students to get involved for a meaningful cause. As first year students coming from high school or other university and college programs, becoming involved in Shinerama is a great way to meet new people! We also host a number of secondary fundraisers throughout the summer to contribute to our goal. For those of you in the city, join the MSVU summer shine team in a variety of events. Find us on Facebook @Mount Shinerama Campaign or email shinerama@mountstudents.ca to stay on top of all Shinerama news. Want to start early? This year we are challenging our first year students to begin fundraising even before the school year begins. You can get started now by joining the team ONLINE and begin raising funds or fundraise offline using our Shinerama Pledge Form. The student with the MOST fundraised money will receive a prize! Have a great summer and best of luck in your post-secondary studies, Karen Brookins 2013 Shinerama Coordinator Phone: 457-6558 Email: shinerama@mountstudents.ca
Joey Leblanc Vice President Communications Phone: 457-6153 Email: vpcomm@mountstudents.ca
2013 NEW STUDENT WELCOME DINNER SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 5PM in the SUB (Rosaria) Multi-Purpose Room The Official Kick-Off to Orientation 2013 RSVP TODAY! New Mount students are cordially invited to attend a special Orientation 2013 dinner to officially kick-off the new academic year! Join your fellow students, our orientation leaders and university faculty and administration for one of our unique signature events that will help introduce you to your new home at the Mount. Make new friends and start the year off right with a “just like home” dinner! IMPORTANT If you are planning to attend orientation activities on Sunday, September 1st and want to reserve your seat at the New Student Welcome Dinner, please RSVP by email or text message to: Email: Students.Union@MSVU.CA Text: (902) 809-6788 (MSVU)
HEALTH & DENTAL OPT-OUT DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 All domestic Full-Time Undergrad Mount students are automatically included on the student benefits Health & Dental Plan. Those students who have alternate coverage and wish to remove themselves from the plan can do so. Opt-Out’s must be done online and before the Deadline of September 30, 2013. Opt-Out Online at: mountstudents.ca/health-dental-plan/ Patti Hutchison, Health Plan Manager (902) 457-6532 patti.hutchison@msvu.ca
JUMP START! Thursday, August 8th, 2013 on the Mount Campus Join us on August 8th from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm for Jump Start! You can select your courses with the help of an academic advisor, register for classes, meet Mount staff, faculty, and other students, take a French placement test, get your Student ID photo taken, and tour the campus. This event is open to all new Mount students starting in September who want to get a head start and beat the rush! To attend Jump Start on August 8th, please follow these steps: Step 1: Review the schedule of events Step 2: Let us know if you're coming! You can RSVP online HERE! For more information about Jump Start, or for information on Academic Advising & Registration, please contact: Heather Graham Academic Advisor heather.graham@msvu.ca 902-457-6324
Erin Tomlinson Academic Advisor erin.tomlinson@msvu.ca 902-457-6669
2013 NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION AUGUST 28 - 30, 2012 Orientation is a great way for you as a new international student to familiarize yourself with the Mount campus, Canadian culture, academic life and so much more. It's a three day event that is packed with activities, sightseeing tours and of course tons of fun events. Not only that, you’ll be able to meet new friends from around the world. Register now for the time of your life: New International Student Orientation 2013 Not only that, we will pick you up from the airport! You should plan to arrive on August 28, 2012 and we will meet you at the Halifax International Airport and take you to your new home on our Mount residence. Please register for Airport Pick-up here: Airport Pick-Up Registration For more information on New International Student Orientation or Airport Pick-Up, please email international@msvu.ca
WHAT’S IN THE SUB? The SUB is the Students’ Union Building also called the Rosaria Student Centre and is home to all of the physical services owned and operated by the Mount Students’ Union. Make the SUB your HUB of daily campus life! The SUB is the campus core for student service, interaction, experience and social activity. Some of the many services for Mount students in the SUB include: Open Monday to Friday, the Crow 'n Go Snack Bar is the Mount’s one & only on-campus student owned and operated grab and go convenience store. The Crow ‘n Go offers a wide range of convenience items as well as a wide variety of quick meals for students on the go. In addition, the Crow 'n Go offers baked sweets, frozen foods, sandwiches, coffee, smoothies, pizza, soups and a menu of pub food like wings, nachos, as well as Mount clothing and more.
Open 7 days a week, the Crows Nest is the Mounts only 24hr student computer lounge. Attached to the Crow ‘n Go, the Crows Nest has a lounge space and offers students access to a number of computers, wi-fi, group meeting space, modular furniture, a bookable meeting room, printing ability and a bookable meeting room. The Crows Nest is always open and is monitored by campus security for any students and groups working late nights.
The HUB is the Students’ Union information desk providing Mount students with a large number of services. The HUB is every Mount students one stop shop for: Printing (B/W, Color and large format printing), photocopying, faxing, clothing, Mount gear, school supplies, International Student Identity Cards, ticket sales, stamps, society mail, outgoing mail pick up and more! In addition the HUB also provides the SUB lobby with wifi, music, vendors, events and a cell phone charging station. suinfo@mountstudents.ca
Vinnie’s is your on-campus, Students’ Union operated WET/DRY Pub and Students Lounge serving the Mount community. We offer a full service bar and food menu as well as wi-fi, free pool, TV's and more. Vinnie's is the perfect space for school work and socializing. Every night Vinnie's offers nightly programming that includes games, trivia, live music, DJ's, comedians, karaoke, society events and dancing! And every Thursday is Wing Night at Vinnie's, always a favorite! So come and enjoy Vinnie's, you won’t regret it! vinnies@mountstudents.ca
The MSVUSU Wellness Centre is a combination wellness and diversity centre and Food Bank that provides Mount students with a variety of services, information & resources. Physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual wellness is an integral part of our university community and is embraced by the Students’ Union. Resources offered include referrals, wellness, diversity and sexuality resources and information, contraception, society meeting space and of course our campus food bank. The centre also provides Mount students with volunteer opportunities and runs a large number of awareness campaigns throughout the year. To find out more contact us at wellness@mountstudents.ca
The Fountain Play Centre (FPC) is a subsidized child care service, not a day care service, that provides child care service to Mount Saint Vincent University Students while they attend class. Open to Mount students. Enrolment is limited and offered on a first come first serve basis for children from 1-5 years old. The FPC also provides Mount students with a fantastic volunteer experience! For information on the centre or how to volunteer, email us at : playcentre@mountstudents.ca
big changes are coming your way!
MARGARET NORRIE MCCAIN CENTRE FOR TEACHING, LEARNING AND RESEARCH New Building for Mount Saint Vincent University Big and exciting changes are happening at Mount Saint Vincent that will positively impact the campus life and learning of our students for years to come. Mount Saint Vincent University is working to construct the new Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research (McCain Centre). The McCain Centre, located near the E. Margaret Fulton Communications Centre (housing the library), will be the first classroom facility to be built at the Mount in over 40 years. In addition, this new centre will link the upper and lower campuses of the Mount. A pedway from the McCain Centre will allow for direct access to the Rosaria Student Centre and the RBC West Link connects the McCain Centre with the E. Margaret Fulton Communications Centre. Construction has begun on the Mount campus and is fully underway toward its December 2014 finish date. This is an exciting time at Mount Saint Vincent University and we’re pleased to have all our students involved in the experience. Students will be updated regularly on the progress of the new McCain Centre but can also track development via the Mount’s online construction website at: http://www.msvu.ca/construction
MOUNT VARSITY ATHLETICS Home of the Mount Mystics! The Mystic varsity family continues to make a name for themselves as some of the best in the region and the country. The Mount Varsity Program is a member of the Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association (ACAA) and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Our Athletes compete at a national level in Women’s & Men’s Soccer, Women’s & Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Volleyball.
2013/2014 MOUNT MYSTICS VARSITY TRYOUTS MEN’S & WOMEN’S SOCCER Meet at Mount GYM at 7:30pm Tuesday, September 3rd Wednesday, September 4th Thursday, September 5th 8:00pm-10:00pm each night at Mainland Field
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Mount Gym: A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium Wednesday, September 11th 6:00pm-8:00pm Friday, September 13th 2:00pm-4:00pm Saturday, September 14th 1:00pm-3:00pm
MEN’S BASKETBALL Mount Gym: A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium Wednesday, September 11th 6:00pm-8:00pm Friday, September 13th 2:00pm-4:00pm Saturday, September 14th 1:00pm-3:00pm
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Mount Gym: A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium Wednesday, September 11th 4:00pm-6:00pm Thursday, September 12th 5:00pm-7:00pm
Be A Mount Athlete!
ABORIGINAL STUDENT CENTRE The Aboriginal Student Centre located in the lower level of 46 Melody dr., welcomes all students and is designed to provide space and services aimed at enhancing the student experience at the Mount. The ASC offers study areas, computer workstations, a copier, a lounge with HDMI TV and a kitchenette with full fridge, microwave and FREE coffee. In addition the ASC is staffed by Art Stevens who is the Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator for MSVU. Art is available for student support and invites any and all students to contact him at the ASC. The Aboriginal Student Centre hours of access are currently Monday 1:30-5:00pm and Tuesday through Friday 9:00am4:00pm more hours will be added in the New Year! Please contact the Centre at 457-6228 for more information!
Sunday, September 15th 3:30pm-5:30pm
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Interested in getting involved on Campus? The Mount Students’ Union has many volunteer opportunities for students’ to get involved and meet great new people including: WELLNESS CENTRE: Help with our food bank or in our Wellness Centre EVENTS: Haunted House, Shinerama, Movember, Relay for Life, Frost Fest FOUNTAIN PLAY CENTRE: Help care for the children of your fellow students ELECTIONS: Work at polling stations, promotions & help organize events SOCIETIES: Join a club or society and run events or fundraise for causes
THE PRESIDENTS STREET TEAM Get Involved! Stay Involved! The President's Street Team is a way for Mount students to get involved and build up their portfolio! We work around YOUR schedule and YOUR interests to help you get the most out of this opportunity! As a volunteer with the Presidents Street Team you will work with other Mount students on a variety of initiatives that could include: - Awareness Campaigns - Video & Photo Shoots - Professional Development
- Event Promotions - Random Acts of Kindness - Fundraising
Interested in joining the Presidents Street Team? If so contact: Zach Gallant, MSVUSU President president@mountstudents.ca Facebook.com/MSVUStreetTeam
Contact: Wellness@mountstudents.ca Contact: vplife@mountstudents.ca Contact: playcentre@mountstudents.ca Contact: vpcomm@mountstudents.ca Contact: vpcomm@mountstudents.ca
CAMPUS SERVICES The Mount offers students a very wide range of university and Students’ Union services and resources to help make your transition to university and campus as stress-free as possible. The Office of Student Experience and the Students’ Union work closely together to ensure you have what you need for a successful year! University Services include: - Athletics & Recreation: o gymnasium, fitness room, varsity sports, intramurals, fitness and dance classes, recreation society - Counselling Services o Cuddles with Oscar! Mount Therapy Dog - Health Office o on-campus doctors, physio-therapy, massage therapy - Disability Services - Career Counselling Services - Co-Curricular Recognition Program (CCRP) - Spiritual Life Services - Study Skills Sessions - Writing Resource Centre
ORIENTATION 2013 SNEAK PEAK Mark your calendars! Save the date! Orientation 2013 at Mount Saint Vincent is fast approaching and we want you to be part of everything we have happening. This is just a small sneak peek at what we have planned for you coming in September. The following are Orientation highlights with more to be added. Schedule details will start being released over the next few weeks with the full schedule arriving in early August! So get ready for the most exciting week of the year! RESIDENCE MOVE IN Sunday, September 1st, 12 noon Rosaria Courtyard
OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT RECEPTION Sunday, September 1st – 3:30PM Vinnie’s Pub & Student Lounge, SUB
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RECEPTION Sunday, September 1st – 3:30PM Rosaria Board Room
ORIENTATION DINNER Sunday, September 1st, 5PM Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room
NEW 2 U MOUNT ORIENTATION Monday, September 2nd – 10AM Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room
MOUNT EXPO & FAIR Monday, September 2nd – 11:30AM Rosaria Terrace
ACADEMIC ORIENTATION Arts, Science & Professional Studies Tuesday, September 3rd – 1PM Locations TBA
GRADUATE STUDENTS ORIENTATION Tuesday, September 3rd Time & Location TBA
MATURE/TRANSFER ORIENTATION Tuesday, September 3rd Time & Location TBA
EVENTS Orientation events, presenters, speakers and entertainment is currently being booked. There will be a broad and diverse range of daily/nightly events and entertainment scheduled for Orientation Week and you can be guaranteed that there will be something for everyone to take advantage of! MOBILE SCHEDULE Along with online, email and physical schedules, there will also be a mobile schedule that students can access across all smart phone devices. This mobile schedule will be available for use soon and we will be announcing a release date in the coming weeks.
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