By Jena Lynde-Smith
Photos by Terence Ho and Amy Lam
Last week, Carleton welcomed new and returning students to campus, signaling the beginning of a new academic year.
“We’re excited to welcome new and returning students to campus,” says Suzanne Blanchard, Vice-President (Students and Enrolment).
“Whether they’re stepping foot on campus for the first time or coming back for another year, they’ll discover a dynamic and inclusive community ready to support their academic, personal and professional growth. Our goal with Fall Orientation is to ensure students feel confident, connected, and prepared for success in all aspects of university life.”
A New Beginning: Orientation Week 2024
Fall Orientation Week gave incoming students a chance to connect with their faculties, meet professors and peers, and explore the resources available to them before classes officially began.
The week kicked off with the Opening Ceremonies at the Raven’s Nest, where student volunteers and guest speakers introduced the Class of 2028 to Carleton’s vibrant campus life.
For incoming first-year students, the Carleton University Student Association (CUSA) hosted a series of events as part of their Frosh for All campaign. CUSA offered a variety of activities, including laser tag, silent disco, a drag show, Jeopardy, and the Frosh Olympics.
For returning students, Carleton also expanded its welcome back efforts with the Upper Year Event Package, offering a range of activities to help returning Ravens reconnect with campus.
In the afternoons, students explored clubs and societies at Expo Carleton. The week wrapped up with the annual Shinerama fundraiser, supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada, followed by an outdoor Rêve concert
It was an unforgettable week, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Carleton’s volunteers.
Carleton’s New Programs and Faculty Name
Carleton is excited to introduce five new programs for high-demand careers launching Fall 2025: Mechatronics in the Faculty of Engineering and Design, a Bachelor of Accounting program in the Sprott School of Business, as well as Nursing, Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Data Science program, all within the Faculty of Science.
And the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs, formerly known as the Faculty of Public Affairs, has a new name to capture the global nature of its programs and the work of its researchers, students and alumni.
Varsity Athletics: Celebrating Returning Champions
Carleton’s varsity teams are back, and the excitement is building for another year of stellar performances. The women’s basketball and Nordic Ski teams are returning as champions after a successful 2023-24 season, while other Ravens teams aim to bring home more victories this year. New this year is the Ravens and Gee-Gee’s Rivalry Series, where Carleton and the University of Ottawa will go head-to-head over three events: football, hockey and basketball.
Come out, have fun and support the Ravens. You can see the full varsity schedule here: https://goravens.ca/
Looking Ahead to Throwback 2024
Though Orientation Week has come to a close, the energy on campus remains high as Carleton gears up for Throwback – the university’s annual homecoming celebration running from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5. Starting with the annual Throwback Football Game on Sept. 28, there will be plenty of events, including class reunions, various sport events, public lectures, networking nights and other social gatherings
“During Throwback we welcome our alumni, retirees and all community members back to campus to reconnect and celebrate being part of an engaged and accomplished university community,” says Susan Phillips, Carleton’s Interim Chief Advancement Officer.
Celebrating the Butterfly Show’s 25th Anniversary
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Carleton’s iconic Butterfly Show. Hosted annually by the Department of Biology, the show has captivated students and the Ottawa community alike. Thousands flock to the greenhouses every October to witness hundreds of butterflies fluttering among tropical plants.
Carleton’s Pride Festival
Carleton’s Pride Festival, hosted each year by the Student Experience Office, is a week dedicated to fostering inclusion and welcoming the 2SLGBTQ+ community to campus. This year, the festival will run from Nov. 4 to 8.
Awaiting the Arrival of Carleton’s New President
In leadership news, on Jan. 1, a new chapter begins at Carleton as we will bid farewell to interim president Jerry Tomberlin, whose steady guidance and dedication has been instrumental in navigating the university through transformative times. In the new year Wisdom Tettey will take the helm as Carleton’s new president and vice-chancellor and lead the university into an exciting future filled with promise and opportunity.
Monday, September 9, 2024 in Student Experience
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