Shine Carnival in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada headlines Laurier Orientation Week in Waterloo

Aug. 31, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — The first-ever Shine Carnival in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada will headline a week of activities during Wilfrid Laurier University’s Orientation Week at the Waterloo campus from Sept. 3 to 9.

Organized by the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union, Orientation Week helps new undergraduate students learn their way around campus, meet new people and become involved in student life.

“I look forward to Orientation Week every year — it’s the week we have been waiting for,” said Ivan Joseph, vice-president of Student Affairs. “The end of summer means the return of students, energy, spirit and pride to our campuses. Laurier comes alive during Orientation Week!

“Orientation is carefully designed to balance what you need to know to be a successful student at university with events and activities that build community, create engagement and develop friendships. Thank you to the hundreds of student volunteers and employees who work year-round to create an exceptional experience for our incoming class.” 

During the Shine Carnival on Sept. 9, students and members of the public will have fun while raising funds for Shinerama in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada (founded at Laurier in 1961). The carnival will be at Sunview Open Space (behind Waterloo College Hall; enter off Seagram St. across from the stadium). Fundraising efforts also include a bottle drive and a walk for Cystic Fibrosis that day. The bottle drive, walk and carnival are all open for public participation.

Throughout the week, students will learn about safety and support services at Laurier, resources to help them balance their physical and mental health, and tips and advice for academic success. They will also learn why community safety is the university’s highest priority. The entire Laurier community is expected to behave in a safe and respectful way, which includes being welcoming and inclusive.

A list of media photo opportunities follows the event listing below.

Orientation Week includes a range of events (see full schedule):

After residence move-in on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 3, an event called Quad and Chill will be held in the Quad area to help break the ice for first-year students.

A series of barbecues raising funds for Shinerama will take place in the Quad on Monday, Sept. 4 to Friday, Sept. 8 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. each day.

Opening ceremonies will take place at the Athletic Complex’s main gym on Monday at 3:30 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, consent culture educator and activist Farrah Khan will talk about consent and sexual education in her “Pleasure Principles” presentation at 4:30 p.m. in the Athletic Complex’s main gym.

At 9 p.m., comedian Hannah Berner will take the stage at the gym.

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, firefighters will light and put out a fire in a model bedroom to demonstrate how quickly a fire can spread and explain the importance of fire alarms and evacuation plans. The demonstrations will start at 5 and 6 p.m. in the Northdale campus parking lot, located at 66 Hickory St. W.

Thursday, Sept. 7 marks Laurier’s first day of classes.

The Get Involved Fair, featuring 200 tables of student groups, will be held on Friday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Quad and surrounding area. At 9 p.m., drag queen Tynomi Banks will put on a show in the Athletic Complex’s main gym.

And finally, Shine Day will brighten up Saturday, Sept. 9 starting with the Walk to End Cystic Fibrosis (10 a.m. to noon); a bottle drive (12:30 to 5 p.m.); and the Shine Carnival (12:30 to 5 p.m.), which is sponsored by BMO and is open to the public. Tickets will be available for purchase at the carnival to use on attractions (no door fee). All events will be at Sunview Open Space (enter off Seagram Dr. across from University Stadium) and all funds raised will go to Shinerama and Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

“Orientation Week was hands down one of the best weeks I had at Laurier,” said Megan Spenler, president and CEO of the Students’ Union. “My best advice to students is to come out to all of our programming and to not be afraid to put themselves out there. This week is the start of some of the most memorable years of students’ lives, and we are so excited that the Students’ Union gets to be part of this experience with them. We hope they enjoy their first week and never forget that it’s great to be a Laurier Golden Hawk!”

“This is a fantastic time of year when we get to welcome our new students with a range of Orientation Week activities,” said Adam Lawrence, Laurier’s dean of students. “I applaud the tireless efforts by all of our staff and student leaders who ensure our new Golden Hawks feel welcome as part of the Laurier community.”

Laurier’s Brantford campus will also host Orientation Week activities for first-year students.  

Graduate students’ orientation activities take place on Tuesday, Sept. 5, focusing on academic preparation and tools for a successful year. There will also be a series of orientation events to welcome international students. 

Photo Opportunities for Media on the Waterloo Campus

Move-in Day

Laurier students will move into residence buildings between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Friday, Sept. 1 until Sunday, Sept. 3.

Opening Ceremonies

On Monday, Sept. 4, university administration and Students’ Union President Megan Spenler will offer a warm welcome at the opening ceremonies, held at the Athletic Complex’s main gym at 3:30 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m.

Room Burn Demonstration

Waterloo Fire Rescue firefighters will educate students with fire safety tips during two room burn demonstrations on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. at the Northdale location, located at 66 Hickory St. W.

Carnival

The Shine Carnival will be at Sunview Open Space (behind Waterloo College Hall; enter off Seagram St. across from the stadium) on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Other Key Links 

Fall 2023 web hub
Move-in Day
City of Waterloo roads update