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Welcome Week 2026
Your first week on campus—Welcome Week—is packed with activities that will help you make friends, become familiar with your surroundings, and get comfortable on campus before you begin classes!
Welcome Week is designed for all incoming first-year students, both living in residence and living off-campus (OC). Regardless of where you live, you are encouraged to participate in Welcome Week events. Upper year students may also participate in activities; however, some events are meant only for New-to-º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ students and are specified as such.
Welcome Week is a dry week, which means there is an alcohol and cannabis ban that applies to all students, regardless of their age or year of study. The St. Thomas University community has a zero-tolerance hazing policy that allows students to enjoy a positive and safe environment during Welcome Week.
Come join us for a fun-filled Welcome Week—we cannot wait to welcome you to St. Thomas University!
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½dent Help Desk
The º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½dent Help Desk is in Sir James Dunn Hall and is open all year round. The º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½dent Help Desk is run by staff and upper-year students who can help answer any questions you have about starting your journey at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½. This is also where you will pick up your student ID card, Welcome Week kit, campus map and Welcome Week schedule.
Wellness Zone
The Wellness Zone offers peer support, resources, self-care activities, and quieter wellness events for students during Welcome Week. Located in the Dawn Russell Student Lounge on the first floor of Sir James Dunn Hall, the Wellness Zone is open throughout Welcome Week during busier events.
WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE
Friday, September 4 - Move in Day and Welcome to º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½
Residence Move-In
Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Residences (Vanier Hall, Harrington Hall, & Holy Cross House)
Description: Students meet their Residence Advisors, Residence Coordinators, and House Council members as they move into their new homes for the year. House shirts and Student IDs available for pick-up.
Welcome Week Kit Pick-Up (First-Year Students Only)
Time: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Help Desk (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: First-year students can pick up a Welcome Week Kit containing º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ swag and other university essentials. These are available at the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½dent Help Desk until the end of Welcome Week. Student ID required.
Parents & Supporters Reception
Time: 2:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Great Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Join Ryan Sullivan, Vice-President Student Experience, at 2:30 PM to learn how to support your student throughout their first year at university. Parents and supporters will have a chance to mingle with members of the student service staff before and after the presentation. Refreshments provided.
Test Out the Dining Hall & Lawn Games
Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall) & Lower Courtyard
Description: Fuel up after a busy day with a meal in our dining hall! It’s a great chance for parents and supporters to experience where students get to dine and for off-campus students to test out an off-campus meal plan! Pop in anytime between 4pm-6pm. Free for all students (with Student ID)- including off campus, $5 for any parents and supporters.
Swag Sale
Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Lower courtyard
Description: Students, parents, and supporters: come grab some official º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ merch and get ready to show your Tommies pride. Whether you’re looking for new t-shirts, cozy options for cooler weather, notebooks, water bottles, lanyards for your new residence keys, or more, we have you covered!
House & Off Campus Huddles
Time: 6:00 PM-6:30 PM
Location: Students living on campus will meet in their respective floor common rooms. Off-campus students: Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)
Description: OC Huddles and House Huddles are run throughout Welcome Week, and they are a chance to get to know other students living in your community! This includes Vanier, Harrington, Holy Cross and Off-Campus groups. They are also an opportunity to connect with Residence Advisors or your Off-Campus Leaders who will provide you with support and important information to help you navigate your first year at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½! Students living in residences will meet in their floor common rooms and Off-Campus students will always meet in the Ted Daigle Auditorium.
Cheer-Off Practice
Time: 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Locations:
- Harrington Hall: Outdoor Basketball Court
- Vanier Hall: Lower Courtyard
- Holy Cross House: Holy Cross House Front Lawn
- Off-Campus: Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)
Rain Locations:
- Harrington: Kinsella Auditorium
- Vanier Hall: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
- Holy Cross House: Great Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Residence Advisors, Off-Campus Leaders, and Welcome Week Leaders will prepare the students for Cheer-Off. Students will learn the traditional º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ cheer as well as unique cheers for their respective groups.
Cheer-Off
Time: 7:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard (Rain or Shine!)
Description: A longstanding Welcome Week tradition where students show pride for their residence or off-campus community in hopes of claiming the title of the most spirited group on campus.
Cheer-Off After Party
Time: 8:30 PM-9:30 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Description: Carry on the excitement of Cheer-Off by celebrating the beginning of Welcome Week and making new friends with snacks, drinks, and music in the courtyard!
Wellness Zone Open
Time: 7:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: The Wellness Zone is a space where you can catch your breath during Welcome Week or take part in quieter, wellness activities.
Saturday, September 5
Boyce Farmers Market and Downtown Exploration
Time: 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard to walk to the market as a group
Rain Location: Gather in the Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Kick off your weekend by visiting Fredericton’s original and largest farmers’ market. With a diverse mix of over 200 unique food and craft vendors, the Boyce Farmers Market is a must-visit local tradition.
Welcome Week Leaders will take a group downtown, leaving from campus at 9:00 AM and lead a group back to campus from the Boyce Farmers Market at 10:30 AM.
House & Off Campus Huddles and Group Photos
Time: 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Location: Residence students to meet in their common rooms. Off campus students to meet in Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)
Description: This huddle will provide students with the necessary information to navigate Welcome Week. Group photos will also be taken!
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½SU Paint Fight (First-Year Students Only)
Time: 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lawn next to Holy Cross House (Rain or Shine!)
Description: Join your º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Students’ Union executives for an epically fun and colorful paint fight! Students are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt that can get messy for this event!
Note: You will need to rinse off before entering any university buildings.
Wellness Zone Open
Time: 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: The Wellness Zone is a space where you can catch your breath during Welcome Week or take part in quieter, wellness activities.
Movie Night
Time: 8:30 PM-10:30 PM
Location: Ted Daigle Auditorium (Edmund Casey Hall)
Description: Enjoy a chill evening with snacks watching Pitch Perfect with your new classmates. Bring your blankets and wear your PJs!
Sunday, September 6
Sundae Funday and Lawn Games
Time: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Join us for a cold treat in the lower courtyard!
Tommie Time Capsule: A Letter to Future You
Time: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Create a written time capsule with representatives from the St. Thomas University Students’ Union for a heartwarming moment of reflection. Write a letter to your graduating self, expressing your thoughts, goals, memories, and emotions as you transition into your first year at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½! Take the letter home, or leave it with º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½SU, to open after you graduate and reflect upon your journey and growth.
OC & House Programming
Time: 7:00 PM-9:30 PM
Description: Meet in your huddle locations for some team activities.
Monday, September 7
Set Sail: The Adventure Begins with guest Andrew Titus
Time: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Great Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: It is the start of a grand adventure! Put your foot out, put yourself out there, embrace your hope and dreams! This is the true beginning of your life well lived and large! This session will get you hyped, introduce you to your new people and engage your minds and hearts as you set sail towards horizons unknown. Part loud, part proud, all in; this session promises to open your mind to what is coming for the next four years! Not your typical ice breaker, not your normal motivation, come prepared to shed your old life and merge a changed person, with all the verve and kick necessary to embark!
Wellness Zone Open
Time: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: The Wellness Zone is a space where you can catch your breath during Welcome Week or take part in quieter, wellness activities.
SVNB Presents: Sex Trivia Night (First-Year Students Only)
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (Margaret Norrie McCain Hall)
Description: Get ready for a night that’s entertaining and educational! Sexual Violence New Brunswick (SVNB) invites you to our annual Sex Trivia Night, co-hosted by a fabulous drag queen who brings humour and a show-stopping performance mid-event. Trivia winners will have the opportunity to choose a prize in a private space at the end of the night!
This is not your average trivia night. Each question is followed by experts breaking down the facts in a fun and judgment-free zone. Whether you're in it to win it or just there for the drag and good vibes, Sex Trivia Night is a chance to laugh, learn, and walk away a little wiser.
Tuesday, September 8
Athletics & Recreation: Gym Tours/Orientation
Time: 9:00 AM-9:30 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come get a tour of the JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre and see what we have to offer! Students will learn the machines and equipment so that you can workout safely and effectively. Students can also see our Basketball Court, Squash Court, Ping Pong area, and learn about our Bike Share and Winter Rental programs!
Commencement Ceremony and Gown Pick-up (First-Year Students Only)
Gown Pick-up
Time: 9:15 AM-9:45 AM
Location: Outside the Kinsella Auditorium (Margaret Norrie McCain Hall)
Commencement Ceremony
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Kinsella Auditorium (Margaret Norrie McCain Hall)
Description: This ceremony officially welcomes you into the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ community. Each student will receive a T-pin. The “T” is the symbol all St. Thomas students identify with while they are attending º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ and long after they graduate. Gowns will be provided before the ceremony for students to wear.
Indigenous Initiatives Gathering - Mawiyamok
Time: 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: Join our Indigenous Student Services team for a day filled with Indigenous Initiatives! Activities will include Sacred Fire Teachings, Drumming, and Traditional Craft Demonstrations. Students are also welcome to some Frybread Tacos for lunch!
Find Your Class Mini Tours (First-Year Students Only)
Time: 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Meet in front of Duffie Hall
Description: Join campus tour ambassadors for tours that will show you where each of your classes are, in addition to highlighting where you can find some of our signature services and resources on campus!
Schedule Station
Time: 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Stop by the Schedule Station to pick up your complimentary º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½genda and get organized for the semester ahead! We'll provide highlighters, sticky notes, markers, and other supplies so you can map out your class schedule, highlight important times, and start planning your weekly routine. Staff and student volunteers will be available to help answer questions and get you ready for your first day of classes.
Athletics & Recreation: Cross Country Run
Time: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Looking to join our Cross Country team? Or want to trial organized group running? Have a trial run with our Coaches and current Athletes around campus and Fredericton’s beautiful trail system!
Wednesday, September 9
Student Success Breakfast
Time: 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ staff and faculty will be serving a free breakfast in the lower courtyard for º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ students. Breakfast is open and free for all º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ students, so come fuel up before your first day of classes! You can grab and go or enjoy your meal at the picnic tables in the courtyard or at the tables in JDH.
Athletics & Recreation: Drop-in Basketball
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come show off your basketball skills and shoot around in the JB O’Keefe Centre’s Basketball Court! This is an unsupervised event meant for trying out the space. All equipment will be provided.
Student Success Info Hub Drop-In
Time: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Tent, Lower Courtyard
Description: Stop by the Student Success Info Hub and connect with our Student Success Advisors. Whether you need help understanding your schedule, navigating campus resources, or getting answers to your questions, our team is here to help you start your º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ journey with confidence.
Photo Booth + Swag Sale
Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Duffie Hall
Description: Students, faculty, staff, and other members of the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ community: join us for a sale that will feature items for º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½’s latest collection of official merch.
Clubs & Societies Fair
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Students will have the opportunity to learn about all the different clubs and societies on campus and sign up for groups that interest them!
Thursday, September 10
Athletics & Recreation: Drop-in Badminton
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come show off your badminton skills and play around in the JB O’Keefe’s Basketball Court! This is an unsupervised event meant for trying out the space. All equipment will be provided.
Student Success Info Hub Drop-In
Time: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Tent, Lower Courtyard
Description: Stop by the Student Success Info Hub and connect with our Student Success Advisors. Whether you need help understanding your schedule, navigating campus resources, or getting answers to your questions, our team is here to help you start your º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ journey with confidence.
Volunteer Fair
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Learn about how you can get involved with local organizations and charities. Students can also sign up to volunteer for º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½Cares: Day of Action.
City of Fredericton Welcome Back BBQ and City Night Market
Time: 4:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Gather in the Lower Courtyard
Rain Location: Gather in the Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Every year, the City of Fredericton welcomes new students to the city by hosting a BBQ downtown in Barracks Square. There will be live music as well as the opportunity to explore local resources and the last Garrison Night Market of the year! There will be water available to drink - please try and reduce plastic waste by bringing your own water bottle.
Friday, September 11
Athletics & Recreation: Drop-in Pickleball
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: JB O’Keefe Fitness Centre
Description: Come show off your pickleball skills and play around in the JB O’Kee’s Basketball Court! This is an unsupervised event meant for trying out the space. All equipment will be provided.
Student Success Info Hub Drop-In
Time: 9:30 AM -11:00 AM
Location: Tent, Lower Courtyard
Description: Stop by the Student Success Info Hub and connect with our Student Success Advisors. Whether you need help understanding your schedule, navigating campus resources, or getting answers to your questions, our team is here to help you start your º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ journey with confidence.
Resource Fair
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Sir James Dunn Hall Cafeteria
Description: Join us in the James Dunn Hall Cafeteria to get to know all the resources that will help you find success at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½! You’ll be able to talk to representatives from services both on and off campus such as Residence Life, the Student Health Centre, Fredericton Transit, and more!
Room2Remember JellyCat Bingo (First Year Students Only)
Time: 8:00 PM-9:30 PM
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Come join us and our host to enjoy an evening of classic bingo with exciting JellyCat prizes.
Late Night
Time: 9:00 PM-9:30 PM
Location: Dining Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Stick around after Bingo for late night eats in the cafeteria.
Saturday, September 12
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Cares Day of Action
Time: 8:30 AM-2:30 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall) and off-campus
Description: Each year, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ hosts the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Cares Day of Action, a community volunteer event that partners students with non-profit organizations across Fredericton. º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Cares is a great opportunity for both new and returning students to connect with the local community while gaining valuable volunteer and hands-on experience. Students will spend approximately two hours supporting their assigned organization before returning to campus for a group reflection activity.
The Tommie Social with DJ Currency
Time: 9:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: The Great Hall (George Martin Hall)
Description: Join us for a night of music, dancing, and connection with fellow students. Featuring DJ Currency, this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a wonderful week with new friends! All students are welcome.
Wellness Zone
Time: 9:00 PM-11:00 PM
Location: Dawn Russell Student Lounge (Sir James Dunn Hall)
Description: Come unwind from a busy week in our Wellness Zone.
Sunday, September 13
Opening Mass & Campus Ministry Hang Out
Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Holy Cross House Chapel
Description: Opening mass followed by a welcome reception.