Last week’s Orientation introduced some 200 new Queen’s Law students to the campus and to the peers who will be joining them on their journey through law school. “Orientation Week is all about making our new students feel welcome, excited, supported and equipped for the whirlwind of a year they have ahead of them,” says Siobhan Morris, Law’19, who chaired the committee that did just that. 

Speaking on behalf of her 39-person team, she adds, “We were happy to] help our incoming class members transition into their new environment, and make new social connections and friendships. This is what ultimately ties the community together.”

This year’s program saw freshly arrived first-year, transfer and exchange students take part in campus tours, gaming activities, and workshops on human rights, professionalism, and health and wellness. 

It was also movie-themed, playfully dubbed “the Lawscars.” “We were all so impressed with the energy and enthusiasm the new students brought to every activity, whether it was through the amazing group costumes [they made for our] party or the great team spirit (and impressive team cheers) we saw on Games Day!” she adds. 

Participant Mike Moran recounts how he and his Law’20 classmates were encouraged to improv light-hearted cheer routines as groups. “It was a great ice-breaker, and did a lot to help people feel more confident,” he says. 

His classmate Jacob Blackwell was in the action-genre group, and felt that the theme helped bring “flavour” to the events. “My favourite event was Games Day,” he says. “It was a great way to meet people and facilitate conversation.

“The orientation leaders were very helpful and had experience with tutoring and extra-curriculars,” he adds. “Having access to those upper-year students for advice and help was really great.” Some of their tips reaffirmed his decision to study law in the “Limestone City.” “I chose Queen’s because of the many opportunities to volunteer and perform experiential learning through doing.”

“I believe we have made good ground with respect to equipping these students with the resources they will need,” Morris says. “We provided a safe space for students to ask questions and get the answers they need to calm those first-week-of-class jitters!”

By Aschille Clarke-Mendes