Laurier Fall Orientation:
Brantford Graduate Schedule
Graduate orientation at Laurier offers a warm, meaningful welcome to your experience as a graduate student and member of the Golden Hawk community. It is designed to help you feel connected from the moment you arrive, setting the stage for a successful and rewarding journey ahead.
Through engaging programming, you'll have opportunities to build connections with fellow incoming Golden Hawks and be introduced to key tools, strategies, and resources to help you navigate your graduate studies.
Whether you are new to Laurier or continuing your education here, graduate orientation provides an opportunity to feel welcomed, informed, and ready to begin this exciting next chapter!
Graduate Student Orientation - Thursday, Sept. 3
Join us for an engaging orientation designed to help you feel confident, connected, and prepared. Meet fellow students, hear from experienced peers, explore key resources, and gain practical tools to succeed in your first weeks. Start building your community and set a strong foundation for your graduate experience at Laurier.
GSO Details and Registration
This Orientation is intended for students in programs offered in person at the Brantford campus. Note: Registration is required.
Thursday, Sept. 3
5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
One Market, Brantford Campus
Registration has now closed. If you did not register but want to attend, please email aspire@wlu.ca to determine availability.
Agenda
Check out the full agenda for your Graduate Student Orientation.
Get to know Laurier through a guided campus tour designed specifically for graduate students. You’ll explore essential study spaces and classrooms, dining options, and key academic resources, while building confidence in navigating campus. This optional experience is a great way to start feeling at home and learn the spaces that will support your success.
Where: Tours will depart from the main entrance of One Market
When: 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
Kick off your graduate orientation experience by checking in and collecting your orientation materials and swag items. This is a great opportunity to get organized, familiarize yourself with the event space, and prepare for the exciting activities ahead.
Where: Main Entrance (Outside of The Belmont)| One Market
When: 5 to 5:30 p.m.
Kick off your graduate orientation experience by checking in and collecting your orientation materials and swag items. This is a great opportunity to get organized, familiarize yourself with the event space, and prepare for the exciting activities ahead.
Where: The Belmont | One Market
When: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join Dr. Brent Wolfe, Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, for a formal welcome to Laurier’s graduate community. This welcome highlights the shared values that define graduate education at Laurier and reinforces your role as both a scholar and a professional.
Where: Senate and Board Chambers (OM206-10) | One Market
When: 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Hear directly from current graduate students as they share their honest experiences navigating coursework, research, and life at Laurier. This panel offers practical insights into academic expectations, time management, and other common challenges. Gain valuable peer advice, discover helpful resources, and learn strategies to set yourself up for success.
Where: Senate and Board Chambers (OM206-10) | One Market
When: 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Get excited for the journey ahead and set yourself up for success before classes even begin! This interactive session will walk you through the key tasks and milestones to check off before your first day, helping you feel organized, prepared, and ready to thrive in graduate school. Along the way, we’ll explore some of the common questions, emotions, and experiences that many new graduate students share, reminding you that you’re not alone in this transition.
You’ll also get a sneak peek at upcoming Orientation events, learn about ways to get involved, and discover opportunities to connect with the Laurier community. ed.
Where: Senate and Board Chambers (OM206-10) | One Market
When: 7:30 to 8:10 p.m.
Put your Golden Hawk knowledge to the test in a fun, friendly, Laurier-themed trivia challenge. Compete for bragging rights, climb the leaderboard, and earn a spot on the podium. There will be great prizes up for grabs for the top finishers!
Where: Senate and Board Chambers (OM206-10) | One Market
When: 8:10 to 8:30 p.m.
Additional Orientation Events - Sept. 8 to 12
Graduate orientation at Laurier goes beyond the central Graduate Student Orientation event on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Throughout the week of September 8–12, a variety of additional events and activities will be offered to help you connect, learn, and get settled into your graduate experience. These opportunities provide even more ways to build community, explore campus resources, and engage with peers and supports across the university.
Explore More Orientation Events
Tuesday, Sept. 8
International Student Welcome Breakfast
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Mayor's Lunch
When: Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Syllabus to Success: Map Out Your Semester
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Get Involved Fair
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A Night at Sanderson ($5 entry fee)
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11
Orientation Carnival ($5 entry fee)
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12
SHINE DAY! - Car Wash in Support of Cystic Fibrosis
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Event Details
Intended Audience: New Laurier International Students
Kick off your Laurier journey with good vibes and great food at our International Student Welcome Breakfast!
Join us for a great morning with a free breakfast, friendly faces, and fun connections. You’ll get the chance to meet your fellow international students, connect with our awesome team, and finally say hi in person to your International Student Leader!
It’s the perfect way to start your day - and your semester.
Let us know you're coming!
Where: The Belmont Restaurant | One Market
When: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Host: International Student Support
Join us for the Mayor’s Lunch, a warm welcome to the Brantford community! Hosted by the City of Brantford, this longstanding tradition invites you to enjoy a complimentary meal while connecting with fellow students and local leaders. It’s a great opportunity to feel at home in your new city and experience the community spirit that makes Brantford unique.
Where: Harmony Square | 89 Dalhousie St.
When: Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Host: City of Brantford
Start your term with a clear plan and the confidence to succeed. This drop-in session connects you with Learning Consultants and Peer Academic Coaches who are here to help you break down your course syllabi, map out key deadlines, and build a schedule that works for your life. Come with questions or just a willingness to get started, and leave with a plan to thrive this semester!
Where: Outside of OM207 | One Market
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Host: Student Success
Between your classes, stop by the Get Involved Fair (GIF) and discover life beyond the classroom! The GIF brings together student clubs, Students’ Union committees, Laurier departments, and community partners to help you find ways to connect, belong, and make the most of your Laurier experience outside of your academic studies. Whether you're looking to meet new people, explore your interests, develop leadership skills, or get involved in the community, there's something for everyone. Come for the FREE swag, stay for the FUN!
Where: One Market Atrium and Surrounding Areas
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Come on out to Brantford's local theatre to experience a double act full of fun!
Witness magic and wonder with Savio Joseph, a mind-blowing mentalist and hypnotist! Cheer the night away while watching the stunning Tynomi Banks' drag performance!
NOTE: This program is open to Graduate students for a minimum donation of $5 to Shinerama!
Where: The Sanderson Centre | 88 Dalhousie St, Brantford
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Witness how the RAC Courtyard is transformed into a carnival full of games, buskers, and fun! Grab a bite to eat from a food truck, get your portrait drawn by a caricaturist, and compete in some carnival-style games.
NOTE: This program is open to graduate students for a minimum $5 donation to Shinerama, which gives you access to the event along with food tickets for the food trucks!
Where: Research and Academic Centre (RAC) Courtyard
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Our final ode to Shinerama and a chance to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis is a community car wash. Grab a sponge alongside your peers and end the week off with a day of bubbles, music, and fun!
Shinerama brings students together to support important research and resources for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis, while creating memorable experiences and strong community connections.
Where: Student Centre Parking Lot
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Host: Your Students' Union
Program and Faculty Welcomes
In addition to the central Graduate Student Orientation on Sept. 3, many programs and faculties host their own welcome sessions tailored to your specific academic experience. These sessions offer a closer look at your program expectations, introduce key faculty and staff, and help you connect with peers within your discipline. Attending your program or faculty welcome is an important step in building your academic community and gaining insights directly relevant to your field of study.
Program and Faculty Welcomes
Thursday, Sept. 3
Master of Arts, Social Justice and Community Engagement
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: RCE319 | Research and Academic Centre, East
Master of Science, User Experience Design
When: 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: MDC104 | Market Darling Centre
Master of Criminolgy
When: 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Hudson Public (VIP Room) | 93 Dalhousie St | Brantford
Thursday, Sept. 10
Master of Applied Computing (MAC)
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: OM117 | One Market, Faculty of Science Office
Event Details
Event details for Program and Faculty Welcomes will be posted as they are made available.
Get to know your fellow students, faculty, and staff of the SJCE MA program at this casual welcome session. Share a snack, play some games, and ask questions about the campus, classes, and graduate student life in the program!
Where: RCE319 | Research and Academic Centre, East
When: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Welcome to the Master of Applied Computing (MAC) program! Join us for our program welcome session to meet faculty and staff, connect with your classmates, and learn about program expectations, resources, and key information to help you prepare for a successful start to your graduate studies.
Where: OM117 | One Market, Faculty of Science Office
When: Thursday, Sept. 10 at Noon to 1:30 p.m.
The Next Era of Criminology Starts With You! 🔍📊 Ready to unpack 21st-century criminological thought? Before the official syllabus shock sets in, join your incoming Criminology Master’s cohort and faculty for an exclusive, casual meet and greet! We’ll be taking over the private VIP Party Room at Hudson Public for an hour of networking and snacks before the Official Laurier Brantford orientation begins.
Where: Hudson Public (VIP Room) | 93 Dalhousie St, Brantford
When: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 to 4 p.m.
Welcome to the User Experience Design MSc program! Join us for a fun and interactive orientation where you can meet your classmates, connect with faculty and staff, and start getting a feel for the UX community. Come ready to chat, ask questions, share ideas, and learn what to expect from courses, campus life, and your graduate school journey.
Where: MDC104 | Market Darling Centre
When: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 to 4 p.m.