Frequently Asked Questions

Fall Orientation is a week of engaging programming which takes place during September 5 to 10, 2021. By participating in Fall Orientation, students will have the ability to become familiar with the campus and participate in exciting activities. It provides for a successful transition into university and fosters new relationships among participants before the start of classes. Fall Orientation provides student volunteers who can guide first-year students in the right direction based on their experiences.

Fall Orientation takes place Sunday, September 5th to Friday, September 10th, 2021.

The only exception is the Engineering Fall Orientation Program (EngFrosh) which runs from until Sunday, September 12th.

Other important dates: Visit the Housing website for important residence dates, and make note of important academic dates on the Registrar’s office website.

Fall Orientation programming is not mandatory but highly encouraged. It is a great opportunity to meet students in your year, connect with upper-year students, attend fun events, and kickstart your experience at Carleton.

However, Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 is Academic Orientation Day and is the ONLY mandatory (and free) day for students to participate. International students and exchange students must also register for a one-day orientation session with the International Student Services Office- please find more information on the ISSO website.

Carleton University will continue to follow Ottawa Public Health recommendations to keep students safe.  We are still determining our schedule of events, but we anticipate that Fall Orientation will feature primarily virtual programming.

The Centralized Fall Orientation is the largest program as it is open to all students.

The Business Fall Orientation (Sprosh) program is designed for students entering their first year in the Sprott School of Business.

Finally, the Engineering Fall Orientation (EngFrosh) is for new students in Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design and Information Technology.

If you are in the Faculty of Engineering and Design, you will be placed in the Engineering program and if you are in the Sprott School of Business, you will be placed in the Business program until capacity for these specialized programs is reached. After capacity is reached for the specialized programs, all Fall Orientation registrations will be for the centralized Fall Orientation program.

The cost to participate in the Centralized Fall Orientation program, Business Fall Orientation program, or Engineering Fall Orientation program is $69.99 + HST.

We are committed to have all students who want to participate in Fall Orientation to have the ability to do so. If you require financial assistance to participate in Fall Orientation, please do not hesitate to connect with us by emailing seo@carleton.ca.

All registered participants will receive:

• Ravens Starter Kit containing your official Classic Black Ravens Hoodie (or faculty Classic Sweater), CU Throwback gear and other Ravens essentials. (available for shipping or curb-side pick-up)
• Access to numerous virtual activities where you can meet and interact with fellow first-year students.
• Virtual access to many entertainment events such as bingo, Illusionist, slam poetry, and more.
• All Fall Orientation virtual events will be password protected; registrants will receive exclusive access to participate.

Ravens Starter Kits will be available for shipping ($15 shipping fee for Ontario, $25 shipping fee for rest of Canada, $50 for Out-of-Country/International). Kits will be available for mail out by mid-July.  Please contact us at fallorientation@carleton.ca if you have any questions about tracking your shipment.

Free curb-side pick-up will be available for students in Ottawa. Curb-side pick-up will be available beginning in mid-July.  A notification will be sent to registrants who select this option with the opportunity to register for a pick-up day and time.

Registrants will receive an automated email from Canada Post when their Ravens Starter Kit has been picked up for delivery beginning in July.  They will also be able to track their parcel through Canada Post with the information sent by email.

All registrants who select free curb-side pick-up will be contacted once their kit is ready.  Curb-side pick-up will begin in July and be available until September 10th with students being able to sign up for specific pick-up blocks of 30 minutes to ensure proper social distancing.  Details will be sent by email.

Students have the option of adding on three items, which will be shipped along with their Ravens Starter Kit:

• Limited edition raspberry red Spirit Day sweater. Available in sizes S – XXXL (unisex).
  • Cost: $20 + HST
  • Learn about the CU Spirit Day program. 
• Classic Black Ravens Slim Fit Joggers. Available in sizes S – XXXL (unisex).
  • Cost: $20 + HST
  • Learn about the CU Spirit Day program.
• Ravens Ultimate Fitness Package
  • Cost: $99
  • As the saying goes, healthy body = healthy mind.  Start the school year off right & gain access to ALL of Carleton Athletics live and online group fitness classes (including yoga, pilates, Zumba, kick boxing & more) throughout the year including one term of a specialty instructional class.  Top it off with arriving in RAVENS style with a branded Under Armor gym bag. Go Ravens!  ($338 combined value).

Ravens Starter Kits will not be mailed out or made available for delivery until mid-July. Students who have registered prior to July and selected curb-side pick-up will be contacted via email once curb-side pick-up times are available for selection. Students who chose shipping will receive an email from Canada Post with tracking information once their kit is shipped.

Activities will run in the evening once classes start, as such students will not miss classes.

Please email us at fallorientation@carleton.ca with any accommodation requests.

Yes! Fall Orientation week is for first-year students living on campus, off-campus, and out-of-town.  Majority of programming will be virtual with a mixture of presentations and interactive opportunities.  Many presentations and events will be required and available for streaming to accommodate participants in different timezones.

All activations will require a Fall Orientation password which will be communicated daily to registered participants.

We will be using teams to organize the number of participants for each event/program. Teams are all formed in advance, we do our best to put resident students together based on building and floor. The formation of teams will also give you a chance to interact more directly with other first year students.

Visit Pathways to Graduation! Pathways is designed to help guide you along a path to graduation that is right for you. Explore your current phase and let the success pillars guide you toward graduation!