Orientation
Carleton offers a variety of orientation programs to help ensure a successful transition into university. Below is a brief overview of which programs are available.
Various Student Orientation Programs
We have programs to support all incoming undergraduate students while welcoming them to Carleton University.
Summer Orientation (2026)
Summer Orientation is a one day program designed for new students and their parent(s). The program is designed to promote the student’s personal academic success and individual development. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in informative workshops, explore Carleton’s campus, and learn from current students, staff and faculty through a variety of programming.
Audience:
For all incoming first-year students
Registration:
Date:
August 15, 2026
Cost:
Free
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fall Orientation (2026)
Fall Orientation provides incoming students with a week packed full of fun activities, a chance to make new friends, and an opportunity to gain the necessary skills to help transition to university life at Carleton University. Fall Orientation offers two different streams; Central (open to all incoming students) and EngFrosh for students enrolled with the Faculty of Engineering and Design.
Audience:
For all incoming first-year students
Registration:
Dates:
(Central)
Sunday, September 6 to
Friday, September 11, 2026
(EngFrosh)
Sunday, September 6 to
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Cost:
TBA
Academic Orientation Day (2026)
Academic Orientation Day (AOD) takes place prior to the start of classes in September and is hosted by Career Services.
AOD is designed to welcome and inspire first-year students as they begin their university experience. The day includes a Faculty Orientation session, Department Open Houses, and the opportunity to meet upper year students from your course of study. Students are contacted directly with information from their faculty.
Audience:
Participation is mandatory for all new undergraduate Carleton students.
Registration:
No registration required.
Date:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Cost:
Free
Expo Carleton (2026)
Expo Carleton takes place prior to the start of classes in September.
Expo Carleton welcomes all students and showcases the diversity in the clubs, societies, and services that our university has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity for student to connect with various groups on campus, find out what they are all about, and discover way to get involved.
Audience:
Open to all undergraduate students
Registration:
No registration required.
Date:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Cost:
Free
I-Start Orientation (2026)
Attend I-Start, the orientation for all new international students at Carleton University, and receive resources and information that will help you transition successfully to student life at Carleton and in Canada. This orientation has been designed to meet the needs of all international students, including undergraduate, graduate, exchange, and study abroad students.
Audience:
For all international students
Registration:
Dates:
Asynchronous course available June 1, 2026.
Cost:
Free
International Orientation Day (2026)
International Orientation Day is designed for all new international students at Carleton University with a full day of engaging events, workshops, and activities designed to help international students transition to student life at Carleton University as hosted by the Global Opportunities & International Student Services Office (GO-ISSO).
Audience:
For all new international students
Registration:
Date:
September 4, 2016
Cost:
Free
PMC Orientation (2026)
PMC orientation is for all new Paul Menton Centre students and is designed to support your transition to university learning, and introduce you to the resources and services available through the PMC and Carleton University. The event will include a talk from a Carleton Professor, a series of breakout sessions, optional socializing opportunities, and a low-sensory area. You are invited to participate at your own comfort level..
Audience:
For all new PMC students
Registration:
Dates:
September 4, 2026
Cost:
Free
To stay up to date on programs from the Student Experience Office, please follow our Ravens Student Life team on Instagram and TikTok.