Fourth-year Honours Commerce and Psychology student Meghan McCracken is the 2016 Orientation Chair, overseeing more than 120 student volunteers to welcome the Class of 2020 to Mount Allison.

1. Orientation 2016 is coming right up, students move in September 1. What is the theme for this year’s event?

The theme for this year’s Orientation is You Are Here. We’re hoping to capture the unique Mount Allison Orientation experience as well as the important role that the community of Sackville plays in welcoming our new students. Not only are they here in Sackville, they are here at a time that represents the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. We want them to feel welcome in their new home.

2. How long have you been involved with Orientation? What made you decide to be a part of this?

I had an amazing experience during my own Orientation and was a residence assistant in Windsor Hall in my second year. Last year, I joined the Orientation Committee and led the Bazum event, which saw hundreds of new students dancing together outside the library during one of their first days on campus.

I applied for the Chair position because in my time at Mount A, I’ve experienced Orientation from different perspectives; as a first-year student, an RA, and then an Orientation Committee member. This year, I can put my own spin on it. I’m also so grateful for my own Orientation experience. It provided me with such a strong foundation for my time at Mount A that I also thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for me to give back.

3. Best Orientation memory?

It’s so hard to pick just one, but I think the Karaoke BBQ during my first year would be my favourite. This was the first time I really felt at home here. My residence (Windsor) had great house spirit (they still do) and performed a dance to Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy. It was a blast.

4. What are you most looking forward to for this year’s activities, any previews for the Class of 2020?

We have magician Wes Barker coming to campus, which I think it is a “can’t miss” event. The Orientation committee, working with University staff, has also worked to strengthen Academic Orientation this year to help new students be as prepared as possible for the school year. We’ve organized sessions around related topics such as time management, study habits, and mental health and wellness.

We’ve also worked with the Town of Sackville to add more wellness events, including guided walks in the beautiful Waterfowl Park as well as bus tour of the Sackville area. I think it will give our new students a chance to learn more about the community.

5. Where can people find more information?

All Orientation details including schedules and contacts are available at mta.ca/orientation, which is being updated regularly. You can also follow Orientation news on Twitter – @MASUOfficial

Of course, feel free to connect with me with any specific questions — orientation@mta.ca