Ondaatje Hall buzzed with hundreds of graduate students on Wednesday, September 5, as orientation commenced for a new wave of master's students and PhD candidates. Bernie Boudreau, dean of Graduate Studies, made the opening remarks and announced that Dal would be home to over 3,500 full-time graduate students in the 2012-13 academic year.
With more than 100 countries represented by international graduate students, and over 40 per cent of graduate enrollment accounted for by other provinces, orientation presenters made sure to familiarize the audience with services offered on campus and around the city. Dalhousie Libraries, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dalhousie Student Advocacy Services, and Athletics and Recreational Services all encouraged students to make use of the available facilities and support systems.
The DSU and DAGS (Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students) were both represented at orientation, offering information about health insurance, social events, and potential grants. The greater Halifax community welcomed graduate students with numerous prizes donated by local businesses from Pete鈥檚 Frootique to the Folklore Centre. (Ukulele anyone?)
Orientation was followed by a free BBQ lunch at the Grad House, compliments of DAGS.
Snacks are served at the Graduate Students' Orientation. (Katherine Wooler photo)