Hello! UCalgary welcomes a new undergrad class

Imagine more than 5,000 UCalgary students in the Jack Simpson gym, all shouting “Hello” in their own language, all at the same time.

You get the picture. That was one of the rousing highlights at the pep rally and new student welcome ceremony on Aug. 31, 2023.

Other highlights of the event included a welcome greeting in the languages of several traditional Indigenous peoples; shout-outs for each of the deans and faculties; a challenge for everyone to wear Dinos gear on Fridays; presentations of the Land Acknowledgement and Honour Song; and a panel discussion on top tips for a successful first year, featuring the wisdom and experience of academic and student leaders. A team of 269 orientation leaders and ambassadors (student volunteers) made orientation a success over two days. 

A few fun facts about this year’s undergraduate class:

• There are over 8,000 undergrads including more than 1,000 who are from 164 countries outside of Canada.
• The international country with the most representation of new undergrads is India, followed by Nigeria.
• Within Canada, all 10 provinces and three territories are represented in our incoming class.