In this article, The Current's Onika Russell compared this year's fall orientation to the last.
For many students, Orientation is their first introduction to university life at UCC. It helps students meet peers, learn about resources and discover opportunities. But as Fall 2026 Orientation ended, one question remained: Has UCC improved the way it connects with students?
The UCC Current reviewed the published programmes for Fall 2025 and Fall 2026 and spoke with current and returning students about their experiences.
The Fall 2025 Orientation relied heavily on scheduled presentations covering topics such as accreditation, student support, stress management, academic integrity, enrollment and financial assistance. Clubs and societies were featured during a designated exposition later in the programme while entertainment was limited to scheduled performances.
Fall 2026 included many of the same informational components but added more interactive elements throughout the programme. Students were invited to respond to questions, participate in activities, compete for giveaways and share their goals. Speakers also used audience participation rather than relying solely on formal presentations.
Student organizations were featured throughout the programme through activities such as a student-prepared skit by the Culture club, addressing aspects of university life such as making friends, finding scholarships and managing academic responsibilities.
Students who attended this year’s Orientation largely viewed the experience positively.
Ashley Brown, a new student, stated, ‘I loved it. I like how fun it was all throughout.’ Brown expected Orientation to be boring and not particularly helpful but said it exceeded those expectations. She enjoyed the skit, information about registering for classes, the food section and clubs. She said the programme encouraged her to consider joining Circle K and The Current. Brown rated it 9 out of 10, calling it “fun and informative,” but wished there had been more clubs.
Chelsea Miller, another new student, called Orientation “very informative,” saying it answered her questions and exceeded her expectations. She particularly enjoyed the skit and felt encouraged to interact with welcoming clubs.
The club perspective, however, shows a different view.
Nashane Evans, President of the UCC Fellowship (UCCF), attended both Orientations. She said there was “significantly less participation and fewer participants engaging with clubs and organizations” in 2026. “Last year, there were more clubs represented, more booths and generally more for students to see and interact with,” Evans said. She believes fewer organizations meant fewer opportunities for students to explore campus groups.
Evans suggested a dedicated Club Day or Club Evening so students can explore organizations without competing with classes and other Orientation activities.
Returning student Olenska Baker recalled feeling “really welcomed” during her own Orientation and receiving materials designed to encourage participation. She also remembered receiving a mug as part of her involvement.
The UCC Current contacted members of the Student Affairs and Orientation teams for comment. The university indicated that its assessment should remain an internal matter as such, its perspective was not included.
The programmes and student responses suggest a shift in approach. Fall 2026 provided more opportunities for participation, while new students largely responded positively. However, fewer clubs were represented, highlighting an area for improvement.
Whether these changes translate into sustained involvement will extend beyond Orientation Day. Continued participation in clubs, organizations and campus activities may provide a clearer indication of whether UCC’s approach is connecting students to campus life in the longer term.
For now, the comparison shows a changed approach, positive student feedback and room to improve how students connect with campus organizations.
