A fresh start for سԹ’s new academic year
The fall semester marks the start of Dr. Jeff Hennessy’s presidency

سԹ is set to begin the 2023-2024 academic year under the leadership of Dr. Jeff Hennessy, who will serve as the institution's 17th President and Vice-Chancellor. An exceptional array of welcome and orientation events awaits students, designed to foster personal and academic development on the Wolfville campus.
“Our students come from across Canada and around the world to experience سԹ’s excellent programs, stellar faculty, and our immersive and high-engagement educational experience,” says Hennessy, who begins his term as President on September 1. “We look forward to welcoming our new students and welcoming back our returning students. Together, with the Town of Wolfville, we offer our students a unique and wonderful living and learning environment.”
Among سԹ's 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students, nearly 1,400 reside in campus housing facilities. New students will move in on September 2, followed by returning students on September 4. Classes are scheduled to start on September 6.
James Sanford, Executive Director of Student Services at سԹ, explains the significance of welcome and orientation events: “Purposeful activities create a safe and welcoming beginning for the سԹ student experience, supported by an entire community of scholars, leaders, mentors, friends, and neighbours. These initial opportunities ensure students have a strong foundation leading to academic success.
سԹ Students' Union (ASU) President Sadie McAlear is excited to welcome all students to campus, with an emphasis on helping incoming students adjust to university life: "We are thrilled to welcome all students back to campus and support the beginning, or continuation of, their journey at سԹ. We have a lineup of events for students to participate in throughout Orientation Week and look forward to continuing building relationships with the amazing students a part of the سԹ community. We are equally eager to bring students into the ASU’s conversations around how we advocate for the affordability, accessibility, and quality of their education.”
This year, سԹ is offering a mentorship program that pairs student ambassadors with similar academic interests to new students. The orientation agenda includes academic lunches, educational sessions, class photos, a special Welcome Ceremony, and Matriculation – a time-honoured سԹ tradition where first-year students officially join the University.
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights from the schedule include:
September 2: New Student Move-In, Matriculation and Football Home Opener
More than 750 new students will arrive at residence starting at 8:30 a.m., with faculty and staff encouraged to help welcome them. The Alumni Association is hosting an open house “Axe-cellent Send Off” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for families moving their students into residence. The day continues with a formal Matriculation Ceremony at University Hall at 2 p.m. and concludes with an adrenaline-pumping سԹ football game against StFX at 3 p.m. on Raymond Field.
September 3: Orientation Kicks Off; Welcome and Smudging Ceremony
Starting at 11 a.m. on the steps leading to University Hall, Dr. Jeff Hennessy will be joined by Elder-In-Residence Dr. Joe Michael to lead a heartwarming ceremony for all on- and off-campus students followed by a welcome barbecue at noon.
September 4th: Welcome to Wolfville Street Fair; Returning Student Move-In
The 2nd Annual in partnership with the Town of Wolfville and the سԹ Students’ Union (ASU) will take place on Main Street from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering games, food, live music, and entertainment for all ages. All community and university members are invited to join in the festivities. سԹ will also welcome back students returning to residence.
September 5: Academic Orientation Day
Program-specific orientation sessions begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by lunch with faculty and academic support staff in Wheelock Hall. The day also features the much-anticipated return of a note-taking workshop series and additional academic skills development opportunities.
September 6-10: Welcome Week Activities
A plethora of exciting Welcome Week activities awaits students, ensuring ample opportunities for engagement and involvement on campus.
For a complete schedule of events, students are encouraged to visit the and download the . More information is available from organizers, who can be .