De-stress with us! Watch for details on a series of workshops, connection, and social activities* through the month of March, including:

Craft Station
Wednesday, March 8, 11 am to 3 pm
Main Lobby, 100 McCaul Street
Campus Life Welcome Squad

Housing Fair
Wednesday, March 15, 11:30 am to 3 pm
Main Lobby, 100 McCaul Street
Campus Life

Scribble Drawing
Monday, March 20, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Main Lobby, 100 McCaul Street
Student Wellness Centre

Nowruz Cultural Festival
Wednesday, March 22, 11 to 2
Main Lobby, 100 McCaul Street
Campus Life Welcome Squad
 
Mental Health Expo
Thursday, March 23, 11 am to 3 pm
Main Lobby, 100 McCaul Street
OCAD Student Union, Campus Life, Student Wellness Centre, Writing & Learning Centre, Keep me Safe, Good to Talk, International Student Support, and Student Advising

Yoga with Leeay Aikawa
Monday, March 27, 5 to 6 pm 
Lambert Lounge, Room 187, 100 McCaul Street
Bring your own yoga mat 
Free! No registration necessary.

Therapy Dogs
Friday, March 31, 1 to 2 pm
International Student Support
Limited space. Sign up here to participate...

*Schedule subject to change

Brought to you by Campus Life, Student Wellness, OCAD Student Union, International Student Support and Writing & Learning Centre.

Welcome Squad: Open Mic Night

Stressed out after first week of coming back to class? Decompress and come have a fun time with us at our Open Mic event! The stage is yours, if you want it! Snacks and water will be provided.

Friday, March 3, 6 to 9 pm
Lambert Lounge, Level 1, 100 McCaul Street
Free

Participate by:
> Singing karaoke
> Tell stories
> Read poems
> Do skits or stand-up comedy
> Give a presentation on your desired topic! *

Any other type of appropriate performances (If you’re unsure, reach out to us to confirm!).
Everyone is also welcome to just chill out and enjoy the performances.

*If you’re planning to present:
Send your presentation file at least one day before the event through https://bit.ly/3IOO4xS

We’ll contact you to let you know your presenting slot. Each presentation should be no more than 10 minutes.

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OCAD U strives to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for the OCAD U community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Brent E. James in OCAD U’s Campus Life office (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest possible work and learning environment for our community, all participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD University’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required by the University on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scent: scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, diffusers, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more: https://bit.ly/3GI7amM

Photography: please be advised that OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video. These images may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes.

By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing OCAD U to document and use your images and likeness. However, if you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please don’t hesitate to let us know when you arrive at the event.

Chill out with the Campus Life Welcome Squad and cozy up along a 220-metre figure-eight skate trail, located under the Gardiner Expressway. Enjoy hot chocolate and other goodies available for purchase. Free skate rentals are offered on Fridays while supplies last (5 to 9 pm).

Friday, February 10, 5 to 7 pm
The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Free

RSVP required. Register through this link...

Meet at Butterfield Park at 4:15 pm to walk with the group (30-minute walk) or meet the group at the venue at 5 pm.

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We strive to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for our community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Campus Life (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest work and learning environment for our community, participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD U’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more...

Photography: OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video and may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes. By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing us to document and use your images and likeness. If you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please let us know.

Come along with Campus Life Welcome Squad to one of the Canadian Opera Company (COC) free concerts. Italian bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni will delight audiences with sweet and melancholy melodies.

Tuesday, February 7, 11:45 am to 1 pm
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. West
Admission: free

RSVP required. Register through this link...

Meet at Butterfield Park at 11:15 a.m. to walk with the group (or meet the group at 11:45 am at the venue.

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We strive to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for our community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Campus Life (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest work and learning environment for our community, participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD U’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more...

Photography: OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video and may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes. By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing us to document and use your images and likeness. If you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please let us know.

The International Student Support office and Campus Life Welcome Squad invite you to join us for a field trip to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to visit one of the largest museums in North America for FREE. From world-famous art pieces to cultural exhibitions, from dinosaur bones to natural wonders, you can drift into the world of imagination and reality.

Tuesday, February 21, 1 to 4 pm
Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Admission: Free

RSVP required. Register here...

Meet in front of Butterfield Park, 100 McCaul Street at 1 pm. Please arrive on time.
We will take public transportation*.

--
We strive to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for our community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Campus Life (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest work and learning environment for our community, participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD U’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more...

Photography: OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video and may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes. By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing us to document and use your images and likeness. If you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please let us know.
 

The International Student Support office and Campus Life Welcome Squad invite you to join us for a field trip to the Bloor-Yorkville IceFest. Let's celebrate the magic of winter and check out one of the MUST-VISIT places in Toronto. More than 40 ice creations are made from over 60,000 lbs. of ice. We can't wait to show you the WOWs!

Saturday, February 18, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Street
Admission: Free

RSVP required. Register here...

Meet in front of Butterfield Park, 100 McCaul Street at 11:30 am. Please arrive on time.
We will take public transportation*.

--
We strive to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for our community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Campus Life (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest work and learning environment for our community, participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD U’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more...

Photography: OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video and may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes. By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing us to document and use your images and likeness. If you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please let us know.
 

The 2SLGBTQIA+ (2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) Drop-in is designed to be a fun, positive space where OCAD U's queer community feels welcome, safe, and represented.

Weekly!
Fridays, 2 to 4 pm
Room 187, Level 1, 100 McCaul Street

Coordinated by OCAD U’s Student Wellness Centre (SWC) and Campus Life office.

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We strive to provide to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for the OCAD U community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Brent E. James in OCAD U’s Campus Life office (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest possible work and learning environment for our community, all participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD University’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required by the University on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scent: scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, diffusers, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more...

The International Student Support office and Campus Life Welcome Squad invite you to drop by and make some Valentine’s (or anti-Valentine’s) crafts for that special person. Supplies free, though limited.

Tuesday, February 14, 11 am to 3 pm
Main Lobby, 100 McCaul Street

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OCAD U strives to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for the OCAD U community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Brent E. James in OCAD U’s Campus Life office (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest possible work and learning environment for our community, all participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD University’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required by the University on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scent: scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, diffusers, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more: https://bit.ly/3GI7amM

Photography: please be advised that OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video. These images may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes.

By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing OCAD U to document and use your images and likeness. However, if you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please don’t hesitate to let us know when you arrive at the event.

Do you have clothing you no longer need?
Are you looking to swap out for something unique and new to you?
Clean your closet and drop into our Clothing Swap!

Monday, January 30, 1 to 4 pm
Room 556, Level 5, 100 McCaul Street

• Clothing must be clean.
• A minimum of three clothing items is required to participate.
• The number of items you take should be equivalent to what you bring.  
• (eg. bring three, take three).
• Old clothing for use in crafts or other projects also welcome.  

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OCAD U strives to provide inclusive, accessible opportunities for the OCAD U community to engage safely. To confidentially request an accommodation for this activity (including transit fare to off-campus locations), contact Brent E. James in OCAD U’s Campus Life office (by noon the day before the event) at bjames@ocadu.ca

To ensure the safest possible work and learning environment for our community, all participants of Welcome Squad events are required to adhere to OCAD University’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 health and safety protocols as required by the University on-campus, or by off-campus venues.

Scent: scented products and fragrances can aggravate health problems for people with respiratory illness, allergies, scent- or multi-chemical sensitivities. Your cooperation in avoiding the use of perfume, diffusers, scented hair products, cologne, scented deodorant, aftershave, etc. at this event is appreciated. Read more: https://bit.ly/3GI7amM

Photography: please be advised that OCAD U-hosted events may be documented through photography and video. These images may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes.

By participating in our events, both on-campus and off-site, you consent to allowing OCAD U to document and use your images and likeness. However, if you do not want to be photographed or included in video, please don’t hesitate to let us know when you arrive at the event.

If you have an interest in supporting emerging local artists, then OCAD Artist Alley is for you! This student-run initiative showcases talent from current OCAD U students and alumni from across all programs. Enjoy an afternoon shopping for unique art, crafts and design where you'll find a wide variety of posters, prints, zines, stickers, greeting cards, ceramics, fashion, jewellery items and more!

Saturday, February 11, 11 am to 5 pm
Great Hall, Level 2, 100 McCaul Street
Admission: free

This event is open to the public. We recommend bringing cash as most artists do not have card readers.