UCD’s Orientation Week will be going ahead with a blended, primarily online approach. It will run from Tuesday 22nd September until Saturday 26th September.
The week, which serves as the first year class’ introduction to the University, has been subject to considerable speculation, considering the current Coronavirus restrictions and spike in national case numbers. However, reports suggest that the University plans on having the students take a tour of the campus with their peer mentors in-person, in small groups. This appears, so far, to be the only on-campus element that is currently being planned for. Additionally, the tour will involve a one-way system around campus, in order to reduce crowding.
When speaking to peer mentors, we found that most of the other events being planned were remote, with one saying, “basically most of the inductions, meetups, and events are going to be online.”
There is, however, a lack of clarity. One peer mentor expressed concern at the way the plans were being rolled out, citing confusion with training times and a “general lack of information on orientation week.”
A finalised plan for Orientation Week will be released on Friday 18th September.
Jack McGee – Reporter
