I keep seeing information about 101 Week from the university, the uOttawa Student Federation and from you guys.  Is it all the same thing?

Yes – 101 Week is jointly organized by the University administration, the Student Federation and the student associations for each faculty or department (in your case, the Science Students’ Association).  Each group holds events throughout the week and you can pick and choose between them.  Note that in order to participate in both SSA and SFUO events, you must have purchased a 101 Week kit from the SSA.

 

Why do I have to purchase a 101 Week kit?

There are a number of reasons.  Selling kits are a way of keeping track how many students are participating in our events and helps to easily classify you as a 101er.  Your shirt and bracelet is your entry pass to all the events.  Selling kits are also a way of helping us offset the costs associated with organizing 101 Week.

60 dollars seems like a lot of money.  Is it really worth it?

It really is.  Buying a kit gets you entry to all 101 Week events, which can cost quite a bit of money if you were to do them on your own.  The kits contain merch, coupons, information and useful goodies to help you out during the school year. You’ll also get fed several meals throughout the week.  To compare, some other faculties charge as much as $100 for their 101 Week kits.  Science maintains the most affordable week for our students.

Where and when can I buy my kit?

The best way to purchase a kit is online through the SSA Paypal account (you can do so here.)  You can then pick up your kit in front of the Biosciences Complex on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (see the schedule for our hours).  If you’re not sure where it is, check any of the map stations on campus.  We do recommend that you pre-order your kit online, as we always sell out each year.

 

Where do I register for the week?

We take care of all the registration when you get your kit.

 

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a piece of photo ID with your date of birth – you will be given a bracelet indicating your age.

 

I’m not arriving until after your kit sales end on Monday.  Can I still buy a kit and participate?

For sure!  Just get in touch with us and we’ll certainly arrange to hook you up.

 

Are there any events during the week that are mandatory?

The Faculty of Science is hosting a mandatory information session on Tuesday, September 6 for all 1st year students, covering an overview of the university, academic policies and information, services available to students, and life on campus.  You must attend either the morning session (9AM) or the afternoon session (1PM).  In addition, you must attend a meeting with your department and/or programme officials at 11 AM. 

 

Some of your events are listed as 18+, but I’m only 17.  What do I do during these times?

For every event that is 18+, we have an alternative event for all ages.  Go to that one instead.

 

I’m 18 but I’m not really into the whole bar night/cabin party thing.  Can I come to the alternate event too?

Absolutely – come to whatever event you’d prefer.

 

Who’s in charge of these events?

Science’s 101 Week is organized by the Executives of the SSA (in the fuchia t-shirts).  Approximately 80 other volunteers are chosen as 101 Week Guides – they wear blue shirts and are either responsible for a group of 101ers or general assistance with the week’s events.  The guides and the execs will be the ones you’ll want to follow around during the week.

 

What do these people do during the week?

The guides and execs will be the ones taking you from place to place, helping you meet other people, showing you around campus and the city, and looking after your safety.   They will answer your questions, walk you home after late-night events, and make sure you have a good time throughout.

 

How trustworthy are these guides/execs?

Very.  Everyone goes through an application process and takes special training in order to serve as a 101 Week Guide.  Many have first aid/CPR training, and everyone is bound to a code of conduct during the week to ensure a safe environment for students.

 

I have a disability that might make it difficult for me to participate in some events.  What can I do?

We always try to create an environment where everyone can participate.  All of our events have been made as accessible as possible - we coordinate with the university's Centre for Students with Disabilities when planning each event. Feel free to contact us before the week starts if you have specific concerns and we’ll go to great lengths to make the events fit your needs.

I’ve lived in Ottawa all my life and have already visited campus.  Is there any point in me coming to 101 Week?

You should especially do 101 Week if you’re from Ottawa.  Students who live at home generally don’t integrate as much with the university community compared to those who are from out of town.  You should participate so that you can meet other people in your programme, learn some useful tips about university life, and if nothing else, just have a great time before classes start.

 

Do classes take place during any of your events?

Classes begin on the Wednesday of 101 Week.  Because everyone has different schedules, we do plan some events during the days when there are classes.  For events on campus, feel free to come and go as you need to.  If an event is taking place off campus and you can’t come until after your class, speak to a guide and we’ll try to arrange transportation if possible.

One of my friends is a 1st year student in another faculty.  Will I get to see him/her at all during the week? 

Yes, there are many events in which all university students participate, so there will be lots of opportunity to mingle with people from outside the Faculty of Science. Alternatively, your friend can purchase a Science kit and participate in our 101 Week - you don’t need to be a science student to tag along with us.

 

What else does the Science Students’ Association do besides organize 101 Week?

The SSA is your student government.  101 Week is its major activity during the start of each year, but it also organizes numerous other events during the school year that are both academic and social in nature.  It represents all science students in meetings with the Faculty of Science and the university administration, and provides a number of services to its members to make student life as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

 

Organizing these sorts of things sounds like a lot of fun.  How can I do this sort of thing?

There are lots of ways to get involved in student life on campus, and it’s important to do so to make the most of your time here.  The SSA holds elections for its General Council during September - 6 seats are available for 1st year students alone.  Alternatively, you can join any of the clubs in science or across campus, try out for varsity or intra-mural sports, or volunteer for the thousands of groups and services at the university.  Speak to any member of the SSA if you’re looking for a particular group/activity to join.

Where should I go if I need more information about anything?

First, check out our website (www.ssa-aes.com) as it contains some additional information about 101 Week and some of the upcoming events for the school year.  If you have any other questions at all, don’t hesitate to call or email the SSA and we’ll fill you in.  You’ll find all of our contact information on the "About us" section of the site.