I am writing a letter in response to an article published last week comparing various universities orientation programs. I wanted to clarify that Carleton students received excellent value for money if they participated in Hungry Games this year. In fact, Carleton has one of the best, most comprehensive programs in the country.
There are a number of things that make Carleton’s program unique. Foremost is the fact that our program is one of the few that is jointly coordinated between our student association and administration. The real benefit to this approach is that our programming is seamless. It also ensures we can maximize resources so our students get multiple high quality activities. Compared to most other programs, Carleton offers more activities that feature professional performers or activities which have a technical element. We also ensure our students are fed properly and receive some of the best swag, kits, and prizes (e.g., flat screen TVs, digital camera). The value of our program goes beyond orientation week as our students also receive a varsity pass ($35) and a full pass to this year’s Ottawa Folk Festival ($50).
From the moment they get onto campus, our incoming students are engaged morning till night in a range of activities which are both social and transitional in nature. Beyond meeting their peers and having a great time, our students also learn about what it takes to be a great student. Through it all, these new members of our community are supported and encouraged by an army of facilitators who pour their heart and soul into welcoming and supporting our students. You can’t put a price to that.
The majority of our first years who participated in the Hungry Games benefited from the early bird price of $110, while those that waited paid $125. In charging these prices, it is important for our community to understand the university and the Carleton University Students’ Association end up with a very small surplus, which is always reinvested back into the program. Almost every penny we collect is invested into the orientation program so that we put on the best, most inclusive Frosh Week in Canada, bar none. I know this to be true because the students and parents I spoke over the course of the week had a fantastic time and our retention numbers were the best they have ever been. The staff and student leaders who pulled off the Hungry Games this year deserve tremendous credit and thanks for their tireless efforts. I couldn’t be more proud of them and Carleton U.
P.S. Go Samosas!
Ryan Flannagan,
Carleton University director of student affairs
