Graduate Arts Welcome Day 2025
Start your grad journey with key info sessions, then unwind with Emotions in Colour painting.
Sep 2, 2025 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Welcome to the Faculty of Arts! Start your first day with our mandatory graduate info session, followed by the CUPE info session. Then unwind with the Emotions in Colour activity and meet your department in the afternoon!

Graduate Arts Welcome Day 2025
🎓 Join the Faculty of Arts Graduate Welcome Day 2025!
Kick off your Ƶ journey with our mandatory information sessions designed especially for new graduate students in the Faculty of Arts. Learn about your program, academic expectations, available resources, and how to navigate university platforms.
All new graduate students must attend an info session, in either English or French. Each session is 1 hour long.
🕘 Register for a mandatory Info Session
English Session: 9:00–10:00, room DMS 1140 (Desmarais building), followed by a CUPE info session 10:00-11:00, in room SMD 425 (Simard Hall).
French Session: 10 h 30 à 11 h 30, room DMS 1140 (Desmarais building), followed by a CUPE info session 11:30-12:30, in room SMD 425 (Simard Hall).
🎨 Afternoon Activity: Emotions in Colour - Painting & Snack Bar Event
After your graduate info session, take a break and join us for Emotions in Colour (), a creative and relaxing art activity open to all new Arts students (undergrad and grad). Enjoy a free snack bar while you draw, relax, and meet new people!
🎉 Bonus!
Meet the Dean and Vice-Deans during a fun lightning-round visit
Ask questions to current students, professors, and staff
Get info on our Language Exchange Program — a fun way to practice languages and connect with fellow students!
Enter for a chance to win a Ƶ hoodie!
Whether you're looking for answers or just want to unwind and meet new people, this is your perfect chance to connect and explore the Faculty of Arts community.
Department Info Sessions
In the afternoon, join your department session to meet professors, learn more about your program, and get to know fellow students in your field.
(Check this page regularly for updates to the department schedule before September 2.)
Graduate Department Activities – September 2025
English
A Two-day orientation is planned for August 28 and 29 to learn about your academic program and focus on TA training. For more information, contact the English Department.
Communication
Bilingual Graduate Welcome Day on September 2, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Includes team introductions, a coffee break with donuts and cookies, professor presentations, CUPE presentation, and networking.
Registration required: .
Music
Info session from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., PRZ (Perez Hall) 121.
Meet the Graduate Studies Director, support staff, and student association. Learn key information for music students (practice rooms, etc.) and have your questions answered.
Philosophy
Department activity on Friday, September 5, at 2:30 p.m., DMS (Desmarais Building) 8161.
Meet department professors, fellow graduate students, and administrative staff. There will also be an information session with the Teaching and Research Assistants’ Union.
OLBI Open House
Come and meet the professors at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), talk to members of student associations, and discover other Ƶ student services. More information here.
Book Sale - Association des étudiants et étudiantes du Département de français (AÉCS)
The Association des étudiants et étudiantes des cycles supérieurs du Département de français de l’Université d’Ottawa is hosting a book sale.
Come browse their selection of gently used French books on September 2nd, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Simard 227. Payments in cash and via Interac e-transfer will be accepted.
The AÉCS would like to thank the professors of the Département de français, in particular professeure Lucie Hotte, as well as professeur Félix R. Atance, for their generous donations which made the sale possible.