New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is a three day experience where new students and professors have the opportunity to meet with nature and experience a new environment with each other. Students are able to interact on a level that allows them to form lifetime relationships with each other and nature. Forming relationships with the other students in the program and professors allows the students to strive to be more successful academically because they have gained support from others.


The camping trip takes place Camp Mockingee, Nova Scotia. As soon as students arrive they begin to create a new bond with nature. Throughout the three days students have the opportunity to meet inspiring people who share their passion for nature. Activities range from learning about new species to interacting with nature through meditation. Throughout the day students engage with classmates, ending the day with a campfire and songs. During this one on one experience with nature, students are able to gain the inspiration they need to succeed at Acadia

Continue reading to discover how Acadia Students felt about being part of the New Student Orientation experience.
"Upon participating in this first year orientation field experience, it was clear to me that it was much more than just a camping trip. Spending a few days away from the classroom, surrounded by nature, allowed me to connect with the other students and professors in the program in a way that I likely would have never had the chance to do otherwise. With the help of guest speakers and hands-on experiences, it also helped me to grasp a better understanding of what the program has to offer. More so than anything else, this experience allowed me to begin my journey through the Environmental and Sustainability Studies program in the most ideal manner. It holds some of my fondest memories from my experience at university thus far." - Sarah Geiwitz


"I think that the field experience that is a part of ESST is a key part of what makes this program unique. Spending three days with your teachers and the people you are in your program with in the woods may seem pretty odd for a university program, but it has continued to be such a memorable experience. Having insiders and being close with your peers and your professors creates an amazing supportive and encouraging community that helps keep energy and motivation high after the trip." - Jenna Khoury-Hanna