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Get to know the students who will help make this year’s Orientation memorable by fostering a welcoming community and helping students start their academic journey in the best way possible. Find out more about them and their favourite Orientation memories — and what they hope new students take away from this year’s experience! 

Orientation Chair — Kris Girouard: BSc honours biochemistry with minors in biology and chemistry, Riverview, NB 

International Orientation Chair — Aiko Aguilar: BA majors in psychology and international relations, minor in Japanese studies, Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico 

Meighen Centre Orientation Chair — Lauren West: BSc honours psychology with a minor in biochemistry, Ottawa, ON 

Why did you want to be Orientation Chair? 

Kris Girouard: I wanted to be the Orientation Chair because of my involvement on campus throughout my time here and my genuine love for MtA. Last year, I had an incredible job with the Mount Allison Students' Union as the Director of Entertainment & Activities in which I had the privilege of planning major entertainment events on campus for the student body. This work allowed me to have a direct impact on the student experience and inspired me to continue making a difference on student life. MtA has so much to offer and there truly is a place for everyone and being O-Chair allows me to continue being involved while focusing my attention on showing first year students just how amazing this place is.

Lauren West: I remember how exciting and nerve-wracking starting university can be. Just three years ago, I was in the same position, eager and unsure of what was ahead. For Meighen Centre students, like myself, the transition to university comes with extra questions and unique needs. I’m passionate about inclusion and I knew I could help create a space where incoming Meighen Centre students feel supported, confident, and ready for this new chapter. 

Aiko Aguilar: I was the IO Chair in 2023 and I enjoyed a lot planning IO Week. I thought of giving a second shot at applying since I enjoyed it a lot the first time. It's really rewarding to see all my team of facilitators and new international students spending time together. 

What do you want students to take away from the experience? 

Kris Girouard: I want students to take away a strong sense of inclusivity and community from the experience. Mount Allison will be their new home for the next few years and my goal is to make them feel as welcomed and comfortable as possible, allowing them to be excited to embark on their new journey. MtA has so many incredible things to offer from clubs and societies, internships, athletics, theatre productions, residences, volunteer opportunities, and so much more.  

Lauren West: I want students to leave pre-Orientation feeling confident, prepared, and proud to be a Mountie. My hope is that they’ll see Sackville and Mount Allison as a second home, just like I do. More than anything, I want them to experience the warmth and inclusivity of our community — through our staff, resources, volunteers, and the friendships they build during pre-Orientation. 

What advice do you have for students who may be overwhelmed by the thought of Orientation?  

Aiko Aguilar: I was that student, I felt so anxious and shy my firsts day of Orientation, but when I gained the courage to speak to someone and make friends, it became way easier. I know it sounds cliché, but don't be scared — everyone is — we just need to be a little braver to go and experience new things. 

Kris Girouard: While Orientation seems very daunting and overwhelming, try to remember that for every emotion you feel, someone else feels the same way! My other piece of advice is that the Orientation volunteers have experienced exactly what you are going through and they are there to support you. Most, if not all, the volunteers felt nervous, scared, or anxious at some point during their Orientation, so use them as a resource.  

What was your favourite part of your Orientation?  

Lauren West: My favourite part of Orientation was meeting my best friends and feeling so welcomed right from the start. I still remember arriving on campus, nervous and unsure, but that quickly changed. I felt like I belonged. That feeling stayed with me and it’s what I hope to pass on to every incoming student. 

Kris Girouard: My favourite part of my Orientation was Karaoke BBQ! This event is a HUGE dance battle on Alumni Field against the residences, the Orientation volunteers, off-campus students, and the Mount Allison Students' Union. While there isn't any Karaoke, there is a delicious BBQ in the Academic Quad to get you ready to dance! Throughout the dance battle, everyone is up dancing and singing, cheering on each performance, and truly just having a great time! It's an experience that I will forever cherish because of how included, welcomed, and excited it made me for my new journey at Mount Allison. 

What new elements do you hope to bring to Orientation 2025? 

Kris Girouard: I hope to bring a sense of belonging and connection to Orientation 2025. I'm excited to introduce more inclusive events that help students connect across diverse backgrounds. I hope to incorporate more bonding opportunities with fellow first-year students, as well as with volunteers to create more meaningful conversations that will create lifelong friendships. My goal is to reduce the anxiety that can come with starting university by making sure students feel informed, welcomed, and eager to start their journey at MtA! 

Aiko Aguilar: I hope to bring excitement and enjoyment. I really want to show the new students that small town Sackville is beautiful and amazing. 

Lauren West: I’m excited to introduce a new video series on our Instagram. These videos will provide helpful information about transitioning to university, navigating resources, and making the most of everything Mount A has to offer. It’s all about making students feel ready, informed, and supported from day one. 

Where can students get more information on Orientation over the summer? 

Kris Girouard: Over the summer, students can get more information on Instagram (), the newsletters that I will being sending to their MtA email and at mta.ca/orientation.  

Lauren West: The best place to stay up to date is our Instagram: . Be sure to also check your Mount Allison email regularly for updates and important information about pre-Orientation. 

Aiko Aguilar: Follow on Instagram! We are creating a lot of content throughout the summer for them to be excited for their new life in Canada!

Stay tuned! More information about what to expect during Orientation 2025 will be shared in the coming weeks. For now, be sure to follow the Orientation accounts on for updates and visit mta.ca/orientation for the most current information.