This year’s orientation week will see less alcohol at all events as colleges adapt to an incoming class in which about 70 per cent of the students will be under 19 due to the double cohort. Orientation organizers are putting the emphasis on fun, engaging events and activities that do not require alcohol to be enjoyed.

“Our greatest events are the traditional, 50-year old tried and true events that cost no money, and that everyone loves,” said Mike Diez d’Aux, the Engineering frosh week chair. “These events aren’t centered around alcohol, and never will be.” Engineering is expecting 1,000 students to participate in the week’s events, with some 75 per cent under age.

St. Mike’s orientation will be completely alcohol-free for the second year in a row. According to Bronwyn O’Flynn, one of the St. Mike’s frosh week coordinators, the college has gained a lot of experience with ‘dry’ events over the past few years. “We don’t expect any problems, [and] we’ve never had any problems before,” said O’Flynn.

For SAC, this year’s festivities will be about “getting back to the basics,” says orientation coordinator Dylan Rae. This year will be the first totally dry frosh week for SAC, a decision motivated largely by demographics. Rae estimates that 70-75 per cent of first years will be under 19. He added that ‘wet’ events “place the responsibility back on the [residence] dons” to make sure students stay out of trouble when drunk.

The reduced presence of alcohol has forced event organizers to create “good, high-quality events” that are well planned, fun, and appealing to all groups, said Victoria University orientation week coordinator Geoff Fucile. There will be “various interactive components such as dancing, music, games, and food,” so that there is no focus on drinking, said Fucile. Frosh leaders have also been extensively trained to deal with alcohol.

However, Fucile feared that having a totally dry orientation week would “drive students back into closed residence rooms.” Vic’s events instead aim to provide a safe environment in which to experience something that is a reality of university life.

A wristband policy will be used at events where alcohol will be served. SAC is helping colleges provide security with its Safety & Security Budget, new this year. Money will be provided for security, lighting, and safe transportation to and from events. Thursday night’s interdivisional parties, Vic’s Fort York event, and Engineering’s Frosh Nite party will be receiving help from SAC.