Table of Contents

What is Frosh?

Frosh is your four-day introduction to McGill University and more specifically, the Faculty of Science through engaging events. Frosh will be dedicated to showcasing McGill campus and student life while helping students foster online connections with other McGill students in a safe and inclusive environment. We encourage all incoming McGill students to participate for the chance to meet other incoming students from around the world. Frosh is your opportunity to become more comfortable with Montreal, ask older students questions about life at McGill, and learn about the programs that the Faculty of Science has to offer.

When is Frosh?

Science Frosh 2024 will begin Thursday, August 22nd and run to Sunday, August 25th. Classes don’t begin until August 28th so Frosh is your chance to have fun, get familiar with Montreal and McGill campus, and make friends before the studying begins!

What kind of activities does Frosh have?

Frosh will consist of a variety of exciting interactive events and bonding activities. Students will be led through all Frosh activities by their Frosh Leaders. Events will include Montreal crawl, a campus scavenger hunt, concerts, a boat cruise, movie night, and yoga! During the four days froshies will interact with smaller groups of their fellow science peers, as well as meet froshies from other faculties.

How do I register?

Registration is open on July 22nd. We strongly encourage you to register early as spots fill up quickly! Remember that your spot is not guaranteed until your payment has been processed so please be sure to check your emails for information on payment.

You will recieve an email to your McGill email to register. Follow the instructions from there. Once you register, you will recieve a payment link to your McGill email on Monday or Thursday depending on when you register. If you do not recieve this payment link, please email frosh.comms@susmcgill.ca

How much is Frosh?

The price for Frosh 2023 is $187 which grants you access to four days of interactive in-person events and activities. Frosh actually costs us much more than $187 per participant, but thanks to our incredible partners we can offer you an incredible Frosh experience at the price we do. Here are some examples of what’s included with your Frosh bracelet:

• Access to all events

• Awesome swag including a cup, t-shirt, bandana, stickers, and glasses!

• A chance to become oriented and welcomed into the McGill and Montreal communities!

• Full communications support

• Mentorship from over 120 upper-year McGill students

• The best four days of your life (We aren’t joking!)

• And more!

If you demonstrate financial need and wish to participate in Science Faculty Frosh, please apply for the Science Frosh Bursary.

Why should I do Frosh?

Frosh week is an invaluable start to your McGill experience and it will be one of the main ways to meet fellow entering Science students and make connections. Whether they be study buddies or lifelong friends, the connections you make at Frosh can help you get the most out of your time at McGill. You won’t want to miss out on the memories and friendships that Frosh week creates!

What is SUS anyway?

The Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) represents all students in the Faculty of Science (over 5000 students)! Almost like a student government, the SUS is responsible for providing countless events, activities, and services to students, allowing them to enjoy the best possible university experience.

With events ranging from Frosh and Science Games, to Social Sustainability Week and Academia Week, the SUS has earned recognition as an organization that promotes academic excellence within the context of a fun-filled, socially-active community.

The SUS is led by a group of elected students who help organize events and services throughout the academic year — like Frosh!

If you’d like to get more involved in the science faculty or McGill community, check out opportunities at the SUS at sus.mcgill.ca.

Who are Frosh Coordinators?

A group of 15 Frosh Coordinators (upper-year students) spent the summer organizing the four-day event, with responsibilities such as funding Frosh through sponsorships, booking venues, and hiring Frosh Leaders and Staff. During the week they will be wearing bright blue tank tops. If you ever need help before or during Frosh, reach out to a coordinator and they will try their very best to assist you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or just say hi!

This Frosh committee is hired by and overseen by the Vice-President Internal of the Science Undergraduate Society (SUS), which is a group of elected students who organize events and services throughout the academic year.

If you’d like to be involved in the science faculty or McGill community, and possibly be involved in Frosh next year, check out more opportunities at the SUS sus.mcgill.ca.

Who are Frosh leaders?

Frosh leaders are McGill Students who have previously participated in Frosh and want to volunteer their time to guide new students through this awesome new experience. They are selected out of a competitive pool of applicants and complete extensive training on harm reduction, consent, and more!

Who are O-Staff?

O-Staff are returning McGill students who have previously participated in Frosh and want to volunteer their time to help create welcoming and well-organized environments, spaces, and operations for events and participants during Orientation Week. They are selected out of a competitive pool of applicants and complete extensive training on harm reduction, consent, and more!

I cannot afford the Participation fee. Is there a way I can still take part in Frosh?

If you demonstrate financial need and wish to participate in Science Faculty Frosh, please apply for the Science Frosh Bursary. More information on the bursary coming soon.

Are any Frosh events mandatory?

The only mandatory part of Frosh is to set up and register your Frosh account. Frosh itself operates on an opt-in system, so you can choose which events you want to go to! Just ensure that you communicate with your Frosh leaders for safety. However, we do highly encourage attending as many events as possible!

I can’t make all of Frosh, can I only pay for certain events?

No, unfortunately, it is not logistically possible for us to let students pay per event.

Can I arrive late to events?

You can be late to events as long as you get there before doors close for events. Each event will have a different time so communicate with your frosh leaders before hand to set up a plan!

How do I sign up for Frosh? Is it necessary to register?

YES! Registration is required to participate in Frosh. Links to registration are located in the menu tab or on our homepage. Keep an eye on this site or our social media channels to stay informed about upcoming Frosh news.

I provided incorrect information on my Frosh signup form online, how do I go about correcting it?

Send an email to the Orientation Week staff at frosh.comms@susmcgill.ca. Note: if any information on your form turns out to be false (ie. your age), you will not be allowed to participate in Frosh.

How will I get my Frosh package?

Once you’ve registered and paid, a Welcome Booklet containing important information about Frosh will be sent to you by email. You can pick up your merchandise and bracelet at the registration tent that will take place a few days before Frosh.

What should I have with me while attending Frosh events?

For every in-person event, you should have your keys, wallet, government ID, a charged phone, and a clear way home. You also must wear your Froshtival shirt and bracelet to access events.

The Welcome Booklet will provide more details on what to bring, and your leaders will also provide reminders throughout Frosh!

Who can (and cannot) participate in Frosh?

Frosh events and programming are for students entering their first year of university at McGill in the Fall, students who entered McGill in the Winter term of the previous academic year, and transfer students new to McGill. Returning students, family members, and (non-McGill-attending) friends of new students are not permitted to attend Frosh.

I’m not a first-year, can I still do Frosh?

New transfers are considered first years at McGill and are encouraged to participate in Orientation Week activities. If you are a transfer student from Winter 2024 you are also eligible to participate in Frosh. Unfortunately, all other students not entering their first year at McGill cannot register for Frosh – even if you’ve never participated before.

I’m not in Science, can I still be a part of Science Frosh?

No, you must participate in your own faculty Frosh unless you have applied for and been approved for a faculty transfer. If a faculty transfer has been approved, you may submit a faculty change through your Minerva account. If your faculty or school does not plan its own Frosh, then consult the list below for your suggested group:

• Arts & Science: Arts & Science students have their own Arts & Science Frosh

• Nursing Faculty: Students are suggested to join Science Frosh

• Faculty of Religious Studies: Students are suggested to join Arts Frosh

• Pre-Med Faculty: Students are suggested to join Science Frosh

I’m from Montreal, should I still do Frosh?

We highly encourage all incoming Science students to participate in Science Frosh! It is a great way to make friends in the Science faculty and get acquainted with upper year mentors (Frosh Leaders) and the McGill campus. Even if students have lived in Montreal their entire life, we guarantee Frosh will show them something they have yet to see and will give them a chance to meet tons of people new to Montreal!

What is Consent?

Consent is an informed and uninhibited agreement from all participating and affected parties regarding an action or activity. Consent is continuous, meaning it can be revoked at any time for any reason. It can be recognised by the presence of an enthusiastic “yes”, and not by the absence of a “no”. This applies to all circumstances and situations during Frosh, including sexual acts, photo sharing, and alcohol consumption. Consent from all involved and affected members is required for all actions people choose to take.

Consent can never be assumed and cannot be given if a person is incapacitated by alcohol and/or drugs or unconscious.

All Frosh participants are required to watch a video about consent made by Frosh Coordinators. This ensures that the meaning of consent is unambiguous and unanimous among all Frosh participants. Many (notably, but not exclusively, sexual) acts committed without consent in the context of Frosh are eligible for consequences imposed by respective Frosh Committees and the Office of the Dean of Students.

How does Consent translate to an online setting?

Consent is exactly the same online as offline. We expect all Frosh participants to be aware of how their actions affect others in an online setting, and to ensure that all affected individuals are informed and have agreed to their actions.

Specifically, if a person were to share a photo or video of other people, it is important that everyone in the photo or video have agreed to have it be shared and where.

Someone who is unreachable online (asleep due to time zones, not logged in, unable to access a strong internet connection at the time) is unable to provide consent. This person is also unable to ask for or receive consent.

It is important to remember that consent is never implied, especially in an online context where socialising can often leave more to implication than in an in-person setting.

What is Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault?

Sexual violence is an umbrella term thaty encapsulates two behaviours; sexual harassment and sexual asssault.

Sexual harassment is any form of unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual acts, and verbal sexual aggressions. This includes harassment online or in-person. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, unwelcome sexual teasing, jokes, remarks, questions, or suggestive signals.

Sexual assault is any act of a sexual nature that the done without unambiguous and enthusiastic consent. Sexual harassment becomes sexual assault when physical contact is made.

Both sexual assault and harassment can be committed by any gender.

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or harassment during Frosh, please do not hesitate to contact the Inclusivity Coordinator. They will explain the various courses of action available, offer on and off campus resources and support, and will provide confidential, non-judgmental, and pro-survivor support.

Regardless of the nature of the sexual act or type of harassment, if the incident made you uncomfortable we encourage you to reach out to the Inclusivity Coordinator immediately. Unless there is imminent danger, your disclosure will remain completely confidential.

Please note: you do not have to contact the Inclusivity Coordinator directly, leaders and other coordinators are all prepared and trained to receive and help with such information.

I have mental health challenges, how could Frosh affect that?

Frosh is an exciting week full of new experiences and meeting tons of other incoming students. But just as much as it is exciting, it can also be mentally taxing and stress-inducing. Students are encouraged to speak up when they are struggling with their mental health challenges. McGill has a number of resources available to students during Orientation Week that serves this purpose:

• Peer Support Centre: A confidential and non-judgmental peer support service located on the 4th floor of the SSMU building on McTavish. Volunteers will be available by phone during Frosh. For more information please consult their website: https://psc.ssmu.ca

• Nightline: A confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental peer support service via phone conversation. For Frosh hours of service, please consult their website: https://ssmu.mcgill.ca/nightline

• Access Allies: Frosh Leaders with additional and more specific training that makes them well-equipped to refer Frosh participants to the correct services for a variety of mental or physical challenges. They will be identifiably distinct from other leaders during Frosh and you may contact any access ally from any group.

• Vent Over Tea: A free active listening service that pairs people up with volunteers to have a conversation in a local Montreal coffee shop. Confidential and non-judgmental, Vent Over Tea volunteers are typically graduates pursuing careers in social work, psychology, or medicine.

I have visual/auditory difficulties, will I still be able to participate in Frosh?

Yes. Please indicate on your online registration form that you have visual/auditory difficulties or email the Inclusivity and Equity Coordinator at frosh@susmcgill.ca. We are including considerations for such difficulties in our event designs, and benefit greatly from any information about what we can best do to help.

During Frosh, where can I receive extra support for my accessibility challenges?

Student’s Frosh Leaders are there to help them every step of the way during Frosh. Always feel free to reach out to your Leaders if you require extra assistance at any point during the week. Additionally, there will be one Access Ally leader per group, who are individuals that received additional accessibility and mental health training.

The Science Inclusivity Coordinator will be present during Frosh to ensure all accessibility concerns are addressed and student’s receive adequate support. This Coordinator’s phone number will be accessible once you sign up for Frosh. You may also fill out our accessibility form to express your concerns.

I have another issue that the Frosh Coordinators should know about, how can I tell them?

If you have any other concerns (medical, mental health, etc.) that you would like to be noted please email us at frosh@susmcgill.ca or message McGill Science Orientation Week on Facebook. We check these regularly and will be sure to get back to you right away.

Please remember that we will be better equipped to help you if you tell us of any potential issues before Frosh begins. You are also welcome to reach out to any Frosh Coordinator during the event in order to share any issues that may arise. Please do not worry about approaching us; we are here to ensure your safety and fun at Frosh!

What measures will be in place to ensure online bullying is not tolerated?

We take any violation of consent or form of harassment (eg. bullying) during Frosh incredibly seriously and are prepared to remove offending participants from Frosh.

Students may express their concerns directly to a coordinator or leader before, during, or after Frosh. Information on how to make an anonymous complaint will also be given once you receive your Frosh account.

What is the drinking age and what if I am not of age?

The legal drinking age in Quebec is 18. Frosh is about the events and activities, not about drinking alcohol. Underage students find that their Frosh experience is hardly changed by their age and they still have an amazing time! More information on which events you will be able to opt-in to alcohol consumption will be provided by your leaders and the schedule.

Is there alcohol present at Frosh?

Yes, Science Frosh does acknowledge that many incoming students will be of legal drinking age and organizes a safe and inclusive space for people to opt-in to drinking alcohol. While Frosh is mainly made up of social events, please keep in mind that it does not entail the consumption of alcohol or other substances and we follow an opt-in system.

What if I don’t drink or can’t drink?

Some Science Frosh events will allow participants to drink alcohol, however drinking is always optional. Frosh is designed so that every participant will be able to enjoy themselves, regardless of whether or not they are drinking.

If I’m underage during Frosh (or for part of it) is it still worth it?

Yes! The Science Frosh Coordinators strive to make every effort to ensure everyone is included. Frosh is about the events and activities and there are no events centered around alcohol. Underage students find that their Frosh experience is hardly changed by their age and they still have an amazing time.

If I choose to drink, how can I consume alcohol in a safe way?

Students who make the decision to consume alcohol during Frosh week should be aware that alcohol affects different people in different ways. Here are a few tips to make sure Frosh stays a safe and fun environment for all:

• Count your drinks: It takes one hour to metabolize a drink (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor). Just because the alcohol doesn’t hit you right away, doesn’t mean it isn’t there!

• Inform a friend: Make sure you consume alcohol with people you feel safe and comfortable around. It’s best to stick with your Frosh Group! Your Leaders are a great resource if you ever feel you have consumed too much or are not sure if you have consumed too much.

• Don’t drink on an empty stomach: Eating before drinking decreases the absorption rate of alcohol.

• Alcohol affects people in different ways: Alcohol tends to have a stronger effect on females than males due to female’s lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that aids in the metabolism of alcohol. Additionally, your body’s water content plays a role in how your body metabolizes alcohol, which is why oftentimes when a male and a female are the same weight, the man will have a higher tolerance.

• Nicotine: Smoking slows the emptying of your stomach, in turn delaying alcohol absorption. Just because you don’t feel the alcohol right away, doesn’t mean you won’t later!

• Tylenol: Alcohol and tylenol separately can already cause liver failure. Taken together, either during consumption of alcohol or while hungover, can increase risk of liver failure even more.

• Benadryl: Mixing an antihistamine with alcohol will cause an increase in drowsiness.