Cape Breton University Kicks Off Fall Semester with 2026 Week of Welcome

Cape Breton University (CBU) is preparing to welcome a new cohort of students to campus with an exciting Week of Welcome (WOW) program planned. With classes officially starting on Wednesday, September 9, new students will have the opportunity to learn all about life at the University during the annual Week of Welcome, running from September 5 to 12.​

This year’s WOW features an array of social, academic and community-focused events designed to encourage early campus connections for students and also ease their transition into university life. As an important first step, all incoming students and returning students are required to complete the new Start Smart course, an online learning experience designed to give all students the opportunity to learn about supports, services and opportunities for engagement on campus. 

“Our campus truly comes alive when students arrive, and Week of Welcome is about making sure they all immediately feel at home,” says CBU President, David C. Dingwall. “From the moment they move into residence or attend their first class, we want every student to know they are a valued member of the CBU community, with a vast network of support beside them and a tremendous amount of opportunity ahead of them.”

The Week of Welcome officially kicks off on September 5 with Move-In Day. Students living in residence can head to campus any time after 9:00am, where WOW leaders will be ready to help students officially move into their new homes. The Student Commons will also be open all week as an information access point for any questions, issues or concerns you have on your first days on campus.​

CBU is also inviting the community to share in the excitement during the CAPERFEST soccer home-opener weekend. Head to the Ness Timmons Field on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, to support the CBU Capers varsity soccer teams, with the Women’s match kicking off at 3:00pm and the Men’s following at 5:30pm each day.​

The week is anchored by Academic Orientation Day on Tuesday, September 8, featuring sessions designed to connect students directly with their specific academic schools and faculty. For students arriving from abroad, dedicated International Student Orientation sessions will be held on Friday, September 11, to provide support, guidance and information on essential campus resources.​

Local partners will also have the opportunity to directly engage with the incoming student body during the Community Service Fair on Thursday, September 10, connecting students with valuable off-campus resources and volunteer opportunities.

A full event schedule and orientation details for new students are available at cbu.ca/wow.