Returning students, alumni energize Brandon University
BU NEWS - September 2, 2025
BRANDON - The Brandon University (BU) campus has sprung to life with the arrival of the new academic year.
The BU Residence buildings were among the first to buzz with activity, with students arriving for the move-in weekend on Aug. 29-30. Residence is full this year, with a waiting list in place.
Hundreds of new students explored campus on Tuesday, Sept. 2, for Orientation Day, with activities, information sessions and tours. Although numbers will remain in flux for a few weeks as final decisions are made, about 850 new students are registered at BU for the upcoming year, an increase of eight per cent over the same point in 2024.
"Orientation is our chance to get to know our new students and for them to begin forming relationships that will last throughout their time at BU," said Katie Whelpton, Dean of Students at BU. "They'll meet people who will become lifelong friends and will be introduced for our campus, programs, and the services that we have to offer. For some students and their families, Orientation Day is the first time they set foot on campus, so we invest a lot of energy into making the day fun and welcoming."
Parking is free in all campus lots during Orientation Day.
Classes in most programs begin on Wednesday, Sept. 3, but Welcome Week activities continue throughout the first couple of weeks of September, allowing students the opportunity to take everything in while they adjust to their new surroundings.
New this year is a Welcome Back Co-Op Breakfast, on Sept. 9, bringing together returning Co-op students, employer partners, alumni, faculty, and campus colleagues to celebrate the impact of co-operative education at BU. More than 100 guests, including students preparing to graduate in Spring 2026, are expected at the breakfast.
The welcoming activities lead directly into BU's Homecoming celebrations, scheduled for September 11 to 14. The four-day event, which is open to the entire community, will include music, sports, campus tours, a social, stargazing at the Gulliver Observatory, and a look at BU's cutting-edge research. A core element of each year's Homecoming are the class reunions and the traditional Homecoming Dinner and Awards Evening.
"The special energy that alumni bring to campus makes Homecoming one of my favourite weekends of the year," said Carla Eisler, BU's Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. "Your campus years forges lifelong friendships, and nothing brings the memories flooding back like returning to where it all began."
More details on Homecoming are available at BrandonU.ca/Homecoming.
Later this month, campus will also welcome Prairie Wires, a multi-day, multi-venue festival that is the only one in Canada focused on the art and music of the modular synthesizer.
On Sept. 19-20, electronic musicians of all styles - from classical to punk and everything in between - will converge for two days of free concerts, a free public open-house symposium, and free interactive activities that will be largely hosted on the Brandon University campus.
For all the latest on Brandon University events and happenings, check the renewed BU events calendar at BrandonU.ca/Events.
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca
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Rob Henderson
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HendersonR@BrandonU.ca
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