UFV students, staff, and faculty have the honour to study and work on the territory of the Stó:lō (people of the river). The Halq’améylem word given to us for UFV Student Orientation is Tl’etl’axel, meaning "to invite people to gather in one community," and the frog logo symbolizes the sharing of knowledge and power. Learn more about our indigenous name and logo.
In keeping with our indigenous name and symbol, your Orientation experience is more than just a campus tour, it’s your opportunity to:
Learn everything you need to succeed at UFV, including tips and strategies to boost your academic skills.
Meet staff and faculty who are here to teach you. Get first-hand advice from current students.
Explore campus life, academic and support services, student clubs and associations, and more.
Celebrate the start of your first semester at UFV! Make friends before classes start, and create life-long memories.
Ease into life at UFV
Keep an eye on your UFV inbox for details
Smart Start is an optional, non-credit online orientation course that covers everything you need to know about UFV. Learn how to understand your course requirements and expectations, and how student services can help you throughout your studies at UFV.
Worried about finding your way around campus? Want a refresher on the best spots to study or hang out? Sign up for a guided tour of the Abbotsford or Chilliwack campus, and check out other resources to help you get familiar with UFV campuses.
Join us on the first day of the semester at the Abbotsford campus. This is your chance to meet other students, ask staff and faculty questions, connect with support services, and experience life at UFV before classes even starts. We can't wait to meet you!
Welcome weeks are full of fun and interactive in-person or online activities that give you a chance to meet other new and current UFV students, connect with UFV departments and services, and develop new skills and strengths as you set yourself up for personal success in your first year at UFV.
We're here to help.
Do you have specific questions about student orientation or other UFV services?
During the first week of classes, Ask-me stations will be set up in various locations on UFV campuses. Stop by and ask for directions, or talk to a student Orientation Ambassador about any of your UFV-related questions.
Faculty and staff play an important role in welcoming students to campus. Learn more about the orientation program and how to get involved.
Gain volunteer experience while making a difference on campus. Make new friends, learn new skills, and give back by supporting new students as they begin their studies at UFV.
About TL'ETL'AXELLong before Canada was formed, the Stó:lō, the people of the river, occupied the land on which UFV is located. They lived in the Fraser Valley and lower Fraser Canyon of British Columbia and they spoke Halq’améylem, also known as the upriver dialect
In 2019, Stó:lō Nation Elder Siyamiyateliyot (Elizabeth Phillips) honoured Student Orientation by gifting us the Halkomelem name Tl’etl’axel, which means “to invite people to gather in one community”. In the words of Elder Siyamiyateliyot, Tl’etl’axel includes “how things were done a long time ago and still practiced today. A foot runner used to go all places and ask people to come.”
After learning of our new name, Chantelle Trainor-Matties, Indigenous graphic designer and UFV alum, was invited to design a new logo to accompany this new name. Chantelle spoke with indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, local environmental groups, and UFV staff members before deciding to model the logo on the Oregon Spotted Frog — a species unique to our Fraser Valley Wetlands, and the most endangered frog in Canada.
Chantelle found the Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery who “promote Pacific Northwest Coast Culture and Artwork”, indicate that “the Frog symbolizes wealth and abundance”. “When a Frog is portrayed in art with his tongue touching another creature it represents the sharing of knowledge and power.”
She believes that the Oregon Spotted Frog design captures the significance of Tl’etl’axel, and the purpose of Student Orientation at UFV.
UFV students, staff, and faculty have the privilege to study and work on the territory of the Stó:lō (people of the river). We recognize and honour the contributions Indigenous peoples have made, and continue to make, in our community.