Dis-Orientation Week

Dis-Orientation Week — or Dis-O Week — is RPIRG’s annual alternative to the typical campus orientation. Instead of just showing you where the library is, we dive into the conversations, skills, and movements that matter. It’s a week of workshops, panels, and discussions that challenge the status quo, explore social and environmental justice, and connect students with local changemakers.

This year’s lineup has something for everyone: learn the meaning and significance of Treaty 4, gain life-saving skills with Naloxone training, sharpen your media literacy, connect with queer peers, and get inspired by climate and community action. Whether you’re here to build knowledge, find your community, or just try something new, Dis-O Week is your space to ask questions, share ideas, and leave with a fresh perspective — plus maybe a snack or two.

Dive into social and environmental justice through bold ideas, skill-building, and community action.

List of Events

FINDING COMMUNITY: QUEER ON CAMPUS

September 15 at 12 pm at ED 318

Learn about Queer People

Hosted by: UR Pride Centre

This workshop explores how to meet and build connections with queer people on campus in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and affirming. We’ll take a sex-positive, open-hearted, and safer-sex-informed approach as we discuss the acronym 2SLGBTQIAP; what each part stands for, the histories and identities it represents, and why inclusive language matters.

September 16 at 10:30 am at ta-tawâw Centre

Learn about treaty rights

Hosted by: Keena Cummings and Aaroon

Knowledge Keeper Aaroon, will share his wisdom into the meaning, history, and ongoing significance of this foundational agreement. Through this session, participants will gain a deeper knowledge of what Treaty 4 is, what it was intended to represent, and how it continues to shape the lives and rights of Indigenous Peoples today. It will offer a meaningful opportunity to engage with the spirit and intent of the treaty, and to reflect on our shared responsibilities to the land and to each other.

September 18 at 11 am over Zoom

Learn how to create solutions from ground up

Hosted by: Cameron Eslor

Cameron has been working with youth and community members in Regina and other Canadian cities for over ten years. He will discuss how people can identify solutions to make their communities more sustainable, resilient and inclusive and then organize to make those solutions a reality. He will touch on what has been achieved in Regina and what can be done moving forward

September 17th at 1:30 pm at ED 310

Learn how to be sustainable as a student

Hosted by: UR Sustainability Office

Living sustainably doesn’t need to be expensive! This workshop offers practical, low-cost tips for making eco-friendly choices as a student. From saving money by reusing what you already have to alternative transit and mindful energy usage, we will explore simple habits that are both budget-friendly and impactful. You will also learn how to cut down on waste, promote sustainable practices, and tap into community resources. We hope to show that small, affordable changes can add up to a big difference for both your wallet and the planet.

SEPTEMBER 16 AT 1 PM AT CW 113

Learn how to save lives

Hosted by: Joel Kerr

Joel Kerr is a trained paramedic who will deliver our informational Naloxone training, which is aimed at equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to save lives. Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This informational training session is especially valuable for everyone living in Regina who may encounter individuals at risk of overdose. We are not licensed to give out training certificates

September 17 at 12 pm at CL 305

Learn about action to reduce climate change

Hosted by: Jim Elliot

Join Jim Elliott, Chairperson of the Regina Chapter of the Council of Canadians, for a timely and urgent conversation on the global and local fight to address the climate crisis. Jim will share updates from island nations who recently took action at the International Court of Justice, pushing for stronger accountability in stopping climate change. He will also dig into what’s happening here in Saskatchewan — including the ongoing battle to end SaskPower’s reliance on fossil fuels and the Saskatchewan Party government’s resistance to transitioning to renewable energy.

September 18 at 1 pm AT ED 315

Take control of public communication

Hosted by: Sara Birrell

This media literacy workshop will focus on non-traditional media and news sources that we encounter on a daily basis and develop our ability to identify and critique such sources and limit their ability to shape our worldview without us noticing.

September 19 at 12 pm at RIC ATRIUM

Meet your political leaders and learn about what they do

Hosted By: UR POLIS

Meet Your Representatives is a casual, student-focused panel that brings together elected officials from all levels of government. Representatives will share brief remarks and take part in a moderated Q&A about how their roles impact student life and how young people can get involved in politics. The event wraps up with time for informal conversation over snacks

Accessibility

RPIRG is committed to making Dis-Orientation Week events accessible and inclusive for all participants. Most sessions take place in wheelchair-accessible spaces, and online sessions will include captions where possible. If you require specific accommodations — such as ASL interpretation, large-print materials, or reserved seating, please contact us at outreach@rpirg.org or 306-337-2420 at least 10 days before the event. We will do our best to meet all requests and ensure everyone can fully participate.

FAQ

What is RPIRG?

The Regina Public Interest Research Group (RPIRG) is a student-run, student-funded non-profit organization dedicated to community-based research, education, action and awareness in the public interest. RPIRG exists to provide its members with the resources to be active citizens on the University of Regina campus and in the broader community.

I am not a student, can I join?

Yes, RPIRG's events are generally free and open to the public.

How much is the registration fee?

We do not charge any registration fee for any of our events and workshops. It is part of our mandate to provide education to our members and the broader community free of cost.

I cannot commit to all the events, can I sign up for a specific event?

Yes, you can sign up for any event you like. While you register using the form, make sure to register for the right event.

Will you provide refreshment?

Yes, we will have refreshments available at all of our events.