Here are some words by upper-year students who’ve helped run past O-Weeks:

“All positions that help run OWeek are selfless roles, driven by a motivation to pass on a legacy that stretches back over 80 years. All of them should be approached with a mentality to give back and deepen the culture and traditions at Queen’s. They will all build leadership, teamwork, and event planning, all essential skills for those getting into extracurriculars. However, one will get the most out of them by applying with noble intent.”

Some more words from someone who’s been involved as Chief FREC:  

“Do you live, breathe, and bleed for OWeek? Do you? Are you sure? If you hesitantly nodded to the last question, you should think about applying for Chief FREC. It is difficult to describe this role in a small paragraph, but one could think of it as the CEO of OWeek. Chief FREC is the figurehead and face of Engineering Orientation Week, co-leading FC with the Orientation Chair. This role requires a true burning passion for Queen’s Engineering, as it is incredibly demanding with massive responsibility and workload. While intimidating, if you truly love the culture and community OWeek gave you, this role is the opportunity to give back and make an impact on the highest level. Hiring for Chief begins at the beginning of October, with two rounds of interviews. Accepting this role was the best decision I have ever made (not kidding – fully life changing). If you have any questions about it, shoot an email to the current chief at chieffrec@engsoc.queensu.ca.”

First Year FREC Committee (FC): 

 FC is similar to Chief FREC in that it requires an immense passion for OWeek and Queen’s Engineering. FC is a team of 15 (including Chief FREC and Orientation Chair) that runs OWeek. First-year positions are Day Coordinators (Wednesday, TMugz, etc.), Sponsorships, Ca$sh, Pr!mer, and ATPM. All of them have their unique and important responsibilities that contribute to OWeek. If you love OWeek and want to learn a ton about organizing events and working with a fast-moving team, FC is the place to be. Hiring for FC begins early November with one round of interviews where you can apply for up to three positions. Similar to Chief, this role is massively impactful and will shape your university experience.  

10/10 would recommend (though I am biased).  

FREC:  

FREC is forever. You may have heard that term thrown around by older and wiser people. It is a saying that holds weight because of the lineage of traditions that backs it. In essence, being a FREC is a chance to make a monumental impact on 20-30 First Years. You are given the opportunity to shepherd your First Years (as they are so silly) through the biggest transition of their entire lives as a mentor and a friend. Helping them through OWeek and their first year of engineering is massively rewarding. For many, being a FREC is a first chance at co-leadership and helps to build essential skills to get further involved within EngSoc and extra-curriculars. Hiring for the FREC position happens in January and February, and written applications are due the first week back from winter break. Being a FREC is worth it, just ask your FRECs…… “