Mission: The mission of the McMaster Outdoor Education Student Experience (MOOSE) is to provide first-year students with a mentored, outdoor experience for transitioning into university life while providing them with the tools necessary to build strong relationships and develop self-efficacy. Description Transitioning to university can be both a stressful and an exciting time in your life, during which you will be faced with many challenges. These challenges may include living on your own for the first time, scheduling appropriate time for school and extra-curricular activities, as well as meeting new friends or adjusting to university life.

McMaster University is committed to supporting all students through this transitional time in their lives. The MOOSE program endeavours to help new students experience a successful start to university life. Research at other post-secondary institutions has shown that participation in a mentored outdoor experience prior to starting university can lead to: - Better academic performance, - Greater involvement with student life at university, and - Increased engagement with one's educational institution.

McMaster students that participated in the previous years of MOOSE started their university experience with a stronger connection to their faculty and lasting relationships with classmates. MOOSE participants are accompanied by trip organizers from the Department of Athletics and Recreation. Each canoe and camping group will be led by upper-year McMaster undergraduate students representing each of the faculties at McMaster.