Ridgeback Report

Academic support

• Your course-specific software is now available through the Software Portal. For any questions, please reach out to softwaresupport@ontariotechu.ca.
  
  
• Check out the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar for a detailed list of important dates and deadlines for graduate, and undergraduate students.

Career readiness

• Join us at the Career Carnival Tuesday, January 20 on the second floor of Charles Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday, January 22 in the Shawenjigewining Hall, Atrium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Play some games, practice networking and interview skills, and get career guidance.
  
  
• The Get Experience Fair will be hosted at Charles Hall on Wednesday, January 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and connect with community organizations that are looking to recruit volunteers in Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
  
  
• Our annual Job Fair—in collaboration with Durham College—is coming up on Thursday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, Gyms 3, 4, and 5. View the list of employers attending.
  
  
• Join us Tuesday, January 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre Atrium for The Role of Project Management in Delivering On Time, On Budget Projects in the energy sector. Learn how project managers ensure success and connect with experts from AtkinsRealis, Ontario Power Generation and Aecon. The first 50 registrants will be invited to speed network. Register.

Get involved

• Cheer on our Ridgeback hockey team at the annual Carriage Cup on Thursday, January 15 at Tribute Communities Centre. Tickets are $5. Get tickets.
  
  
• The Art of Being Me brings Ontario Tech and the LivingRoom Community Art Studio together for creative drop-ins that explore identity through art. Open to BIPOC, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, neurodivergent students, friends and allies. Materials and refreshments provided. Learn more.
  
  
• Consider nominating a fellow student for a Student Leadership Award. These awards recognize outstanding achievements and contributions, and leadership within the Ontario Tech community. The nomination period for the 2025-2026 Student Leadership Awards runs from January 5 to  28.
  
  
• Level up your skills with the Brilliant Series, a collection of online certification courses in AI, Blockchain, Advanced Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship created by Brilliant Catalyst. Gain real-world skills, earn a microcredential for your LinkedIn profile, receive mentorship from industry experts and build your own venture for a chance to win $5,000. Register today.
  
  
• Calling upper-year undergraduate and graduate students. Join Unplugged: Rethinking What Powers Us, an 11-day ideathon from February 6 to 19. Collaborate across disciplines to develop innovative solutions that shape the policies, partnerships and public support needed to power fusion in Canada. Register today.
  
  
• Join the Library Book Club to receive The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Join us on Monday, February 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Social Science, Humanities and Education Library for discussion. Register.
  
  
• Registration for the annual Graduate 3MT® competition is now open. Showcase your research and compete in the Three Minute Thesis challenge. Register now.
  
  
• Do you know a fantastic instructor, teaching assistant or staff member who made a difference to your learning experience in the 2025 academic year? Nominate them for a Celebrate Teaching! Award by Friday, February 27. Full award details and nomination instructions are available in the nomination guide.
  

Health and wellness

• Wellness Week runs from January 19 to 23 with events supporting mental, physical, social and academic well-being. Try something new, connect with campus supports and enter to win a prize pack. View the full schedule.
  
  
• Take on the Active Living Challenge and win prizes worth up to $200 by staying active until Friday, January 30. Visit the Active Living Challenge web page or FLEX Fitness Centre for details.
  
  
• International night at basketball: Celebrate global cultures and cheer on your Ontario Tech Ridgebacks as they take on the Algoma Thunderbirds on Saturday, January 24. 

Money matters

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

• Ensure that your winter semester course load matches your OSAP application to avoid delays in January funding. Monitor your OSAP, and make updates with Student Awards and Financial Aid as needed

• Visit MyOntarioTech for winter term deadline and your tuition balance.
  
  
• Bursary information can be found on MyOntarioTech, in the my finances section within the awards and financial aid tab.

In case you missed it

• Complete the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion self-identification survey to help shape a more inclusive Ontario Tech, and improve programs, services and policies for all students.

Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass):

• Need help with your Ucard or U-Pass? Stop by the Welcome Centre on the first floor of the Software and Informatics Research Centre. Ancillary Services will be there to help with your questions January 12 to 16, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  
  
• Your Ucard is your official student ID and is required to access campus services, resources and spaces. Upload your photo promptly to avoid delays in January. Visit the UCard web page page for instructions. 
  
  

Campus Store

• The Campus Store has everything you need including textbooks, supplies, branded merchandise and more. Shop online or visit us in person at the Energy Research Centre, Room 1058. We’re open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
  
• Follow @ot_campus_store on Instagram for updates and promos.
  
  

Food Services 

• Looking to grab a bite on campus? We’ve got plenty of options like Hunter’s Kitchen, Isabella’s Chocolate Café, Tim Hortons, Aisle 24, Cha & Co. Boba Bar (formerly Truedan Bubble Tea) and Subway. We also have something new and delicious coming this month! Check out our Food Services website for locations, hours and more.
  
  
• Feeling hungry or in need of something warm? Health Promotions is offering free soup passes for students to enjoy a nourishing bowl of soup at Hunter’s Kitchen this winter. Pick up one pass per student at the Student Engagement and Equity Office (Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 2010), weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., January 19 to February 13, while supplies last.
  
  
• Follow @ot_campus_eats on Instagram for deals, daily specials and contests.
  
  
• Opt-in to our Food Services channel on the Ontario Tech Mobile app for insider access to giveaways, free food tastings and more!