Ridgeback Report

Academic support

• The Student Learning Centre has a variety of services to offer, including peer tutoring, math, science and writing supports. You can book an appointment online or visit the website to find drop-in times.

Career readiness

• The Further Education Expo is happening September 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Atrium and in The Pit at Durham College. Connect with different institutions to learn about the right post-graduate program for you.

• The Reverse Career Fair is coming up on Wednesday, October 2. This is a specialized Career Centre event that is only open to students in second year and above from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (all programs) and the Faculty of Science (certain programs). Learn more on the Reverse Career Fair web page.

• We have a variety of workshops that are designed to help you with job searching, going to work for the first time, or entering a new workplace. Learn more and register for a workshop today!  

Get involved 

• WeGetConsent Awareness Week is September 16 to 20. Join us for a series of free workshops and activities designed to spread the message of consent and empower our campus community.

• Our fourth-annual Chancellor's Challenge 5 km run/walk is coming up on Saturday, September 21! Visit the website to sign up. 

• Join us for Bannock and Books on Wednesday, September 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Mukwa’s Den or virtually via Google Meet. Our September Sharing Circle book feature is The Reconciliation Manifesto by Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson. Learn more and register. 

• Afternoons with SEE runs weekly on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 210. All students are welcome to drop in and join the Student Engagement and Equity team to hang out, play games, meet others and enjoy refreshments.

• The Ambassador program is looking for you to get involved, positively contribute to the campus community and become leaders on our campus! Register for Level 1 Ambassador training to become an Ambassador, Peer Leader or Ridgeback Mentor. To register for training and see what dates are available, visit the Ambassador web page.

• Conversation Café is an opportunity to meet international students and learn about other cultures as well as a chance to practice English speaking and listening skills. New this year, join us three times a week on: 
   
  • Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 223, starting September 11.
  • Thursdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Charles Hall, Room 219, starting September 12.
  • Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 223, starting September 12.

Register in advance if possible or sign in before you join.

Health and wellness

• Campus Rec Day is Wednesday, September 11! Join us in Polonsky Commons from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and get involved with a varsity team, take part in intramurals, or join one of the rec leagues for a fun and active lifestyle. We hope to see you there!

• Join a Campus Connected workshop to learn how to engage with others with an attitude of caring and kindness, as well as listen with empathy and without judgement. Learn more and register for a workshop.

• Are you feeling sad, isolated, unmotivated or living with extended periods of low mood? You are not alone. Register for the Depression Support Group—running Mondays from September 30 to November 25—to connect with other students who
  share these struggles and to learn coping strategies for improving your mood and quality of life.

• Listen to the latest MindSpark: Ontario Tech podcast episode.

• We encourage everyone in the university community to get involved in Sexual Violence and Education's programming, which aims to help eliminate all types of violence at Ontario Tech. Check out the schedule of events and resources.

Money matters

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

2024-2025 fall OSAP is now available—apply now!

• Check your status on the OSAP website  to see if your funding has been released.

• Visit MyOntarioTech for your tuition account balance, payment deadlines and for your net cost view by term. This will show if you owe any tuition fees after your OSAP funds are applied.

•  Your course load, program and year of study reported on your OSAP application must match your Ontario Tech course registration for OSAP to be released per semester. If these details do not match, there will be a delay in your funding. Contact Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) if updates are needed.

• Once your enrolment is confirmed, it takes up to ten working days for the funds to reach the university and/or your bank account.

• Continually monitor the status of your 2024-2025 OSAP application and remember to make all necessary updates with the SAFA.

Student Awards

• Once your enrolment is confirmed, it takes up to ten working days for the funds to reach the university and/or your bank account.

In case you missed it

U-card:

• Our website has a fresh new look—check it out!

• If you haven’t submitted your photo for use on your Ucard, visit our Ontario Tech Ucard web page for instructions and ensure you follow our photo requirements.

• Please note: Digital Ucards without a corresponding photo will not be accepted during exams, tests, etc.

U-Pass:

• The U-Pass fee will be charged each semester to all eligible, full-time students and  will be issued at the beginning of each semester through the PRESTO E-Tickets app.

• Once distributed, the fall U-Pass will be valid from September 1 to December 31. Eligible students will receive an email invitation to their ontariotechu.net email account. For more information, visit our U-Pass web page.