Ridgeback Report

Academic support

• Join the Student Learning Centre for tips and suggestions on utilizing generative AI tools as possible aides for academic writing. This series of workshops will aim to equip students with the tools and knowledge to consider generative AI usage responsibly and critically. Learn more and register.
  
  

• Design a part to replace a missing or missing item in our 3D printing workshop at the North Oshawa Library on Monday, February 10 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Career readiness

• Our Employment Readiness Program is running Wednesday’s from February 12 to March 26. Join us for a series of workshops designed to teach practical job readiness skills and skills for navigating the workplace with success. Register today.
  
  
• Be part of a career-focused, Dungeons and Dragons inspired group! Build a character, explore the identity of the character and then journey through quests oriented around employment and skill building. Register.
  
  
• Join Wavemakers– a free virtual career-building program that helps you gain skills, expand your network and boost your resume. You’ll have the chance to win a $1500 scholarship to support your studies. Apply today. 
  
  
• Effective this semester, Career Development Specialists (previously known as Career Counsellors) at our north Oshawa campus location will be located on the second floor of Shawenjigewining Hall. At our Downtown Oshawa campus location, they’ll continue to be available on the second floor of Charles Hall.
  • You can book an appointment by emailing careercentre@ontariotechu.ca. To learn more about how the Career Centre can support you, visit our one-on-one support web page.

• Check out SparkPath–a free career tool and app where you can complete challenge cards to discover a range of potential careers.

Get involved

• We’re hosting our first ever Black Youth Visonary Program Community Night! Join us on Tuesday, February 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Science Building, Room 3240. This event is open to any Black-identifying students.
  
  
• Join us in person or virtually for our February Bannock and Film. We’ll be watching Our Sisters in Spirit. This documentary examines the systemic roots of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit crisis in Canada. Learn more and register. 
  
  
• We’re hosting the launch of the Black Youth Visionary Program. The event will feature a market hosted by Black-identifying student businesses and clubs/societies, a keynote speaker, performances and cultural refreshments. Fill out the registration form if you are interested in participating.
   
  
• Did you know a fantastic instructor or teaching assistant who taught in the 2024 academic year? Recognize their impact with a Celebrate Teaching Award nomination!  Nominations are open until Friday, February 28. Full award details and nomination instructions are available in the nomination guide.
  

Health and wellness

• Are you feeling sad, isolated or unmotivated? You are not alone. Register for our online Depression Support Group running Thursday’s from February 6 to March 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. to connect with other students who share these struggles and to learn coping strategies for improving your mood and quality of life.
  
  
• Join Holistic Nutritionist Sylvia Emmorey for nutrition sessions, where she'll provide practical tips for managing stress through your diet and teach you how to incorporate healthy snacks. Learn more and register.
  
  

• The One meal at a time support group is running four virtual sessions this semester:

  • Tuesday, February 11 
  • Tuesday, February 25
  • Tuesday, March 11
  • Tuesday, March 25 

  
  All sessions take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and use the power of social connection to make mealtime less stressful. Learn more and register.

• From February 10 to 17, the Ontario Tech Student Union and Health Promotions are accepting donations of pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, etc. in sealed, original packaging for the Period Project donation drive. For more details, visit the Health Promotions web page.

Money matters

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

• Apply to OSAP if you haven’t done so already for this school year.
  
  
• Ensure that your winter semester course load (number of classes) matches with your OSAP application. If it does not, this will delay the release of your winter funding in January.
  
  
• Continually monitor the status of your OSAP application and remember to make all necessary updates with the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office (SAFA). 

Student awards

• The General Bursary application is now open!

  • The application can be found on MyOntarioTech, within the student awards and financial aid box on the student awards and financial aid tab under current students.
    
    
  • Check MyOntarioTech for winter term payment deadlines and your tuition account balance.

In case you missed it

Food services

• Our campus bookstore–Shop Ontario Tech–will be temporarily closing after Friday, March 7 while we transition to new management. Take advantage of our clearance sales online before we close!
  
  

• Treat yourself to a variety of dining options on campus including Aisle 24, Hunter’s Kitchen, Isabella’s Chocolate Cafe, The Smoothie Bar, Tim Hortons, Subway and Truedan Bubble Tea. Check out our Food Services website for more info. 
  
  Universal Transit Pass (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.
  
  
• The Winter 2025 U-Pass will be distributed through the PRESTO E-Tickets app towards the end of December and will be valid from January 1 to April 30. Details will be emailed to applicable students.
  
  
• Please visit our U-Pass web page for more information on how to access your U-Pass. Access on-campus services with your Ontario Tech Ucard. If you haven’t already applied for your Ucard, please visit our Ucard web page for instructions and photo upload requirements.
  

Ontario Tech Ucard:

•  Access on-campus services with your Ontario Tech Ucard. If you haven’t already applied for your Ucard, please visit our Ucard web page for instructions and photo upload requirements.  
  
  
• Once your photo has been approved, you’ll get access to your digital Ucard in our Ontario Tech Mobile app.