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.
  
  
• Join the Generative AI for resumés and cover letters workshop on Wednesday, October 23 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 228 and learn how this tool can help you compose writing related to job seeking. Register today!

Career readiness

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

• Wavemakers is a free virtual career building program that gives you a head start to your career. Sharpen your skills, build your network and meet with top Canadian employers. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity and apply today.

Get involved

• The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is looking to connect with Black-identifying students as we prepare to launch the Black Youth Visionary Program. If you’re interested in joining one of our focus groups, fill out the registration form by Sunday, October 27.
  
  
• Join us November 4 to 8 for Treaties Recognition Week. This annual week serves as a platform for acknowledging the spirit and intent of treaties, fostering understanding among students, and educating the community about treaty rights and relationships. Learn more and register.

• Join us for our virtual #LetsTalkEquity book club! Dive into powerful, real-world conversations with thought-provoking discussions that challenge perspectives and inspire change. Our fall book club read is We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib. Learn more.
  
  
• Are you interested in pursuing an outbound exchange to FH University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in 2025? The Austrian government is now accepting applications for their ERNST Mach Grant program. Contact the International Office at internationalexchange@ontariotechu.ca for more information.

• Join us bi-weekly on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 020/021 for Pride Space. Pride Spaces foster a sense of community, belonging and support by providing a safe space for students to connect, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions.
  
  
• RISE (Respecting Individuals, Supporting Equity): The RISE Program is a suite of workshops that provide training and education on what participants can do on an individual level, to foster a safer and more inclusive community at Ontario Tech. Learn more and register on the RISE web page.

• 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. 

Health and wellness

• The 2024 Bruce Power U SPORT Men’s Soccer National Championship is taking place November 7 to 10 at Vaso’s Field. Come out to cheer on the Ridgebacks and check out the top eight university teams in the country as they compete to be crowned the national champions. Get your free ticket today!

• Embark on the Elevate Connections Journey—an 8-week support group crafted to uplift and empower students in their quest to overcome loneliness. Join us on Wednesdays until November 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

• 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 by visiting the Health Promotions events and workshops page.
  
  
• Better Together series: Join us for programming designed to support your wellness journey. You’ll connect with fellow students through a range of creative workshops that revolve around exploring your identity, interests and building meaningful relationships with your peers. Learn more.
  
  
• We’re offering free fitness classes until Friday, December 6. Classes range from power yoga, pilates, spin, boot camps and more. Visit the Campus Rec website or download the Durham College-Ontario Tech Campus Rec app to reserve your spot.
  
  
• Stop by the Creative Wellness Hive on Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. for some well-deserved fun and self-care! Visit the mental health events web page for more information. 

Money matters

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

• 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 

The General Bursary application is now open!

• The application can be found on MyOntarioTech.

In case you missed it

Food services:

• Check out our Ramen vending machine by Hunter’s Kitchen (Business and IT building) for a variety of Ramen flavours!
  
  
• A new Subway restaurant is now open on the main floor of the Science Building and open seven days a week!
  
  
• Stop by Aisle 24—our AI-powered mini convenience store-open 24/7. Learn more.
  
  

• Visit the Food Services web page for more details.

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.
  
  
• 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.