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 workshops and learn how this tool can help you compose writing related to job seeking on the following dates:
  
  
  • Tuesday, October 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. (online)
  • Wednesday, October 23 from 2 to 3 p.m. (Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 228)

Register today!

Career readiness

• Explore your employment identity with our Dungeons and Dragons Employment workshops! This five-week workshop will be held on Tuesdays from October 22 to November 20, and gives you the opportunity to build your own Dungeons and Dragons character and journey through quests that explore skills related to employment and employment identity. Learn more and register.
  
  
• 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

• Calling all graduate students! Join the Fusion Energy Hackathon from October 9 to 11 in a hybrid model at the Energy Research Building. Participate in workshops, mentorship sessions and team up with peers to tackle real-world challenges. Register now.
  

• RISE (Respecting Individuals, Supporting Equity) sessions are back for the fall semester. 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.

• Pride space is back—bi-weekly on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 020/021. Pride Spaces fosters a sense of community, belonging, and support by providing a safe space for students to connect, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions.

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

Health and wellness

• Trich or treat STI test drive: Join us on Thursday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to noon for giveaways, treats and the reassurance that you are in the clear of the trichy STIs that can sneak up on you. Don’t get spooked this Halloween–know your status! Learn more.
  
  
• The One meal at a time support group is running on Tuesdays from October 8 to December 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The support group uses the power of social connection to make mealtime less stressful. Register for the group.

• 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 from October 2 to 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. We have a large variety of classes ranging 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 and learn more.
  
  
• 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.