Ridgeback Report

Academic support

• Starting Wednesday, December 18, all Ontario Tech students will be required to use the Microsoft Authenticator App to access their Microsoft 365 accounts. This update adds an extra layer of security to protect your data. For those that have not yet downloaded the app, please visit the Microsoft Mobile Authenticator App webpage for instructions. For any issues, please reach out to the IT Services Desk.
  
  
• Visit the Software Portal to install your course-specific software before the winter 2025 term starts.
  

Career readiness

• Join us at the Career Carnival January 21 and 23 in Shawenjigewining Hall, Atrium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Play some games, practice networking and interview skills, and get career guidance. 

• Our Careers: Ready or Not? podcast is your go-to spot to learn more about our alumni's experiences in the working world, employer insights and the services we offer. Listen on Spotify.  

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

Get involved

• The first National Ribbon Skirt Day was recognized and celebrated on January 4, 2023. Every year National Ribbon Skirt Day will provide an opportunity for everyone in Canada to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the importance of Indigenous traditions and expressions of culture.
  Join Indigenous Education and Cultural Services on Monday, January 6 to learn more about Ribbon Skirts. We invite you to wear your Ribbon Skirts or Ribbon Shirt and particpate in a Smudge:
  
  • Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre | 9 to 10 a.m.
  • Mukwa's Den |10 a.m. to noon
    
    
• We're seeking your feedback on the Anti-Hate/Anti-Racism guidelines policy instrument. Submit your feedback and recommendations for this draft policy instrument using the policy instrument feedback form. 
   
  
• Did you know a fantastic instructor or teaching assistant who taught in the 2023 academic year? Recognize their impact with a Celebrate Teaching Award nomination!  Nominations are open until Friday, February 28, 2025. Full award details and nomination instructions are available in the nomination guide.
  
  
• Join the 2025 Catalyst Challenge: Advancing Health Innovation through AI and Technology, an 8-day ideathon designed to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit. Attend workshops led by industry experts, receive one-on-one mentorships and work with like-minded innovators to turn your vision into impact. Register to secure your spot today!
  
  
• Are you ready to tackle real-world challenges, collaborate with like-minded peers and showcase your innovative spirit? Join the Energy Innovation Challenge. Earn $525 for participating and win up to $2000 in cash prizes. Spots are limited—register now.

Health and wellness

• Our second annual Carriage Cup is taking place Thursday, January 16 at Tribute Communities Centre! Come cheer on the men’s hockey team as they face off against TMU Bold at 7 p.m. Get your tickets now.
  
  
• We’re kicking off the Active Living Challenge  on Monday, January 6, 2025. Get active, win prizes and have fun while doing it! Register today.
  
  
• We're offering flu clincs Thursday, January 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Campus Health and Wellness Centre, Room G1030. Book your flu shot today.

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

• Check MyOntarioTech for winter term payment deadlines and your tuition account balance.

In case you missed it

Food services

• View the food service hours of operation web page for our updated holiday hours.

• Follow us on Instagram at @ot_campus_eats for deals, specials and contests. 
  
  

• Be sure to opt-in to our Food Services channel on our Ontario Tech Mobile app for exclusive giveaways, free food tastings and more! Simply log in to the app, go to the message centre, tap opt-in channels, and select food services from the list.

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.

Specialized Services

• Durham Region Transit’s Specialized Services now has a stop at Ontario Tech. Specialized Service provides flexible and personalized service for customers who do not have the ability to use scheduled service. If you require this service, you can now be asked to be dropped off at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.