Student Services FAQs

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Athletics
Books
Campus ID card
Career direction and job searching
Centre for Students with Disabilities
Finances and OSAP
Food
Health services

Library
Lockers

Mobile computing
Residence
Staff to Student Mentoring program
Student Handbook
Student Insurance Plan

Transportation and parking
Your Student Association




Athletics

Q. What athletic facilities are available to me?
A. The Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre houses the Campus Athletic Centre and is open seven days a week and houses spacious triple gym, elevated 200m indoor jogging/walking track, 10,000 sq. Ft. fitness centre (called "the FLEX"), two 900 sq. Ft. aerobic/dance studios, and two 750 sq. Ft. training rooms. The campus also has a double gymnasium and squash courts which are available for use seven days a week. Squash courts must be booked in advance. The Campus Tennis Centre is also open for student use; students must reserve courts in advance. The fastball diamond and soccer field are also available for student use. The Campus Ice Centre is open.

Click here for more information on the Campus Athletic and Recreation Services.

Books

Q: Should students wait to purchase items such as books, supplies and required school materials?
A: Not at all. Knowing preparation is the key to success, it is important to purchase these items as soon as possible. Many courses closely follow the recommended textbooks so it is a good idea to begin using them at the start of the semester to avoid getting behind. It is advised that students should read their textbooks before the next upcoming lecture to help reinforce the key concepts and theories.

Q. How do I find out which books I need?
A. Your course syllabus/outline can be found on MyCampus. It will have the books necessary for each class. It is likely that your professors will also discuss required material during your first few classes. A list of required class reading material is also available online. Be sure that you have purchased the correct book prior to opening it.The Campus Bookstore does not accept returns on opened books.

Q. Where is the bookstore? What are its hours of operation?
A. The Campus Bookstore is in the Gordon Willey Building, Room A125. Bookstore hours are Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whitby Campus - Room 130, Monday to Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed from 10:30 to 11a.m. and for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.

Q. Where can I buy used books?
A. The Tuck Shop in the Student Centre sells used books. Be sure to check the editions of your required texts before buying used text books. Please ensure you have a complete booklist before visiting the Tuck Shop or the Campus Bookstore.

Campus ID card

Q. Where are Campus ID cards processed?
A. Campus ID cards are now processed in G1004, located in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. For hours of operation click here.

Q. What do I need to bring to have my card produced?
A. New students must bring one piece of valid government produced photo ID (driver's license, current Citizenship Card, current Passport, BYID card), and proof of registration (complete timetable/tuition payment or deferment receipt).

Q: Can a student still get their Campus ID card without a piece of government issued photo identification?
A: Yes. Students can print an identification form in advance to present to the Campus Identification office. Please note that there is a section of the form that must be completed by a guarantor prior to arriving on campus.

Click here for more information on Campus ID cards.

Career direction and job searching

Q. How can I get a job on campus or a part-time job off campus?
A. You can check out job leads online at the Hired Career Services web portal. You can log onto the Hired Career Services portal by using your MyCampus ID and password. Many campus jobs are coordinated through the Financial Aid + Awards department as work study positions. Be sure to read the requirements to apply for on-campus work. To be eligible for these positions, you must first complete the application found on MyCampus (under the student link) and submit it to Financial Aid + Awards in SW116. Once you are approved, you can apply for the jobs on the Hired Career Services Portal under the On Campus Jobs tab. On the portal, you can also search for off-campus employment. New jobs come in daily so check it often!

Q. What if I don't know what to do with my diploma?
A. Students can meet with a career advisor to explore career options. The advisor can help to assess a career situation, identify strengths and interests, and provide guidance insetting goals and plans. Career assessment tools are available at reasonable rates.

Click here for more information Hired Career Services.

Centre for Students with Disabilities

Q. Where do I go for disability supports if I am a student with a disability?
A. You can go to The Centre for Students with Disabilities.

Click here for more information on the Centre for Students with Disabilities.

Finances and OSAP

Q. How do I get my OSAP loan?
A. Financial Aid Officers will be located in the Student Centre for OSAP distribution until January 18, 2008. After this date OSAP will be distributed from the Financial Aid + Awards office in Room SW116.

Distribution at the Whitby campus occurs on Wednesday's between 9 - 4.

Q. Are there bursaries available for students?
A. Yes, a variety of bursaries and scholarships are available to students throughout the year. Students can find information on awards, applicable deadlines, and application processes on MyCampus, located under the student tab. The General Bursary and Work Study application is generally available in August each year.

Q. Where do I go in case of a financial emergency?
A. If a student is experiencing a financial emergency at any time during the year, he or she is advised to visit the Financial Aid + Awards office. A qualified representative is available each to help any student determine the best course of action related to a financial emergency. The Financial Aid + Awards office is located in Room SW116 in the Gordon Willey building.

Whitby Campus - Wednesdays, Room 112 Student Services area.

Click here for more information on awards and bursaries

Q. What do I need to bring when I pick up my student loan?
A. To pick up your student loan you must be registered full-time (60 percent or greater) in your program. At the time of pick up, you will need to show your government issued social insurance card and government issued photo ID as well as your direct deposit banking information.

Q. What do I do once I have my loan document?
A. Once you have received your student loan it must be processed by the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC). Representatives from the NSLSC will be on campus for part of September. They will need to see your government issued photo ID, your government issued Social Insurance Card and your direct deposit banking information or a void cheque to process your loans.

Q. How long does it take the NSLSC to process my student loans?
A. On average, it takes 10 banking days to process your student loans. During peak periods, it can take longer; therefore, it is important to be financially prepared for the first couple of weeks of school.

Q. What happens if my OSAP loans are delayed?
A. If your loan documents are delayed, you may be entitled to emergency funding to assist you with necessary expenses. You must discuss the situation with a financial aid advisor.

Click here for more information on OSAP.

Food

Q: Can a student living off-campus purchase a meal plan?
A: Yes, meal plans are available to students living off-campus who choose to purchase their meals on campus. To purchase a meal plan, complete the Campus Dining Agreement found in Dining Policies and deliver it to the Accounting office (Gordon Willey building SW116) for processing. For more information contact chartwells@dc-uoit.ca.

Q. Where are the food locations?
A. There are 10 food service locations spread through the campus.

Click here for food service locations.

Health services

Q. Are there doctors on campus?
A. Yes, doctors are available in the Campus Health Centre daily. Appointments to see a doctor can be made by calling, e-mailing or visiting the office.

Whitby Campus - A registered nurse is on-site (in the First Aid room, across from the cafeteria) each Thursday afternoon (1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for referrals and nursing assessment.

Q. Does it cost anything to see the doctor?
A. It costs nothing to see the nurse. The cost of seeing a doctor is covered by your OHIP card. If you are an international student, your student insurance will be billed directly for costs

Q. Can I get my prescription filled on campus?
A. Yes. We have a pharmacy available on-campus in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.

Click here for more information on the Campus Health Centre.

Library

Q. Do I need to get a library card to borrow books from the library?
A. Your Campus ID Card is also your library card

Click here for more information on the library.

Lockers

Q. How do I acquire a locker?
A. A limited supply of lockers in a variety of sizes will be available on a first come, first serve basis as of August 1, 2007 to students for the academic year. Lockers may be selected online or through Locker Services Science building, Room UAB441

Whitby campus - Lockers will be assigned on the first day of class. Please do not purchase online.

Q. What does a locker cost?
A. Fees are payable as follows: full-size $26, half-size $13, third-size $10. You may pay online using Visa, MasterCard or American Express or in person at the Accounting office, Room SW116, using cash, cheque or debit card. Please print and bring the e-mail confirmation of your locker selection. Please ensure that if you pay through Accounting, that you bring your receipt to Locker Services so your account can be marked as paid in full.

Mobile Computing

Q. Where do I go to get my laptop?
A. Students can pick up their laptops in Room D116. There are orange arrows around the campus providing directions. Click here for information regarding laptop distribution.

Residence

Q. Can friends and family visit me while I live in residence? Is there a limit on how long they can stay over?
A. Yes, friends and family can visit you in residence. All guests of residents must sign in at the front desk upon arrival. If guests choose to spend the night they are allowed to stay up to a maximum of two nights in one week. Exceptions can be granted by managers only.

Click here for more information on residence.

Staff to Student Mentoring program

Q. What is the Staff to Student Mentoring program?
A. The Staff to Student Mentoring program is an exciting new program Durham College is piloting this year. It is open to all first-year students and registration is on-going. Students have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor who will:

Offer support to students throughout the first year of college;

  • Assist students with developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
  • Encourage student engagement in campus activities;
  • Help students connect with campus services; and
  • Assist students in having a positive college experience.

Q. Where can I get more information about the Staff to Student Mentoring Program?
A. Click here for more information and to apply for a mentor.

Student Handbook

Q. Where do I get a Student Handbook?
A. Student handbooks will be distributed during classes on the first or second week of the semester. If you do not receive a handbook during class time we encourage you to visit your school/faculty office.

Student Insurance Plan

Q. I already have health insurance coverage, can I opt out of the Student Insurance Plan?
A. Yes, students may decline coverage from the Student Insurance Plan by clicking here to complete the online opt out form. You will need to provide information about existing coverage - name of the insurance company, policy number and the name of the person who owns the plan.

Deadlines for opting out and of the plan.

September start: September 1, 2007 to September 21, 2007
January start: January 1, 2008 to January 22, 2008
February start: February 1, 2008 to February 22, 2008

Please Note: You will not be able to opt out at any other point during the school year. For example, if you start school in September, you must opt out in September. The same rule applies for opting in.

Q. Can I add my dependents to the student insurance plan?
A. Yes. Students on the plan may pay an additional fee to opt in a spouse and/or dependent children in order to receive the same coverage provided to the student. If you have a VISA card you may opt in online. (Please note VISA is the only credit card accepted). If you do not have a VISA card, opt in forms are available in Your SA office and a certified cheque or money order must be provided. We do not accept cash or personal cheques. Please see dates above for deadlines.

Click here for more information on the Student Insurance Plan.

Transportation and parking

Q. What is the U-Pass?
A. The U-Pass is a universal transit pass that every full-time post secondary student has paid for in their tuition. The U-Pass allows students to access DRT buses and GO Transit buses operating in Durham Region during the academic year.

Q: How do students get a U-Pass?
A: The U-Pass is included in student fees for full-time students. The U-Pass is incorporated in the Campus ID card so be sure to get a card to travel Durham Region free of charge!

Q. Can I buy GO Transit tickets and passes on campus?
A. Yes, Go Transit tickets and passes are sold at the Tuck Shop in the Student Centre. Durham Region Transit tickets and passes are also available at this location.

Whitby Campus - Tuck Shop - please check hours of operation with Your SA.

Click here for more information on transit.

Q: Where do I go to get a parking pass?
A: Students can purchase a parking pass from the Parking office, located directly beside the Reception desk within the Gordon Willey building or online. Passes will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis for each parking lot on campus.

Whitby Campus - Students may purchase parking passes (annual, semester, weekly and block) at front desk of Student Services, Room 103.

Click here to get more information on parking and to order your parking pass online.

Q: Can I still park on campus if I don't purchase a parking pass?
A: Yes, there are various "Pay 'N' Display" lots located throughout the campus where students can park their vehicle for the day. Students must purchase a ticket at the kiosk located on the lot for the length of time they will be on campus using either a credit card or coins. Purchase times range from one hour to the entire day. If these lots are full, after purchasing a ticket, proceed to a parking lot and speak with the attendant or push the "call" button at the gate for access.

Your Student Association

Q. What is Your Student Association?
A. Your Student Association (Your SA) is a non-profit organization with a mission: To represent the interest of all students at Durham College, UOIT and Trent in Oshawa.

Q. What services does Your Student Association provide?
A. Your SA offers the following services:

  • Appeals
  • Fundraising / charity
  • Awareness weeks
  • Meeting space
  • Campaigns
  • On- and off-campus events
  • Campus recreation program / intramurals
  • Representation
  • Clubs
  • Scholarships / awards
  • Committees
  • Study space
  • Communications
  • Student Insurance Plan
  • Evening and daytime programming
  • Women's Centre - NEW!
  • Food Service Centre - NEW!
Click here for more information on Your Student Association.