FAQ's

1. What is included in my Student ID card?
2. How can I put money on my Student ID card for food?
3. I need to re-apply for my study permit, how can I do this?
4. Where can I find a doctor?
5. What does the International Office do?
6. How can I get a job while studying?
7. What is a GPA?
8. I need to return home for a family emergency, what should I do?
9. If I would like to change programs what should I do?
10. How can I get to Toronto?

1. Your student ID card is similar to a Debit or Credit Card. Your student card can be used for:

• Photocopying (you can deposit money on your ID card so that you do not have to carry change with you when you want to make photocopies)
• Meal Card
• Library Services (acts as a library card for borrowing privileges)
• Media Services
• Athletic Complex (allows entrance to all athletic facilities and gym)
• Exams (you will need to show your student ID card when writing all exams)
• Student Centre (access to a variety of services and events supported by the Student Association, such as the used Bookstore, event tickets and pub access)
• Retail Discounts (Examples of these opportunities include; local transit discounts, Go Transit discounts, student rates at theatres and other retail establishments)

2. How can I put money on my Student ID card for food?

• You will need to purchase your meal plan or flex dollars in the Accounting Department. Once you have paid, take your receipt and your Student ID card to the Chartwell's Office in the Main Cafeteria to have your card activated.

3. I need to re-apply for my study permit, how can I do this?

1. Download an application from the Canada Citizenship and Immigration website: www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/extend-student.html or pick up an application form from the International Office.
2. Complete the application form and include the following required documentation:
   
   • A copy of your valid passport
   • Proof of financial support
   • Tuition fee receipt
   • Official transcript from previous studies in Canada
   • A letter of enrolment from Durham College(available from the International Office). Please see "Letter Request Forms" (top left of screen) for details on ordering an enrolment letter.
3. Mail the completed application form and documentation to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta. Complete address is available in the application guide.

4. Where can I find a doctor?

• There are doctor's available on campus in the Health and Wellness Centre. We do have a Chinese doctor on campus who speaks three dialects.
• To search for a doctor accepting new patients in the area visit http://www.cpso.on.ca/Doctor_Search/dr_srch_hm.htm
• There is also the North Oshawa Medical Clinic which is a walk-in clinic. They are located at 1400 Ritson Rd N.

5. What does the International Office do?

• The International Office is here to assist and support you while in Canada. We offer many services including an International Peer Mentoring Program and Welcome Orientation. The International Office can also assist you with the study permit and off-campus work permit application processes. If you have any questions regarding tuition, programs, or health insurance. We can assist you with culture shock or any personal matters that you may be going through. Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you may have.

6. How can I get a job while studying?

• The Canadian Government has recently approved an off-campus work permit program. This will allow students to hold a part-time job during the school year and full-time work during Summer and Winter breaks. For the application form please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/work-students.html
• You will need to fill out the Application to Change Conditions, as well as the document checklist, Verification Form, and Student Acknowledgement Form
• The Verification Form, and Student Acknowledgement Form need to be given to Sarah Edwards in the International Office.
• Once you receive a Work Permit you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number.

7. What is a GPA?

• A final grade for each subject is recorded on the student's transcript. This grade represents the student's level of achievement of the subject requirements. At the beginning of each subject, students will receive a written subject outline that identifies term work, examinations, other subject requirements, and outlines the grading process. The numerical grade value will be used in calculating the GPA.
• The GPA is cumulative over all semesters of a program. This means that the results of each new subject are averaged with the results of all subjects previously completed. Students should be aware that this system rewards consistent hard work and effort sustained over all semesters of the program. Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to graduate.
• This table outlines numerical equivalent of a GPA.

8. I need to return home for a family emergency, what should I do?

• Please notify the International Office as soon as possible. You will need to fill out a Temporary Leave of Absence Form. We will also need photocopies of your plane tickets. If your entry visa has expired or will expire before you return you will need a Letter of Verification to apply for a new one.
• Please notify us by email or phone when you know your date of return.

9. If I would like to change programs what should I do?

• Please come in and see the International Office. We will need to make sure you meet the academic requirements depending on the program you would like to change to. We will also need to check that there are spots available in the program for International Students.

10. How can I get to Toronto?

• There is a Go Train which goes from Oshawa to Union Station which is downtown Toronto. For schedules visit www.gotransit.com. Trains leave Oshawa approximately once per hour. You will need to take Durham Region Transit to get from the campus to the Go Station.