Grad Handbook 2011-12

October 22nd, 2009

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY

To apply to an Ontario university, you should first:

A) Be sure you are eligible (6 university (U), university/college preparation courses (M)) and have the correct prerequisites for the programs you are considering.  (For example, engineering programs require certain science and math university, preparation courses).  Check as well that your marks meet the estimated cut-offs.  All this information is available online at eINFO www.electronicinfo.ca  or online at http://www.ouac.on.ca/
B) Select the 3 or more universities and/or programs to which you will apply.
C) Complete the application process.  All applications are directed to the University Application Centre (OUAC) in Guelph, which communicates with the universities.  All applications will include Grade 11 and 12 completed marks.  Be sure to check with the individual universities and the OUAC site for details concerning their individual admission procedures.  See a guidance counsellor for details.
         
UNIVERSITY TERMS YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH

Honours Degree 
Consists of 20 full year courses typically completed over four years of full-time study.
General Degree
Consists of 15 full year courses typically completed over three years of full-time study.
Major 
The main area(s) of study in a degree.
Minor 
A secondary area of study when completing a single major honours degree.
Single Major Degree
Consists of one major.
Joint Major Degree
Consists of two majors.  Also known as a Double Major Degree.
Specialization
A group of courses in a particular area of study that may only be completed with a specific major.
Emphasis Program
A group of courses in a particular area of study that may be completed with any major.
Credit
The equivalent of one hour of instruction per week for a 15-week semester. It is assumed that for every credit hour, the student will spend at least an additional hour per week in homework/preparation.
Undergraduate Degree
The first degree you earn at university – i.e. Bachelor of Arts/Science.
Graduate Degree
Any degree you earn after your undergraduate degree – i.e. Masters Degree.
Professional Degree  
A Graduate degree earned in a particular profession – i.e. medical, law, education.
Concurrent Education Program
A five-year program that combines Bachelor of Arts or Science degree with Bachelor of Education degree.
Consecutive Education Program: Completing a three or four-year degree and then continuing on to the Bachelor of Education degree at the same or at another university.
IMPORTANT DATES

AUGUST 29, 2011:    OUAC commences distribution of OUAC 101 application materials to secondary schools.  In consultation with parents and counsellors, students will select their program and university choices.

NOVEMBER 11, 2011:  The OUAC 101 (online) application will be available through OUAC’s website: www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101/   The cost of applying is $125.00.  Additional choices can be made at a cost of $42.00 each. Applications must be submitted electronically to OUAC by January 11, 2012 to be given equal consideration. OUAC begins distribution of verification/amendment forms to applicants as applications are processed. Check your form very carefully to ensure that the information is accurate. Students may make program changes at this time (details will follow).

NOVEMBER 2011:   PIN Access Letters are mailed to secondary schools.  Pick yours up in Guidance.

JANUARY 11, 2012:  DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS TO SUBMIT COMPLETED ON-LINE APPLICATIONS TO OUAC
However, the earlier you apply, the better; applications can be modified after submission.
Note: Although the deadline for the online applications is January 11, 2012, problems could arise if all students wait until that date to apply.

FEBRUARY 7, 2012:  Recommended last date for students to submit all information to the OUAC, including university and program changes as well as additional active choices, to be eligible for consideration for early admission.

FEBRUARY 15, 2012:  Deadline date for receipt of all 1st semester final marks to the OUAC.

MARCH-JUNE 2012:  Ongoing conditional offers of admission may be received.

APRIL 26, 2012:  Deadline date for receipt of 2nd semester mid-term marks to the OUAC.

MAY 29, 2012: The date by which students shall expect a response from a university.  Such a response will be one of: a) offer of admission; b) refusal; c) deferral pending receipt of additional information.

JUNE 1, 2012: The earliest date by which Ontario universities may require a response to an offer of admission and a financial commitment of any kind (e.g. registration deposit, residence deposit, etc.) from an Ontario secondary school student.  All other admissions-related elements including scholarships, other forms of student assistance or financial incentives and offers of residence are considered part of the offer of admission.  Therefore, a student may accept these other offers prior to June 1, 2012, but Ontario universities shall not compel a student in any way to make an earlier decision.

 NB.  The preceding information relates only to Ontario universities.  Please contact the Guidance office for information on applying to institutions outside of Ontario.
 
FALL 2011  UNIVERSITY SEMINARS
Monday, September 12   UOIT 8:40 am
Wednesday, September 14   University of Toronto 10:00 am
Thursday, September 15   Ryerson 8:40 am
Monday, September 19   Western University 12:00 pm
Wednesday, September 21   University of Ottawa 8:40 am
Friday, September 23   University of Waterloo 8:40 am
Wednesday, September 28   University of Windsor  8:40 am
Tuesday, October 4    Trent University 8:40 am
Wednesday, October 5   University of New Brunswick 8:40 am
Wednesday, October 5   University of Guelph 10:00 am
Thursday, October 13   Carleton University 8:40 am
Monday, October 17    Huron University College 12:00 pm
Friday, October 21    Nipissing University 12:00 pm
Monday, October 24    Dalhousie University 8:40 am
Thursday, October 27   Laurentian University 8:40 am
Thursday, October 27   Memorial University-Newfoundland 12:00 pm
Monday, October 31    McMaster 8:40 am
Monday, October 31    York University 1:15 pm
Friday, November 4    Queens’ University 1:15 pm
Monday, November 7   Wilfrid Laurier University 1:15 pm
Tuesday, November 8   University of Guelph/Humber 8:40 am
Thursday, November 10   Algoma University 12:00 pm
Monday, November 14   Brescia University College 10:00 am
Thursday, November 17   Lakehead University 8:40 am
Tuesday, November 22   Brock University 8:40 am
To attend seminars:

1. Must sign up ahead in Guidance for presentations and attend. 
2. Must be eligible for university (6 U/M courses).
3. Must have special permission for Grade 11 students.
4. Attendance will be taken.  If you fail to attend without advance notice you will not be eligible to attend any further seminars.  

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION SESSIONS
Ontario Universities’ Fair: Friday, October 14, 2011, Saturday, October 15, 2011,  Sunday , October 16, 2011. (Fri.10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 10am-5pm) Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 222 Bremner Blvd.
     
University Information Program: Thursday, October 27, 2011, 1:00 pm, Clarington Central S.S. or Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 7:00 pm, Peterborough CVS

Study and Go Abroad Fair 2011: Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October, 2, 2011, Metro Toronto Convention Centre 1pm – 6pm (This Fair is for students who will be graduating from high school and wish to pursue their university studies outside of Canada)
          
University of Toronto Campus Days 2011:  St George Campus – Saturday, October 29, Mississauga Campus – Sunday, October 30, Scarborough Campus -  Saturday, November 19

Study West Universities Tour:   Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto – Saturday, October 29, 2011   11:00 am – 3:00 pm  or Wednesday, October 26, 2011, Sinclair S.S. Whitby 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Quebec University: Thursday, October 13, 2011 11:20-12:10 pm Peterborough CVI

British Columbia Fair  – Sinclair S.S. on October  26th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. All student and parents are invited to attend this event.   BC and U.2011

Maclean’s OnCampus: http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education   This site has information on their national university ranking done on a yearly basis.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLYING TO
COMMUNITY COLLEGES  (Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology)

To apply to community college, you should first:

A) Be sure you are eligible and have the correct admission requirements including prerequisites for the program you are considering.
B) This information is available in the individual college calendars in the Guidance office, or online at the colleges’ websites.  Program information is also available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca and you must select the “Find a Program” link. Course calendars are also available at the College Information Program at Durham College.    
C) You may apply to five colleges with no more than three program choices at any one college.  Private institutions and colleges outside Ontario require a separate application.  See the institution’s website for details. 
D) Complete the on-line application at:  www.ontariocolleges.ca  Your grades are directed automatically to the college application centre (OCAS) in Guelph.   There is a $95.00 processing fee.

TYPES OF PROGRAM DELIVERY

Certificate
Certificate programs require the completion of two semesters (or one year) of study, as approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. 

Diploma (Regular/Advanced)
Regular diploma programs require the completion of at least four semesters (or two years) of study, as approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  An advanced diploma is granted after six semesters (or three years).

Post-Diploma/Post-Graduate/Post-Certificate
Building on knowledge or broad experience gained through previous post-secondary study, these programs require a college diploma/certificate or university degree for admission.

Bachelor’s Degree
Four-year academic programs offer the best of both worlds – the practical, technical strengths of a college education and the theoretical foundation of a bachelor’s degree. 

Joint College/University (Collaborative)
Collaborative programs involve taking courses at both the college and university levels.  Students may earn either one credential or two credentials (one from the college and one from the university).

Co-op
Scheduled periods of employment in related industries within the academic year give co-op students an edge and help them to relate in-school training with real work experience.  These placements are typically paid positions and are usually a requirement for graduation.  Also offered are field placements, work terms and internships.  Students are usually not paid during this type of placement.

FALL 2011 COLLEGE SEMINARS

Wednesday, September 21 Trios College 12:00 pm
Monday, September 26  Humber College 10:00 am
Monday, October 3   Centennial College 10:00 am
Friday, October 7   Durham College 1:15 pm
Tuesday, October 11  Seneca College     8:40 am
Wednesday, October 12  Fleming College 1:15 pm
Monday, October 17  King’s College 8:40 am
Wednesday, October 19  Loyalist College 10:00 am
Friday, October 21   Algonquin College 8:40 am
Monday, November 21  George Brown College 10:00 am

To attend seminars: 
1. Must sign up ahead in Guidance for presentations and attend. 
2. Attendance will be taken.  If you fail to attend without advance notice you will not be eligible to attend any further seminars.

COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Ontario College Information Fair 2011:  October 25, 2011 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place – Hall C, Toronto, ON

College Information Program at Durham College: Oshawa Campus, 2000 Simcoe St North, Monday, October 31, 2011  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm      
Note:   pre-registration is available at http://myplace.durhamcollege.ca        

                              
 IMPORTANT DATES
 
OCTOBER  2011:  In consultation with parents and counsellors, students will select program and college choices.  Access the online college application at www.ontariocolleges.ca   Instructional video on how to apply is on this site. 

NOVEMBER  2011:  The new COMPASS.101 (online) application will be available through the OCAS website: www.ontariocolleges.ca   The cost of applying is $95.00 Applications must be submitted electronically to OCAS by February 1, 2012 to be given equal consideration.  Check your application very carefully to ensure that the information is accurate.  Students may make program changes at this time.

FEBRUARY 1, 2012:  DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS TO SUBMIT COMPLETED ON-LINE APPLICATIONS.  All applications received and paid for on or before this date will be given equal consideration for acceptance.  Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply before this date as website volumes are at their highest at this time.

FEBRUARY/APRIL 2012:  Depending on the program, students will receive questionnaires or requests for interviews from the colleges concerned. Failure to complete requests usually results in the application being terminated.  It is essential you adhere to all dates and return information on time.
MARCH – MAY, 2012:  Acceptance letters will be mailed to successful applicants.  Candidates must respond by confirming their acceptance.  Students may accept only one offer of admission.    

MAY 1, 2012 :  Students must confirm acceptances of an offer of admission to their chosen program through ontariocolleges.ca by this date.  Each college will determine the due date to confirm offers made after May 1, 2012.  Check your offer letter for details.

JUNE 15, 2012:  Earliest date that colleges may expect payment of tuition.
 
COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS

Admission Requirements:
Requirements vary from program to program.  Selection criteria may be based on any combination of the following: 
∙ a review of the applicant’s academic record;
∙ a review of any additional documentation submitted to support the application as required by the program (i.e. volunteer or work experience, including co-op);
∙ results of a test or questionnaire;
∙ a review of a portfolio;
∙ an interview.

Selection of Applicants:
Selections will be based on all criteria listed under individual program descriptions as entrance requirements.  All applications received and paid for on or before February 1, 2012 will be considered equally.   Early application is encouraged.  Candidates are then rank ordered and the best qualified applicants are offered seats or placed on a waiting list.

Oversubscribed Programs:
The term “oversubscribed” denotes programs for which there are more qualified Ontario applicants than are required to fill the available seats.  As a result, qualified applicants who have submitted applications no later than February 1 will undergo a specific selection process.
The admissions office reserves the right to add to or delete from the following list based on applicant demand, program changes, etc.  The following are some examples of  programs which were previously oversubscribed at Durham College:

 Advertising
 Child and Youth Worker
 Communication Disorders Assistant
 Community Integration through Cooperative Education
 Dental Assistant (*Levels I & II)
 Dental Hygiene
 Electrical Technician – Instrumentation and Control
 Fitness and Health Promotion
 Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training  Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Techniques
 Music Business Administration/Music Business Management
 Paramedic
 Practical Nursing
 Social Services Worker  
 Sports Administration/Sports Management            
 Veterinarian Assistant
Student Checklist
  Applying to Ontario’s colleges

 ☐ Explore your college options.
 ☐ Check out college publications, websites and tours.
 ☐ Research program admission requirements.
 ☐ Take a look at the Ontario College Guide online at www.ontariocolleges.ca
 ☐ Get a valid email account.
 ☐ Think of a unique username and password.
 ☐ Know your Ontario Education Number (OEN).
 ☐ Know your correct address and postal code.
 ☐ Have a VISA, MasterCard or American Express number, including the expiry date, if you plan to pay online.
 ☐ Take a look at the tutorial online at
 ontariocolleges.ca

PROSPECTIVE APPRENTICES

If you are ambitious and interested in pursuing a career in a skilled trade, Ontario needs you.

Skilled workers – called journey persons – are in high demand in a wide variety of occupations, and the opportunities and rewards available are getting more exciting all the time.  To become a journey person in a particular occupation,  you require a combination of on-the-job experience and in-school training, called an apprenticeship.

A powerful means of obtaining practical experience and skills, apprentices spend about 75% to 90% of their learning time on-the-job and the remaining 10% to 25% in the classroom.  Apprentices are paid for the work and become certified in their trade after completing the training requirements set by the province.

What is Apprenticeship
    
An apprenticeship is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a skill, and an employer who requires a skilled worker.  An apprenticeship is a proven way to learn.  It has a long tradition and in today’s world, it’s as important as it ever was.  Canadian journey persons, trained through an apprenticeship, have been part of the teams that built:
 
 • the robotic arm on the United States’ space shuttle crafts;    
 • the Rogers Centre,
 • the CN Tower
 
Journey persons also bake your bread, fix your cars and build your homes.

An apprenticeship takes time – anywhere from two to five years – but it is time well spent.  It’s an investment in your future.  This investment is a partnership shared by you and the employer.

Many journey persons use their skills and experience as stepping stones toward a career in management, while others go into business for themselves.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship and a Career in a Skilled Occupation

 • earn while you learn
 • enjoy future job security
 • learn new skills
 • perform challenging and satisfying work
 • start a career with the confidence that your skills will always be in demand and with the security that those skills are more in demand every year
 • receive a good salary and benefits package
 • advancement opportunities
 • a possibility of starting your own business
 • an opportunity to break out of an unfulfilling role and experience personal growth
 • independence and the confidence to start a new life
 
 http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/employmentontario/training/
 1-888-JOBGROW (Ontario Government’s Training Hotline)

 www.tradeability.ca 
 1-905-666-3620  

Special Education Support for Post Secondary Education

● Most colleges and universities receive provincial grant funding to provide support services to students with disabilities – contact the office that assists students with special needs and find out what specific services are available and if there are any constraints.  You can usually locate the office by doing a search for “special needs” or “disability services” on the post secondary school’s website.  Or you can call the school and ask to be directed to the office that assists students with special needs.

● Identify College/Universities that offer the training you need -
 Example:

 Fleming College – contact number 705-749-5521
 website: http://www.flemingc.on.ca/index.cfm/go/service/sub/disability.cfm

 Humber College – contact number 416-675-6622 ext 5180;3265
 website: http://studentservices.humber.ca/ssd/

 Queen’s University – contact number: 613-533-6467
 website: http://www.queensu.ca/hcds/ds/
● Classroom accommodations – vary from class to class, instructor to instructor and school to school.  What is important is that everyone is aware that there are a growing number of students with learning disabilities, hence there is an increased awareness for new approaches to accommodations.

● Specific accommodations if staying in residence – it can be helpful to coordinate the accommodations between academic and residential situations with the assistance of the post-secondary special needs office.

● Use of New Technologies – *Use of laptop is encouraged with adaptive technology software – e.g. programs that transcribe speech; math software to accommodate any physical challenge with handwriting.

● Canada Study Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities – available to students with physical or learning disability who meet the criteria.  Note: to be eligible for this grant you must need exceptional education-related services or *equipment to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at a post-secondary level.   For more information check:

 Program Information – http://www.sdc.gc.ca
 Inquire – at any post secondary education institution            or
 Contact a provincial or territorial Student Assistance Office

 Your school contact: Special Education Department
 M. Driscoll – michelle_driscoll@kprdsb.ca
 B. Cunliffe – bill_cunliffe@kprdsb.ca

RESIDENCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Residence
Residence information can be requested on the online university or college application form.  Many colleges/universities send a residence application with an offer of admission.  Some require a separate application.  Selection methods vary with each institution.  Be sure to research this area.  Many residences require a DEPOSIT to hold a room ($100-$200).

Scholarships
Students must be aware that it is their responsibility to research this area.  A list of some scholarships will be posted in your classrooms and on the board outside of Guidance. Scholarship information is also available under Guidance and Careers at www.courticesecondary.ca   Extra copies will be made available through Guidance.  These will be updated as information is made available to the school, but there are many more scholarships out there.  Continue to Google©  “scholarships in Canada” and “financial aid Ontario” throughout the year.  Also, register with studentawards.com and scholarshipscanada.com to receive emails regarding upcoming scholarships.

Several different types of scholarships exist:

1. Students are encouraged to explore the possibility of being eligible for a scholarship offered through a community agency or parents’ employer.
2. All universities and colleges offer a number of scholarships based on marks.  Check the eINFO/College Guide books and institution calendars for details.
3. Most scholarships require a special application procedure.  For these, extra-curricular activities and community service are often weighted more heavily than marks.  In order that we may assist you with this process, we ask that anyone considering applying for a special scholarship, submit to the Guidance office by November 1, a resumé or an outline describing extra-curricular and community involvement.  Watch the spreadsheets distributed through Guidance for details and deadline dates for these scholarship applications.  They are due early.
 
 Ontario Students Assistance Plan (O.S.A.P.)

Applications are completed online at www.osap.gov.on.ca.  Although you will receive confirmation during the summer stating your loan award, the money itself will not be made available until you register at the school.  The OSAP loan is usually divided into two payments.

Basic Facts about applying: 
• Each application is about a specific program at a specific school.  That means if you are interested in two different programs (even if they are at the same school), you must fill out a separate application for each program.  The same goes if you are taking the same program but at a different school.  The reason?  Programs and schools may have different study periods and costs associated with them.

• You can fill out an application before you receive notification of acceptance from the school you have applied to.

• You can fill out up to 5 online OSAP applications for each academic year.  
  

Where to find Scholarships and Bursary Information

Awards Websites;

● www.scholarshipscanada.com

● www.canlearn.ca

● www.fastweb.com

● www.grantsnet.org

● www.studentawards.com

Company and Organization websites:

● www.aucc.ca

● www.bursary.ca

● www.electrofed.com

Hints & Tips:

● Check your employer or family member employers to see if they offer any scholarships, grants or bursaries.

● Check with organizations you are involved with (banks, unions, churches, sports clubs, girl guides, etc…)

● Using various Search Engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.) type in some of the following words to obtain more info: scholarships, college, university, bursary, awards.

   INTERNET RESOURCES FOR POST-SECONDARY & CAREER INFORMATION

APPLICATION INFORMATION: www.ouac.on.ca (university)
      www.ontariocolleges.ca (college)
     
American Colleges & Universities    http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/
Campus Access      www.campusaccess.com
Canada Student Loans     www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml
Career Connect – Canada’s National Career Site  http://globecareers.workopolis.com/index.html/
International College & University Information  www.youth.gc.ca/
Job Seekers Resource     www.smartbiz.com/sbs/careers.htm
Mazemaster – Career Information Site   www.mazemaster.on.ca
Ministry of Education and Training sites   www.edu.gov.on.ca
        www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca
Independent Learning Centre    www.ilc.org  (ILC)
National Graduate Register –     www.campusworklink.com 
 Job Finding Tool for Graduates  
Online Career Centre      www.monster.ca/
Ontario Student Assistance Plan (OSAP)   http://osap.gov.on.ca
Ontario School Counsellor Association   www.osca.ca/edlinks.htm
Ontario College/University Transfer Guide   www.ocutg.on.ca/
Students Finance      http://alis.alberta.ca/ps/fo/studentsfinance/students-finance.html
        students/finance.html
Resumes       www.youth.gc.ca
Scholarship Research Sites     www.studentawards.com
         www.finaid.org/scholarships  
        http://www.osca.ca/onwinlinks/index.cfm                                    www.scholarshipscanada.com
School Finder for Canadian College & Universities  www.schoolfinder.com
For Career Research: www.careercruising.com (username:  kawartha; password: 18130)

Information is available in the Guidance Office, including scholarships, and college/university calendars.  These are updated continuously as new information is received.  Students are encouraged to consult this information on a regular basis and make appointments to discuss your goals with a counsellor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
VISIT YOUR GUIDANCE AND CAREER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
N  O  W !

Teacher – Counsellors
Mrs. Kirkland – tracey_kirkland@kprdsb.ca
Mr. Voogt – rokus_voogt@kprdsb.ca