CONGRATULATIONS! So you’ve been accepted to the Alberta College of Art + Design. That means that you are part of an elite group of individuals who possess the skills, abilities, and sticktoitiveness to make it here. An elite group of individuals who are clever and capable, not to mention talented. What exactly should you expect from this strange new world? It can be confusing, and sometimes downright scary, to find yourself in a new place filled with new people. You’ll need to be vigilant, and prepared to evade things that can bring you down and sap the creativity right out of you. But you don’t need to worry. Keep this guide on hand and rest assured that it possesses everything you need to know to protect your brilliant, creative mind, as well as find food, shelter, friends, and all the resources you need to succeed and live up to your full potential.
You’ll not only learn how to survive – but how to thrive!
Welcome!
On behalf of all at the Alberta College of Art +Design I offer you the warmest welcome as you are getting ready to join an amazing community of adventurers of the imaginary where creativity becomes your everyday tool. To borrow a line from a famous character: “you have chosen wisely” as this is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure. This is not going to be easy, nor should it be - but that is the beauty of it, as at ACAD you will learn to push boundaries, to re-imagine today and to dream of tomorrow. My only advice is for you to take full advantage of what ACAD has to offer as you are in charge of your future, and we are only here to help you, sometimes guide you, sometimes point you in the right direction and sometimes question you to make sure that as the Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck wrote, you are fully engaged in “the making of art as well as the art of making.” Again, welcome. Dr. Daniel Doz President + CEO
So, you made it. All of the work, all of the ‘being different’, and all the skills you possess, have earned you a place at ACAD. We are happy you’re here. For the next four years you are going to be challenged by what you think you know, by what your fellow students know and by what your instructors know. Welcome to the world of art and design. To survive, you will need to remember what you did to get here, and that this was only the starting place for what you need to graduate. Now is the time for intelligent risk, experimentation and experience. Pay Attention. Never call it an experiment unless you understand the result. Stay open. Look for material/media that you love. Tell your story, knowing it is not finished. Show us what it means to be human, speak up, make it beautiful, make it real, make it authentic. Enjoy the ride. Dave Casey Head of First Year Studies
CHECKLIST The motto of the boy scouts also applies to surviving your first year at ACAD: Be prepared. Here are a few essential tools you’ll want to include in your arsenal. Note: You will recieve an official list of supplies prior to classes starting or by your professor on the first day of class .
A SKETCHBOOK This will likely be your most prized possession in your first year at ACAD. Guard it with your life!
Some optional items you may find handy!
• Coffee/Tea
To provide you with much needed caffeine.
MUSIC/HEADPHONES Listening to music can drown out distractions and help you to focus!
• Good books
CAMERA* Having access to your own camera will be useful for certain courses.
• Water Bottle
PORTFOLIO CASE This will keep your precious artwork protected, and will make it easier to travel with. PENCILS Having a wide range of pencils is key for drawing! A full set is ideal. (6H - 6B) SHARPIES These will come in handy for doodling or jotting down notes in almost any class. (Sorry about the fumes!) * Audiovisual Services (AVS), located on the 4th floor, is available for equipment loans if you do not have your own camera or other AV equipment.
To curl up and relax with, in your downtime.
To stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Sunglasses
To protect one of your biggest assests as an artist, your eyesight.
• Deodorant
As a courtesy to your classmates on days where a shower is optional.
PASSPORT We want to get to know you! Upload this page to the “ACAD First Year Survivalists: 2013/2014” Facebook page, or post to Instagram & Twitter using the hashtag: #ACADpassport
Draw [or paste] a picture of yourself here
First Name: Hometown: Sidekick: Superpowers: Weapon of Choice: Intended Major: Famous Last Words:
Each time you visit one of the following locations and present this page to the people there, they will provide you with a stamp. Collect all six, and bring this page to Admissions on Orientation Day. Your name will be entered in a draw for a chance to win some fabulous prizes!
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
LEARNING ASSISTANCE
STUDENT LIFE
The Registrar’s Office and the Registration Assistants offer a wealth of information and assistance for students registering for classes and reviewing transfer credit. If you need assistance – and you likely will at some point – contact the office: registrar@acad.ca 403.284.7634
ACAD has many learning resources and supports available to its students. If you’re interested in finding out more, drop by the Learning Assistance Resources Office or contact Paul Szymanowski: paul.szymanowski@acad.ca 403.338.5513
Our Student Life Office offers programs and services to help make life on campus a little more awesome, enhance students’ experience, and engage our students in our fantastic campus community. If you want to get involved on campus, contact Dan Barnfield: dan.barnfield@acad.ca 403.284.7705.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
COUNSELLING
CASHIER
Need some help when it comes to your academic goals? Or are you interested in learning about opportunities like mobility and exchange? Contact Rafael de la Peña: rafael.delapena@acad.ca 403.338.5506
Counselling is available to all registered students who may experience a wide range of personal, career, and academic issues. If you would like to speak with a counsellor, contact Jason Bauche, Registered Psychologist, Counsellor: counselling@acad.ca 403.284.7666
Who do you see to pay your confirmation fee, and other student fees to? The Cashier. Head down to the Cashier’s office by the library, or call 403.284.6246
YOU ARE HERE Confused about what’s where? Here is a floor-by-floor guide to help you navigate ACAD.
5 4 3
First Year Studies, Visual Communications Design, Liberal Studies Classrooms
AV Services, I/O Lab, C+TS, Fibre, Jewellery + Metals, MADT, Photography, Visual Communications Design
MAIN MALL: ACADSA, Administration, Extended Studies, Registrar, Security, Student Experience, Student Life Office, Stanford Perrott Lecture Theatre UPPER: Drawing, Painting, Print Media
2
Annex C+E, Luke Lindoe Library, Cashier, Cafeteria
1
Bookstore, Woodshop, Ceramics, Glass, Sculpture, Metal Shop, Print Media
TUTORIALS Sometimes at first glance, the administration process can feel a little daunting. But it’s actually pretty simple to get yourself set up for success. We’ll break it down for you here:
HOW TO FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM:
STEP 1: Review the course descriptions.
STEP 2: Complete the form listing the courses you want to take.
STEP 3: Send the completed form to the Registrar’s Office via email, fax, or regular mail by May 31, 2013. Email: registrar@acad.ca Fax: 403.284.7644
LOGGING INTO WEBSERVICE:
STEP 1: Visit our website at: www.acad.ca/application_status.html then enter your User ID and PIN. Your ID is your ACAD student number. By default, your PIN is your date of birth (DDMMYY, ie. 010292 for February 1, 1992)
STEP 2: You will be required to change your pin after your first login. Do not forget this number! You’ll be using it a lot in future semesters to check your registration status, add/ drop classes, view your grades, and find your GPA.
Ordering food to ACAD The front entrance to ACAD can be tricky to find, so make sure the driver knows the address – 1407 14th Ave. NW Calgary. You will also need to meet the driver in the Main Mall.
HELPFUL HINT! This is where you register for a locker like you would a regular class.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE Fortunately, you don’t have to try to survive on your own. One of the best things about ACAD is how the community comes together for mutual sustainability. Here are a few of the fun events that the ACAD Student Association (ACADSA) puts on to help make your ACAD experience the best time of your life!* OPEN MIC NIGHT: Guitars, yodelling, and poetry all come out at ACADSA’s open mic nights, where students can showcase their talents and promote how cool they look holding a guitar. ‘ZINE NIGHT: A chance for students to participate in the ACADSA publication known as GAGG[ZINE]. Supplies are provided for writing, collage, comics, drawings, or other media to be created and submitted. There is also a button machine for anyone interested in adding a little flair to their look. THE DRAG BALL: An annual scholarship fundraiser party. Students are encouraged to dress in drag and come out to see live bands, DJs, and performances. HALLOWEEN PARTY: Run by the student club Rendezvous Collective, the ACAD Halloween party is not to be missed! Held at The Distillery downtown, there is a costume contest, photo booth, and dance party, along with local bands and media provided by the GIRAF Animation Festival. PING-PONG: The PYOP Ping-Pong Tournament is an opportunity for students, staff, and Administration to let out some stress on each other. Paddles can be created out of any material with a prize going to the best paddle. The winner of the tournament goes on to play the president, Dr. Doz.
New Students Orientation Be sure to attend Orientation Day – August 29, 2013. This day will help introduce you to everything you’ll need to know to be ready for your first day of classes. It provides an opportunity for you to learn more about the upcoming college experience, meet other new students as well as ACAD faculty/staff, and hear advice from 2nd/3rd year students. FREE LUNCH is provided too!
* Being an ACAD student also offers you tons of exciting opportunities for awards, scholarships, and even a chance to study abroad. Check in with Student Experience – They’ll be happy to provide you with whatever information you want or need!
HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH SERVICES (inside ACADSA) This is where you get your health and dental plan card. Did you know that ACAD students are covered for healthcare? To learn more about your plan, or to opt out, visit www.ihaveaplan.ca COUNSELLORS Sometimes the world can be overwhelming. Luckily, ACAD will provide you with some highly-skilled and qualified individuals who can help talk you through anything that might be bringing you down. TUTORS A quick consultation with a tutor is an excellent way to prevent the migraines caused by trying to crank out a multiple-page essay the night before. SAIT GYM Keeping fit is an important part of your survival. Be sure to take advantage of your free access to the fitness room, pool, and classes offered in the SAIT campus center. SAIT CLINIC In the event that you need any kind of medical care, help is close at hand. ACAD students have access to the SAIT clinic, as well as a wealth of other health services. Call 403.284.8666 or email health.services@sait.ca for an appointment. CAMPUS SAFEWALK ACAD is (quite literally) like a fortress. You’re safe inside it, but we want you to be safe outside its walls, too. As an ACAD student, you have access to SAIT’s Campus Safewalk, which basically provides you with your own personal guard to escort you to your destination – up to 10 blocks away. How cool is that? Call 403.284.SAFE (7233) for more information.
Healthy Eating Be sure to keep your body in good health too! Eat well, always stay hydrated, and take your vitamins.
I SURVIVED BY... Who better to tell you how to get through First Year than those who have already made it? Here is some tried-and-true advice from some of last year’s survivors.
“Naps are your new best friend. Even if it’s only 15 minutes be tween classes, grab a couch and have a power nap! Also, remember that the X-Acto knife is an ACAD student’s
Swiss Army Knife – keep it with you at all times so you are always prepared.”
– Jennifer H.
“Work out! The SAIT gym is open to us, so ge t yourself on the
treadmill after class. You will relieve some of your stress and build the endurance needed for survival.”
– Sheri S.
“4am is not a good bedtime, no mat ter how much your homework begs you to stay awake.”
– Amy C.
“DON’ T PROCRASTINATE. In all capitals. And don’t forge t
to socialize. People, especially professors, notice effort. Even if it’s outside your comfort zone, at least try.”
– Brandon G.
“The students in years above you are your friends. Feel free to ask them for help whenever you need to.”
– Micahla L.
ALMOST THERE You are now armed with all the information you need in order to have a successful, safe, and mind-blowingly awesome first year at ACAD. Most importantly: Have fun, and try not to turn into an ACAD student zombie along the way.
Don’t forget these important dates! Confirmation Fee Due: April 30, 2013 College Preview Day: May 25, 2013 Registration Form Returned: May 31, 2013 Final Documents Due: August 1, 2013 Orientation Day: August 29, 2013 First Day of Classes: August 30, 2013
That’s it! Now that you’ve got a head start on surviving First Year Studies at ACAD, here are a few last resources you may find useful: ADMISSIONS: Email: admissions@acad.ca Phone: 403.284.7617 www.acad.ca www.twitter.com/acadonline www.facebook.com/AlbertaCollegeofArtandDesign Group: “ACAD First Year Survivalists: 2013/2014”
Created by Visual Communications Design students: Ryan Pearse, Natasha Aggarwal, Kate Prescesky, and Christina Sengsavang