Parent & Partner Handbook
Welcome from the President Dear Parent or Partner, Welcome to the University of Lethbridge community! University is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time for both students and their parents or partners. At the U of L, we understand the importance of family. Our goal is to keep you informed of what’s happening on campus as you support your student’s academic journey. We want you to feel as much a part of our community as your student, and we will do our best to answer your questions and give you the information you need. Your student will learn from world-class professors during his or her time at the U of L, and will be provided with numerous opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom. Please encourage your student to get involved – university is as much or as little as a student chooses to make it. The foundation your student will build during his or her time at the U of L will enable them to go forward with confidence to make important contributions to our community, our nation and the world. I sincerely thank you for considering the University of Lethbridge, and look forward to seeing you and your student on campus.
Mike Mahon, PhD President and Vice-Chancellor
Transition New Environment The new learning environment may have students fluctuating between feelings of excitement and apprehension. They will be excited to meet new people, but also nervous because the campus is likely larger than their previous school and the learning environment is different. For some students, the sudden change of being away from family, friends and their home can also be difficult. Students may need to adjust to an increase in academic workload through new ways of learning, such as note taking skills and listening to lectures in a larger setting. The amounts of reading and independent work required of them will also increase significantly. They will have to explore new ways of studying and find a method that works for them. Assistance is available from Counselling Services and our Educational Strategist.
Changes in Support Systems Students may also see a major change in their support network. While some students may stay close to family, friends and services that they have traditionally used in the past, others may look for new systems of support as they begin their post-secondary education. There are a number of services and opportunities available at the University for students to help them establish new support networks, including the Mentorship program, New Student Orientation and Rookie Camp. You can encourage your student to develop connections with classmates and peers, to start study groups, get to know their professors and teaching assistants or meet with academic advisors and counsellors. Some students see their university years as a time to explore the world away from home and your support of their newfound independence may help to reduce their stress.
FOIPP | Student information is confidential. We cannot release information to anyone without that student’s written consent. Your student can choose to set a designate (a person authorized to act on their behalf) on their application and we will be able to release certain types of admission information to this person. After the admission process is complete, no other information (such as grades or course registration) will be available to the designate.
Supports and Services Faculty and staff care about your student’s success, which is why there are a wide variety of student services available to provide your student with the support they need to succeed. A complete listing of student services is available online, but we’ve highlighted some here:
Recruitment and Student Life 403-329-2762 Come in to meet with a recruiter for information about the U of L. We’ll help answer your questions and guide you and your student through the transition to university.
Academic Advising For help in planning your student’s program and choosing courses, an advisor is the person to talk to. We also provide direction to make sure your student has the strongest start to his or her university education. Arts and Science Advising 403-329-5106 Education Advising 403-329-2254 Fine Arts Advising 403-329-2691 Health Sciences Advising 403-329-2649 Management Advising 403-329-2153
Counselling Services 403-317-2845 Counselling Services focuses on improving your student’s total well being. Our counsellors are mental health professionals who can help to facilitate personal growth, academic skills development and career decision making – all free of charge and confidential!
Disabilities Resource Centre 403-329-2766 The Disabilities Resource Centre is here to help students with a wide range of needs. By providing learning strategies, technological support and exam accommodations, we create a supportive learning environment for every student.
Support Services for Aboriginal Students 403-329-2762 Oki! If your student is of First Nations, Metis or Inuit descent, make sure they take advantage of services designed to meet his or her specific needs. An office dedicated entirely to advising aboriginal students is located in the Registrar’s Office and Student Services (ROSS).
Security 403-329-2603
Health Centre 403-329-2484
The goal of Security Services is to provide a safe and secure campus for students to live, play and work. Security Representatives respond to complaints, provide First Responder First Aid and patrol the campus on a preventative basis. The Security Representatives are also responsible for the orderly movement and parking of vehicles on campus.
The mission of the University of Lethbridge Health Centre is to enrich students’ living and learning potential through the provision of proactive health education, on-site health care and health insurance information. The Health Centre is composed of physicians, a psychiatrist, chiropractors, massage therapy, a dietician, and nurse services.
Working Alone | 403-329-5106 Students may choose to work on campus after regular hours. Buildings have been made secure and most spaces are equipped with a phone that has a direct line to Campus Security.
Career and Employment Services 403-329-2187
Anyone working alone on campus is encouraged to register with the Working Alone System Login, which will allow Security to identify when someone is in a specific area of campus in the event of an emergency situation. Safewalk | 403-329-2345 Safewalk offers escorts from anywhere on campus to anywhere on campus. Safewalk teams consist of one male and one female student. This program runs from late September to late April. Security Services will provide escorts outside of Safewalk hours.
The mission of Career and Employment Services (CES) is to assist students and graduates with their career exploration and work search needs. In fulfilling this mandate, we also serve employers and organizations by facilitating their recruitment of University of Lethbridge students.
Costs/Financing Scholarships Students can apply for the Grade 11 Merit Award, which ranges from $500 - $800. This award will be given out to students with averages over 75% to apply towards their U of L education. A separate awards application is required. In your student’s grade 12 year, financial award deadlines begin on December 15. The general early admission, leadership and high school achievement scholarships deadline is March 15. For additional information on scholarships, please visit DISCOVER.ulethbridge.ca.
Loans and Grants Funding for Canadian students is also available in the form of student loans and grants. Both the federal and provincial governments offer financial aid to students who qualify. Government loans remain interest-free as long as your son or daughter remains a full-time student. Banks and other private financial institutions also lend money to help students fund their education. Contact your student’s bank for further information on private student loans.
Educational Costs These amounts are based on a typical course-load of five classes per semester (10 courses over the academic year).
Tuition and Fees
$5,337 (2012/2013 proposed)
Health and Dental
$245 (refundable with proof of other extended health and dental coverage)
Books and Supplies
$1,250 ($125 per course)
TOTAL:
$6,832
Budgeting We encourage you to work with your student to develop a budget for the upcoming year. There is an online budget calculator at DISCOVER.ulethbridge.ca to help you get started. For any additional financial questions, please contact: Scholarships and Student Finance 403-329-2585 | fin.aid@uleth.ca
Housing There are many different housing options for students at the U of L. First year students have the options between single and traditional dormitories in University Hall, or apartment-style housing in Aperture park. There is a limited amount of rooms available on campus for students wishing to live in residence. Applications open September 1 (one year prior to your student’s start date). We recommend your student applies early to ensure the best chance of getting into residence.
Living On Campus Residence Style
Cost (per semester)
Cost (per month)
Traditional style dorm rooms (furnished)
$1,156 - $2,220
$289 - $555
Apartments and Townhomes (furnished)
$2,220 - $3,692
$555 - 923
Additionally, there is extensive off-campus student housing located close to the U of L. The University maintains an off-campus housing listing, as well as offers resources for student tenants. For more information, visit www.uleth.ca/offcampushousing.
Living Off Campus Shelter (Rent)
$415 (based on shared accommodations)
Food
$243
Miscellaneous
$292
Transportation
$63
TOTAL:
$1,013
* Numbers provided by Canada Student Loans
University Hall Residences
Apartment Style Residences
Learning Outside the Classroom The University of Lethbridge values putting theory into practice, and has a variety of programs in place to help students get the most out of their degree.
Co-operative Education Co-op is paid, degree-specialized work experience. Work terms can be between four and 16 months in length. Co-op is an option available to all Arts, Science and Management majors.
Independent Studies Independent studies allow students to explore their program area. During three semester-long classes, students learn the necessary research and presentation techniques, as well as participate in the lab assisting their professors or completing their own research. Independent studies are available to all majors.
Applied Studies With an applied study, students can get course credit for work and volunteer experience, whether it’s related to their degree or not. It’s a great way for students to learn from their personal experiences and build a great resume. Applied studies are available for all majors.
International Exchange Students have the opportunity to spend time studying at one of our many partner institutions around the world. While studying abroad, students pay U of L tuition, are guaranteed oncampus housing at their host school and fulfill course credit towards their degree. Travel abroad opportunities exist for many practicums, professional semesters and Management majors. The International Centre also facilitates international internship opportunities.
Life on Campus Clubs There are over 60 clubs on campus that provide social and athletic activities, travel, religious fellowship and charitable and cultural support.
Campus Radio Station Listen live at 88.3FM! CKXU is a student-run campus and community radio station that broadcasts live, year round. All your student needs to get involved is an interest in diversity and a willingness to learn.
Pronghorn Games The University of Lethbridge Pronghorn athletics program consists of six varsity sports: hockey, basketball, soccer, rugby, swimming and track and field. Encourage your student to come out and cheer on their team!
Athletics There are intramural sports held every semester. If team sports aren’t of interest to your student, he or she can take advantage of our new facilities, which include a fitness centre, climbing wall, swimming pool and indoor running track.
The Centre for the Arts The Centre for the Arts is the place on campus to indulge an interest in the arts. You can catch exciting dance recitals, improv shows, exhibitions, theatre productions and musical performances all year long.
The Meliorist The Meliorist is the weekly campus newspaper operated by student staff and volunteers. If yous student has writing, editing, photography or sales skills, encourage them to stop by!
Lethbridge Lifestyle Lethbridge is a very safe and active student city, with over 17% of the city’s population composed of University or college students. With a population of almost 88,000, Lethbridge is the perfect balance of big city convenience with a small-town community atmosphere. The city also offers student discounts at many restaurants and stores.
Climate | Looking for warmth?
Transportation | Students can get
Lethbridge is one of the sunniest cities in Canada. Chinook winds also help ensure that our winters are milder than anywhere else in the province.
from one end of Lethbridge to the other in about 15 minutes by car. For those looking at public transit, passes are available. There are also direct routes to and from the University. Whatever your method of transportation is, your student will never be that far away from the University!
Outdoors | Students can enjoy Lethbridge parks and pathways year-round with activities ranging from biking and swimming to golfing and snowboarding.
Shopping | There are numerous shopping options in Lethbridge, so your student is bound to find familiar stores and brands. Students can also explore the unique local boutiques downtown.
Restaurants | From fast food to fine dining, Lethbridge offers a variety of cuisine from around the world. Students can stick to the comforts of Italian, Greek and Chinese food, or explore Ethiopian, Saigonese and Japanese culture.
Connect With Us If your student is considering the U of L, plan to attend our Open House in the fall, where we will gladly showcase all the services, departments and people committed to helping your student succeed. We also recommend scheduling a campus tour or a visit through our Connections program, where your student will be paired up with a current student. Together, they will attend a class or two and go out for lunch at one of our numerous food venues! In the springtime, we offer Jump the Line, a program designed to help students get a head start on the incoming class. You and your student will attend an information fair and participate in workshops tailored to easing the transition to university, while meeting fellow new students and parents. If your student is still undecided, Jump the Line is an excellent
opportunity to get another glimpse of campus, meet new friends and attend workshops that may help with the decision-making process. Right before classes start we offer one more program to finish off you and your student’s orientation to the U of L. New Student Orientation (N.S.O.) is a six day event that gives an in-depth overview of university education, student services, and how your student can succeed while attending the U of L. Throughout the school year, we offer numerous other programming to ensure your student succeeds. Beginning with Rookie Camp, a weekend event geared towards having fun and meeting their senior student mentors, students will spend two days hiking, swimming and enjoying campfire treats. There are many more events for your student to look forward to throughout the rest of the year.
What’s Ahead September to January •
Apply for residence on campus
•
Book a Connections visit or a campus tour
•
Learn admission requirements
•
Attend Open House
•
Apply for admission (eligible for BOG Award if before December15)
January to June •
Confirm admission (send in offer letter acceptance plus tuition deposit)
•
Apply for U of L scholarships (before March 15)
•
Attend a course registration workshop
•
Register in classes
•
Attend Jump the Line
July and August •
Arrange for off-campus housing
September •
New Student Orientation (Parent Orientation)
For the most up-to-date information, visit DISCOVER.ulethbridge.ca!
Contact Us! Recruitment and Student Life 403-329-2762 inquiries@uleth.ca DISCOVER.ulethbridge.ca/parent