International Orientation: Students Studying from outside Canada - Thursday, January 7, 2021 (9:30 am MST) - University of Calgary
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
International Orientation: Students Studying from outside Canada Thursday, January 7, 2021 (9:30 am MST) International Student Services & SES Colleagues
Territorial Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the
Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the
Blackfoot Confederacy comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and
Kainai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney
Nakoda including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First
Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of
Alberta, Region III.
The University of Calgary is situated
on land adjacent to where the Bow
River meets the Elbow River, and the
traditional Blackfoot name of this
place is “Moh’kins’tsis”, which we
now call the City of Calgary. Image: The Cultural Model for the University of
Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p
2
Garrett Beatty, Advisor, International Student Intercultural Programs International Student Services • gsbeatty@ucalgary.ca • Coordinates USpeak Global language sharing program • Supervises student leaders who run virtual social events for you! Find out more about programs and supports: www.ucalgary.ca/iss 3
Online videos, information, & resources:
www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/resources/online-orientation
Welcome Immigration & Stay healthy &
travel safe
Navigate a new Get settled in Resources to start
classroom culture Calgary with!
4
ucalgary.ca/iss
5
ucalgary.ca/iss
6
Answers to questions you submitted in advance Note: This session will be recorded. If you experience technical difficulties or we do not get to your question, visit the ISS website. A session recording and answers to some key questions will be posted within 24 hours. ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/resources/international- student-orientation
Lien Tran,
International Student
Immigration Specialist (RCIC)
International Student Services
(MSC 275)
•Drop-in advising on study permits,
work permits, visas
issimmigration@ucalgary.ca
For more immigration information:
https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-
services/iss/immigration
8
Update: Travel Announcement
COVID-19 testing required for people flying into
Canada
• As of January 7, 2021, air travellers will be required
to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the
airline prior to boarding international flights bound
for Canada.
• The test must be completed within 72 hours of your
flight to Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2021/01/new-pre-departure-
covid-19-testing-requirements-come-into-effect-for-all-air-travellers-flying-into-
canada.html
9
Will studying online effect my PGWP eligibility? • Currently, you would be able to study online without a study permit until April 30,2021 without effecting your PGWP eligibility. • If you are planning to apply for a post graduate work permit later, you must submit a study permit application before you start your program to be eligible for a PGWP, provided that you receive an approval later on. • If you do receive a refusal, anytime you studied online will not count towards a PGWP. • If you decide to re-apply for a study permit and receive an approval later, your PGWP time would count from the time of your second submission. 10
When can I travel to Canada?
• Currently, Canada is allowing international students,
who have a valid study permit or were approved for a
study permit to enter Canada.
• You can travel to Canada once you have the required
documents to travel to Canada, even if it is the middle
of the semester.
• Please check the IRCC travel website before you travel
for any new updates.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
citizenship/services/coronavirus-
covid19/students.html#exemptions
11How much of my program can I complete
online?
• You must complete at least 50% of your
courses/units of your degree program inside Canada
(until April 30, 2021).
• If a course is partly completed in Canada it will be
counted as an in Canada course.
12Travelling soon?
• We would suggest that you review the presentation about:
"How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Calgary during the Covid-
19 Pandemic"How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Calgary during
the Covid-19 Pandemic“
• Please check the IRCC travel website before you travel for any
new updates.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
citizenship/services/coronavirus-
covid19/students.html#exemptions
13Academic Development
Specialist (International)
Jennifer Parsons
Student Success Centre (online
access)
individual appointments to assist
with academic and language skills
• jen.parsons@ucalgary.ca
Find out more about programs and
supports:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/international
14What are some academic strategies to help
me succeed in my first semester?
• Read your course outlines carefully
• Schedule by semester, month, week, and day
• Prepare before lectures, attend, and review
afterwards
• Test yourself often
• Ask questions and use supports!
• https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/student-
success
15Is it necessary for me to buy all the textbooks
and complete all the readings or is this optional?
• Textbooks may be:
• required (buy these)
• recommended (will be useful)
• Optional (helpful for deeper understanding, papers etc.)
• Readings often inform the lecture
• Some professors test on readings not covered in class
• Texts may include practice questions, online
materials
16How do I access books and course
materials online?
Bookstore:
• Find your texts: https://www.calgarybookstore.ca/buy_textbooks.asp textbook
lookup tool.
• Search for digital course materials such as digital textbooks and access codes to
materials by using https://www.calgarybookstore.ca/digital2.asp
Library:
• Access with student ID
• Support from a librarian:
• chat live during Calgary office hours https://library.ucalgary.ca/consultation or
e-mail your questions libinfo@ucalgary.libanswers.com
• Physical books and materials can be accessed by arrangement
17What supports are available to graduate
students writing a thesis or dissertation?
• Academic Development Specialist Advising
• Writing Support
• Graduate Writing Community
• Graduate Peer Coaching
• https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/student-
success/learning-support/graduate
18Grading System
Percent Letter G.P.A. Good Standing
> 90 A+ ￮ 4.0 Grade Point Average
85-89 A ￮ 4.0
80-84 A ￮ 3.7
77-79 B+ ￮ 3.3
Graduate
3.0 and above
71-76 B ￮ 3.0
70-73 B- ￮ 2.7
Undergrad
67-69 C+ ￮ 2.3 2.0 and above
64-66 C ￮ 2.0
60-63 C- ￮ 1.7
55-59 D+ ￮ 1.3
50-54 D ￮ 1.0How will exams be conducted? How are
they structured?
• Online classes will always have online exams. Check
D2L and your course outline for details.
• 24 hour window for many exams (check D2L)
• Exams are created by the instructor – they will vary
• Multiple choice
• Essays
• Short answer/definitions
• Problem-solving – could show work or be multiple choice
• Case studies
• Oral exams (language courses)
• Portfolio/presentation
20How do I approach my instructors if I need
help with my course?
• Check your course outlines for contact information
• Participate during lectures
• E-mail: clear, polite, and concise
• Contact TAs and attend tutorials
• If the instructor/TA is not responding to e-mail and it
is an urgent matter, contact the department for
assistance.
21How do I manage the time difference and
attend my classes?
• Choose asynchronous (no set time) classes where
possible
• For synchronous (set time) classes:
• See if another section is available or you can choose a
different option
• Find out:
• If the lecture will be recorded
• If there are in-class assessments (e.g. quizzes, TopHat,
presentations)
• Prioritize your sleep and health (routines, self-care,
supports)
• Connect with students in your time zone
22How can I build a good working
relationship with my supervisor?
• Understand roles and responsibilities
• Develop graduate level skills
• https://grad.ucalgary.ca/my-gradskills/workshops-and-
resources/my-gradskills-workshop-matrix
• Have a clear timeline and deadlines for completing
your work
• Schedule regular contact – communication is key!
23How can I improve my English while
studying from my home country?
• Student Success conversation groups
• Tuesdays 11:00 am
• Student Success Writing Support
• Online asynchronous support available
https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/student-
success
Campus involvement when possible
24Adrianna Cooper, BSW, RSW
Student Support Advisor,
Student Wellness Services
Mental Health Services – Coordinated
Care
• Provide-Supportive discussions
• Provide-Mental health triage
Email: coopera@ucalgary.ca
https://www.ucalgary.ca/wellness-
services/services/mental-health-
services
25Can I still access any of the services if I’m
not in Calgary?
• Counselling, Coordinated Care,
Groups, Workshops, Wellness Online
through D2L, Peer Support
• Due to Covid-19 there are certain
services that are accessible and
through Coordinated Care
appointments you can discuss all of
your options
• https://www.ucalgary.ca/wellness-
services/services/mental-health-
services/counselling
26What groups and workshops are
available?
• Groups: • Workshops:
• Mindfulness Practice • Anxiety Management
• Coffee & Connection • Transitioning from High
• Happiness Basics School to University
• Anxiety • Stress Management
Management • Motivation & Procrastination
• Making Connections: • Healthy Thinking
Social Anxiety • Discover Your Self Care
• Anger Management • Ask a Counsellor
27How can I stay motivated while I’m at
home?
• Build a routine for self-care and your school work
• Have SMART goals or daily goals for the day/week
• Changing your environment
• Having boundaries on times when you do your
school work and when you practice self-care
• Staying motivated in current times can cause stress
in itself. Be compassionate and kind towards
yourself
28Mary Zhang
Vice President Student Life
Graduate Students’ Association
• Responsible for all matters that relate to non-
academic matters of the graduate student experience.
• Social events
• Discounted ticket program
• DGAs and GSGs
• Weekly newsletter
Contact me at vpsl.gsa@ucalgary.ca
GSA Grad Orientation - Winter 2021 https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/grado/
Sign up for GSA News & Views here: https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/
29How does the GSA Health and Dental Plan
work? (only for graduate students)
• All full-time students are automatically enrolled
• Part-time, distance, visiting, and Executive MBA students aren't automatically
covered, but may be eligible to enroll in the plan during the Change-of-
Coverage Period.
• Add family members, opt in, or opt out if you have private insurance
• Deadline: : January 4 - 22, 2021
• Download: StudentCare app
• Submit claims electronically
• Empower Me: mental health support 24/7
• https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/health-dental-services/
• Jan 8th Health and Dental Q&A with StudentCare
30How can graduate students get involved with GSA? • Departmental Graduate Associations (DGA) • Graduate Representative Council (GRC) • Graduate Student Groups (GSG) • GSA Volunteer Recruitment Program https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/services/volunteer/current- volunteer-opportunities/ 31
What events/tickets does the GSA provide
for graduate student?
• Online Events
• GSA Executive Meet &Greet (Jan 7)
• Virtual Scavenger Hunt (Jan 7)
• Health and Dental Q&A (Jan 8)
• Tips and Tricks - Living in Canada (Jan 21)
• Mental Health: Bell Let’s Talk Day! (Jan 28)
• Reoccurring events: Instagram Trivia, Zoom Trivia, Paint Nights, Yoga, Dance Crew,
Strength Training, Book Club, Holiday events, etc.
• Discounted ticket sales
• Sunshine Ski Lift Ticket, West Edmonton Mall, Royal Tyrrell Museum, Calgary Zoo, etc.
• Thesis Talk Thursday
• Research Image Competition
• Deadline: January 31
• Peer Beyond Graduate Research Symposium
• Deadline: January 31
32GSA Bursaries and Awards
• Bursaries
• GSA Bursary (Intake Deadline: January 18)
• GSA Support Bursary (Open year-round)
• GSA Emergency Bursary (Open year-round)
• Awards
• GSA Sustainability Award (Intake Deadline: February 3)
• Excellence Awards (Feb 1)
• Emerging Leader Award (Feb 1)
• Leadership Award (Feb 1)
• Graduate Representative Council Initiative Award (Feb 1)
• GSA Graduate Citizenship Award
• Professional Development Grants
33Kirsty Gruber, Advisor, International Student Transition Support International Student Services •Drop-in (& remote) advising to assist with getting settled in Calgary •Coordinate International Student Mentorship Program •Coordinate Orientation events for international students •Kirsty.gruber@ucalgary.ca https://ucalgary.ca/student- services/iss/resources/online-orientation 34
I have questions about my program…
• Course enrolment, course outlines, program
progression:
• For your program faculty (or Faculty of Graduate Studies)
• Undergraduate advisor contacts:
www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/registration/advising
• Graduate contacts: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-
students/important-dates-and-resources/find-your-
graduate-program-administrator
• Tuition, payment plans, program funding:
• Undergraduate students: Enrolment Services:
https://ucalgary.ca/registrar/contact-us/enrolment-
services-advising
• Graduate students: Faculty of Graduate Studies:
https://grad.ucalgary.ca/about-us/contacts 35I’m studying remotely. Do I need a Social
Insurance Number (SIN)?
• A SIN is a confidential nine-digit number required in order to
receive an income in Canada.
• You must have a permanent address in Canada and a study
permit or work permit in order to apply for a SIN
• So, if you are receiving funding please contact your Graduate
Program Administrator for instructions on how you can
receive your payment without a SIN until you are eventually in
Canada:
• https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/important-dates-
and-resources/find-your-graduate-program-administrator
• If you are contacted by the Office of the Registrar regarding
this, please let them know you will apply for the SIN and
submit it to them once you arrive in Canada.
36I’m studying remotely. Do I need a Social
Insurance Number (SIN)? continued
This information is available on the FGS FAQ page:
https://grad.ucalgary.ca/covid-19-information-graduate-students/covid-19-
graduate-studies-faq
• If I am a new international student starting my program at UCalgary, can
I apply for graduate assistantship appointments?
• UCalgary can only offer employment appointments to international students
who have obtained a social insurance number as well as a work and/or
study permit.
• I am a new international graduate student starting my program remotely
from my country of residence. Will I still receive funding and/or
scholarships?
• International students who are registered in a graduate program but are not
in Canada due to COVID-19 travel restrictions are eligible to receive their
guaranteed program funding and/or competitive scholarship funding while in
their home country.
• Contact your Graduate Program Administrator if you have any questions:
https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/important-dates-and-
resources/find-your-graduate-program-administrator
37Liliana Gonzalez, BSc, HNCP
Career Development Specialist,
International Students
Career development and job search
support:
Get one-on-one advice with a Career
Development Specialist
• Appointments
• Drop-ins
Attend career workshops/webinars
Connect with employers
Email: gonzalml@ucalgary.ca
Book appointments: careerlink.ucalgary.ca
Website: www.ucalgary.ca/careers
38Commonly Asked Questions
by International Students
• How do I find a
job?
• How do I know
which career to
pursue?
39Career Services
• Identify your values, interests, strengths, skills, and personality traits • Complete informal and formal assessments
• Explore career options • Browse online resources (ucalgary.ca/careers) • Attend employer events
Book an appointment
with a Career
Development Specialist:
• Resume/CV/cover
letter review
• Mock Interview
• LinkedIn review
• and more…45
Tips:
Gain professional
experience
Learn about
Canadian
workplace
culture
Develop a
career plancareerlink.ucalgary.
ca Book advising
appointment!
Register for career
workshops/webinars
and employer
events!
Search job postings!Welcome from Study Abroad
•Prachi Mishra
•Incoming Exchange Advisor
•Veronica Valentim Cardoso
•Incoming Exchange Advisor
•Processes Study Abroad applications
and advises incoming exchange
students
•iexch@ucalgary.ca
47How can I connect with other exchange
students?
• Because this year looks very different than a “usual”
year, the team in the Study Abroad Office has
created UCalgary Global Online, or for short, UGo!
• Opportunities to socialize and connect with other
exchange students, including students from UCalgary,
are organized through D2L
• https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/home
• ISS events throughout the semester
48Do I need to use my UCalgary email
account?
• We only communicate with you through your
UCalgary email account. By not activating your
UCalgary email you may miss out on key
information/dates
• If you forget your UCalgary
username/password/email address you can recover
your information through the Password
Management page (link below)
• https://password.ucalgary.ca/
49Can I take any course at UCalgary?
• Not all courses are available to exchange students
• Some courses, such as Medicine, are completely
closed
• https://ucalgary.ca/international/study-
abroad/incoming-exchange/courses/restrictions
50Virtual Social Events:
International Students
• Mix & Mingle with International Student Services
• Thursday, Jan 7, 4-5 pm MST (on Zoom)
• You’ll get to introduce yourself to other international
students and socialize
• Feel a sense of welcome to the UCalgary community
• Register on the ISS Events Tab ucalgary.ca/iss
• https://events.ucalgary.ca/international-student-
services/#!view/event/event_id/203847
51Upcoming ISS Welcome Webinars • Finances and Planning for the Year Ahead: • Monday, Jan.18 (9-10 am MST) • Finding Off-Campus Accommodation: • Date to be Finalized • Healthcare & Insurance in Alberta: • Tuesday, Jan. 19 (9-10 am MST) • Navigating Health Services in Alberta (with Alberta Health Services): • Dates To be Finalized • Navigating Culture Shock: • Tuesday, Jan. 26 (10 - 11:30 am MST) • https://ucalgary.ca/student- services/iss/resources/international-student-orientation • https://events.ucalgary.ca/international-student-services/ 52
Other Ways to help make your adjustment to
UCalgary studies as smooth as possible:
• Carefully read any emails from the
ISS team—important reminders,
events, and resources for you!
• Check out the International Student
Orientation Module information
online: ucalgary.ca/student-
services/iss/resources/online-
orientation
• Review the ISS Immigration,
Resources, & Events tabs @
ucalgary.ca/iss
• Attend ISS virtual events &
workshops throughout the term
• Attend GSA events
• Executive Meet & Greet
• Health & Dental Plan Q&A
53ucalgary.ca/iss
54ucalgary.ca/iss
55Answers to questions we didn’t get to during the session.
I haven’t heard anything back from IRCC towards my
study permit, shall I contact them?
Answer provided by Lien Tran, RCIC Immigration Specialist (ISS)
• The reality is that unfortunately, extensive delays are being
experienced by our students in a number of countries around
the world, and we regret that we are not able to affect or
speed up applications in process at various visa offices. The
University of Calgary would not able to obtain information on
your behalf.
• We would suggest that contact IRCC through a webform (link
below) in order to inquire about your application.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp
57What is a scheduled break?
Answer provided by Lien Tran, RCIC Immigration Specialist (ISS)
• IRRC defines a Regularly scheduled break:
“To be considered a regularly scheduled break, the break must be part of
the DLI’s academic calendar (for instance, winter and summer holidays,
Reading Week). Each regularly scheduled break should not be longer than
150 days. The maximum cumulative duration of scheduled breaks is
180 days per calendar year.”
• It is a break in your studies that is shown in UCalgary’s academic calendar.
Undergraduate studies have a scheduled break for spring and summer
semesters.
Graduate studies academic calendar:
https://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/grad/current/gs-programs-
descriptions.html
58My program is only for two terms i.e., fall and
winter. For summer term can I work only part
time or also full time with my study permit?
Answer provided by Lien Tran, RCIC Immigration Specialist (ISS)
• No, you will not be able to work as you will no longer be a
student.
• Once you complete your program and receive a letter of
completion you would only be able to work if you apply for a
Post Graduate Work Permit.
5960
Who do I reach out to for help with reviewing my Resume/LinkedIn,
advise on job applications and application for a job?
Answer provided by Liliana Gonzalez, International Career
Development Specialist, Career Services
To book an appointment, you can do so by going to careerlink.ucalgary.ca and
then selecting book an appointment international student appointments
Topics include:
• Career planning and exploration
• Cover letter and resume review
• Job search and networking
• Canadian workplace culture
• LinkedIn/ online presence
• Interview practice or preparation
You can also access drop-ins and can find information about those here:
https://ucalgary.ca/student-services/careers/students/connect-career-advisor
You can also reach me via email if you have any questions:
gonzalml@ucalgary.ca61
I am planning to do Internship at my home country, but they ask for No
objection certificate from University. Whom to contact for getting such
letters?
Answer provided by Liliana Gonzalez, International Career
Development Specialist, Career Services
In Canada, it is not common to request a “no objection certificate” from the
University, if you are going to complete an internship.
There is a formal process that is followed when you find an internship and you are
enrolled in a co-op or internship program through your faculty; You can find
information about that here: https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-
services/careers/students/browse-online-resources/co-op-and-internships
If the organization at your home country still requires a letter, you could try
contacting your department to inquire if this is something that they could provide.62
Is it possible for us to get hired by a university center for an on-campus
job while we are studying online at home? If yes, how to apply?
Answer provided by Liliana Gonzalez, International Career
Development Specialist, Career Services
It may be possible since at the moment most people are working remotely.
You could browse job opportunities by taking a look at these online job
boards/resources and identifying remote opportunities:
• https://careers.ucalgary.ca/
• Careerlink.ucalgary,ca click on career services job board (look for
University of Calgary job postings)
• https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/resources/finding-job-campus
If you have further questions, you can email me at gonzalml@ucalgary.caI’m studying remotely—am I eligible for
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan?
Answer provided by International Student Services
• AHCIP is the free provincial plan for Alberta residents
• To understand how the supplemental GSA or SU
plans will work for you or opt-out possibilities:
• Graduate Students:
• https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/health-dental-services/
• Undergraduate Students:
• SU Student Inquiries Line
403-220-3906
SU Health and Dental Plan Office
2500 University Drive NW
MSC 352
Calgary AB T2N 1N4
uofcalgaryplan@mystudentplan.ca 63I am studying remotely. How can I connect
with other students?
Answer provided by International Student Services
• International Student
Mentorship Program
• Connect with another student in
similar area of study
• Attend virtual events, ask
questions throughout the term
pre-covid mentorship event
• International Student Stories
• Podcast each month
• Learn from experiences of other
international students
• https://ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/student-life/international-mentorship
• https://ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/student-life/international-student-
stories 64Still have questions?
• Review the resources and short videos we developed
for you here: ucalgary.ca/student-
services/iss/resources/online-orientation
• Review the ISS Covid Frequently Asked Questions
page: https://ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/covid-
19-faqs
• Contact the International Student Services (ISS)
team: https://ucalgary.ca/student-
services/iss/contact-us
65Thanks for joining us & don’t forget to sign up for the ISS newsletter: ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/student-life/iss-newsletter
You can also read
