International Orientation: Students Studying while in Calgary - Thursday, January 7, 2021 (11 am MST)

International Orientation:
Students Studying while in
Calgary
Thursday, January 7, 2021 (11 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

Can I apply for a Co-op work permit?

• If you are in formal Co-op program
• Your program requires that you complete a practicum
  to finish your degree

• Graduate Studies does NOT have a formal co-op
  program and you would not be able to apply for a co-
  op work permit.
• Transformative Talent Internship is not a requirement
  and is not eligible for a Co-op work permit.

                                                          10

What happens if I need to take a
leave from my studies?
• Please contact ISS immigration if you are planning to
  take a leave from your studies.

• If you drop down to a part-time status or take leave
  from your studies, you will no longer be able to work
  using your study permit.

• In order to work and be eligible for a PGWP later you
  must be a full-time student

                                                          11

Can I work more than 20 hours a week
when I’m not taking classes?
• For most graduate programs, students are registered as a full-
  time student throughout their program and do not have
  schedule breaks.
• If you do not have a scheduled break during the spring and
  summer semesters you can only work 20 hrs a week off
  campus.

• If your program has a scheduled break during the spring and
  summer semesters you can work full time hours week off
  campus during your break.
• You will need to determine if your program has a scheduled
  break (program advisor/academic calendar)

                                                                   12

Travelling 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

                                                                   13

Academic 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

                                                                 14

What 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

                                                      15

Is 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

                                                                16

How 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
                                                                                           17

What 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

                                                      18

Grading 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        ￮   1.0

How 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
                                                                 20

How 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.

                                                            21

How 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
                                                                   22

How 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!

                                                             23

How 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

                                                    24

Kirsty 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   25

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                  26

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
• If you are quarantining in a temporary accommodation, apply
  for your SIN once your quarantine is complete and you have
  your permanent address established (eg. renting an
  apartment off-campus for the term)
• How to apply? – online or by mail
   • https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-
     development/services/sin/apply.html

                                                                   27

If I’m studying in Calgary, what medical
insurance coverage do I need?

                                     GSA or SU
                                    Health and
                                    Dental Plans

                                    AHCIP

                12 months or more
                                                   28

If I’m studying in Calgary, what medical
insurance coverage do I need?
              You must register after completing isolation/quarantine (in-person or by mail). If you
               need to access services after arriving in Alberta, but before you are registered, you
              pay for them. Then you can apply for reimbursement/cancel expense if approved for
                          AHCIP. Once you have your card, insured services are free.

     Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
                                                                              Full-time students are
                                                                            automatically registered
                                                                         (see on your tuition & fees).
     GSA or SU Health & Dental Plan                                       If you start in Winter 2021,
                                                                               your coverage starts
                                                                                    Jan 1, 2021.

     Travel/Emergency Health Insurance

                Strongly encourage all students to purchase coverage to provide
                 insurance for period of time while you are travelling to Calgary,
                  Alberta, and for a buffer until the above two plans are active.
                                                                                                  29
https://ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/resources/medical-insurance

I’ve gotten a phone call telling me I’m in
legal trouble or owe money. What do I do?
• These are scams commonly affecting Albertans
• Suspicious phone calls from people posing as:
   •   Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
   •   Immigration Officials
   •   Alberta Health Services
   •   Police
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
  citizenship/services/protect-fraud/newcomers.html
• Examples of fraudulent calls & texts:
   • https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-
     bc.nsf/eng/04333.html
• How to keep your information safe:
   • https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-
     development/programs/sin/protect.html              30

I’ve relocated to Calgary with my
partner/spouse/children. What resources are
available?
• Accessing UCalgary services
  with a partner/spouse
• Housing & Getting Settled
• Childcare & Schooling for
  minor children
• Healthcare & Medical
  insurance
• Making Social Connections

ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/resources/information-families

                                                                  31

Rachel Joshaghani,
Administrative Assistant
International Student Services (ISS)
• Face of the front office, greeting guests
• Monitor and respond to ISS emails
• Create ISS newsletters
   • Subscribe here
• Manage ISS social media accounts
   • Instagram
   • Facebook

 Email: iss@ucalgary.ca
 ISS Website: https://ucalgary.ca/iss

                                              32

Where do I find quarantine information?
ISS Self-isolation supports:
•   Self-isolation plan and requirements
•   Accommodation arrangements
•   How to prepare for your time in self-isolation
•   What can you do while self-isolating
https://ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/resources/self-isolation-supports-
international-students

WEBINAR: How to prepare for your arrival
• Immigration information
• Details to include in your quarantine plan
• Supports, links and resources
https://www.ucalgary.ca/live-uc-ucalgary-
site/sites/default/files/teams/69/Arriving%20in%20Calgary_Dec%202020.pdf
                                                                              33

What clothing to wear in winter?
Things to keep in mind:
   • Have a jacket, sweater, scarf, hat, gloves, warm socks & boots,
     & have snow pants for outdoor activities (e.g. snowboarding,
     skiing & skating)
   • Types of jackets
       • Wool, down (feather) or active
       • Windproof, waterproof and insulated with a thermal layer
   • Wear layers (e.g. shirt, sweater and jacket all together)
Popular winter clothing brands:
   • Columbia, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Burton, Eddie Bauer,
     Arc’teryx, Adidas, Nike, Marmot, Sorel
Stores to purchase clothing:
   • Sport Chek, Sporting Life, Atmosphere, Mountain Warehouse,
     Hudson’s Bay, Mountain Equipment Co-op
   • Budget friendly: Winners, Costco, consignment/used clothing
     stores                                                            34

Danni Lei, R. Psych.
Counsellor, Student Wellness Services
Mental Health Services – Counselling

      Email: dlei@ucalgary.ca

  https://www.ucalgary.ca/wellness-
   services/services/mental-health-
               services

                                        35

What mental health supports are available?
Is it free?
                           • FREE and confidential
                           • Supports include:
                                • Self-help resources
                                     • Videos (e.g. anxiety, stress, sleep)
                                •   Workshops
                                •   Peer support
                                •   Student support advising
                                •   Counselling
                                •   Doctors and psychiatrist

 For more information, check out University of Calgary's Student Wellness
               Services website, “Mental Health Services”
                                                                              36

How should international students cope with
cultural shock, homesickness, adapting to studying
in a different language…and the overall workload?
                  • Culture shock = reaction to adjusting to living to
                    an unfamiliar place or culture
                  • Developing consistent routine and schedule
                      • Sleep, nutrition, physical activity, rest, hobbies
                      • Set goals and reminders of values
                  • Keep connected and develop new connections
                      • Social media, virtual events/meetings
                      • Explore campus and city
                  • Ask questions and get support

Attend “Navigating Culture Shock” workshop (Tu Jan. 26 at 10am)
                                                                             37

Mary 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/

                                                                               38

How 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

                                                                                       39

How 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/                                                                40

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

                                                                                              41

GSA 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

                                                                   42

Liliana 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
                                               43

Commonly Asked Questions
by International Students

• How do I find a
  job?
• How do I know
  which career to
  pursue?

                            44

Career 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…

50

     Tips:

     Gain professional
        experience

                   Learn about
                    Canadian
                    workplace
                     culture

              Develop a
             career plan

careerlink.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
                                       52

How 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
                                                          53

Do 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/
                                                    54

Can 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

                                                       55

Answers 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

                                                                  57

What 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

                                                                                 58

My 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.

                                                                    59

What is counselling and what is the role of
a counsellor?
Answer provided by Danni Lei, Counsellor, Student Wellness Services

                    • Talk about different challenges/concerns
                    • Gain self-awareness + unique perspectives
                    • Counsellor role: Support towards goals and
                      overall wellness
                    • Collaborative and confidential
                    • How to access:
                        • Call 403-210-9355
                        • Email SWSMentalHealth@ucalgary.ca
                        • Fill out online form

     For more information, check out University of Calgary's Student
     Wellness Services website, “Counselling Services”
                                                                       60

Will I need to self-isolate if I haven’t yet
arrived? Answer provided by International Student Services
 • Currently, yes. Please stay informed as regulation
   updates can change quickly:
 • ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/resources/self-
   isolation-supports-international-students
 • https://ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/covid-19-
   faqs
 • Follow these steps:
     • https://www.ucalgary.ca/live-uc-ucalgary-
       site/sites/default/files/teams/4/Quarantine%20Info%20fo
       r%20Students%20v2.pdf
        • You’ll need a negative test before you arrive in Canada
        • Your quarantine plan
        • The ArriveCAN app to report during your quarantine
                                                                    61

62

     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.ca

63

     How/where can I take formal or informal assessments for career
     development?
     Answer provided by Liliana Gonzalez, International Career
     Development Specialist, Career Services

       You can find information about our various formal assessments here:
       https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/careers/students/career-assessments
       and you can order one through careerlink.ucalgary.ca

       For informal assessments (free of charge), you can book an appointment with a
       career development specialist and we will provide you with the links to informal
       assessments that would be useful for you depending on your specific situation.

       If you are not sure which assessments will be beneficial for your specific career
       situation, you can book an appointment with us and we will be happy to guide
       you.

Still 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

                                                          64

Thanks for joining us &
don’t forget to sign up for
the ISS newsletter:
ucalgary.ca/student-services/iss/student-life/iss-newsletter