U of A Parents Booklet

uniVeRsitY Of aLBeRta

Parents’ Booklet2011–2012

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ContentsBig Choices, Great Options ................................................................2

Big Returns, Great Value ...................................................................3

Costs .............................................................................................4

When is Tuition Due? .....................................................................4

Big Pay-Offs, Great Funding Options .................................................5

Scholarships and Awards ...............................................................5

Bursaries .......................................................................................5

Student Loans ...............................................................................5

Big Comfort, Great Residence Living ..................................................6

Great Communications ......................................................................7

E-communications Policy ..................................................................7

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP) .......7

FOIPP and Parents ........................................................................8

Big Changes Ahead ...........................................................................8

Time Management .........................................................................8

Personal Responsibility ..................................................................9

Homesickness ...............................................................................9

Big Welcome, Great Ways to Check Us Out......................................10

Open House ................................................................................10

Orientation ..................................................................................12

In Your Community ......................................................................12

Great Information, Big Upcoming Dates ...........................................13

1Parents’ Booklet

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As the parent of a university-bound student, you want to support your child in making big decisions about their future. In order to support you during this upcoming transition, the U of A has a number of dedicated services to help while you assist your child in making the decisions that are right for them. From monthly e-newsletters to parent-dedicated advisors, we are here to support your family through the admissions process and beyond.

This booklet will help to address many of your unique questions and concerns. It’s designed as a supplemental guide to the U of A’s Viewbook. We hope that you will read through both publications to better understand how you can help your child achieve a big future at the University of Alberta.

Big ChoiCes, great optionsAt the U of A, we are proud to offer a wide range of programs tailored to the interests, aptitudes and career goals of our students. The world of academics is a fascinating place and we’ve ensured our scholars and students have the facilities available to them to study just about everything under the sun.

We find that as students prepare for their postsecondary studies, they are balancing different expectations, responsibilities, and, of course, the unknown. What do I want to study? What Faculty should I enter? What jobs will this lead to? When it comes to choosing a program, we suggest you encourage your child to keep their options open and explore different fields of study. Your child may also want to consider the opportunity to study at the U of A on our smaller campuses: Campus Saint-Jean or Augustana Campus in Camrose. Even those who are planning on entering a

2 University of Alberta


professional program such as Business, Education, Law, Medicine or Pharmacy can complete their preprofessional studies in a wide variety of programs—all considered equally valuable by the Faculties to which they are applying. The point is that the opportunities are impressive and the limit is only defined by how far they choose to push.

how Can you help? Reinforce the idea that taking a few different courses in first year is a good thing. In many cases, students can start in their Faculty with an undeclared major, leaving that decision for a future year. Over 100 years of experience have shown us that students change their minds throughout their studies, moving between Faculties, programs and majors—and that this is a good thing. It means we, as an institution of higher learning, are doing our job well. We are enlightening students’ perspectives, revealing aptitudes and spurring interests that they may have never considered before.

Big returns, great ValueThe cost of education is an investment and the return only appreciates in value.

According to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC):

◗ A university degree is worth $1 million. Over the course of a 40-year career at a full-time job, a university graduate will earn over $1 million more than someone without a university degree.

◗ By their late 50s, university graduates earn 50% more than the average Canadian income.

◗ In the past two decades, the number of full-time jobs for university graduates has doubled.

◗ The fastest growing occupations of the past 10 years (management, finance, and the natural, social and health sciences) have been those that require the most education.

According to the College Board-Education Pays 2007 Report:

◗ By the age of 25, Bachelor degree holders earn, on average, $19,400 more per year than individuals with a high school diploma only.

◗ The income gap between high school graduates and university graduates has increased significantly over time. The earnings benefit is large enough for the average university graduate to recoup both earnings forgone during their university years and the cost of full tuition and fees in a relatively short period of time.

◗ University graduates are more likely to enjoy employer-provided health benefits and pension programs.

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CostsTo better understand your child’s educational investment, it is important that you, as a parent, know what the money is paying for.

Tuition refers to the instructional fees associated with the classes and units of course weight a student is registered in each term. While the units of course weight (★) a student will complete varies depending on the program, typically students will complete ★30 (or 10 classes) per academic year. A student who attends part-time or takes fewer than the full load of courses will be assessed lower tuition fees than a student who is required to take more than ★30.

Standard noninstructional fees are also assessed, which go towards a Students’ Union membership, athletics and recreation, on-campus health services*, transcripts and records, student services and U-Pass (citywide transit).

Other costs to plan for are things like textbooks, lab coats, software and various other supplies. If your child is moving away from home you will also need to account for accommodations and food.* The health services fee covers the use of our on-campus drop-in medical clinic as well as a decreased cost for prescriptions.

It is important to note that this is not health insurance.

sample expenses tuition & Fees tuition, Fees & residenCe tuition, Fees & rent

Tuition (based on ★30) and fees $6,411.82 $6,411.82 $6,411.82

Books and supplies $1,200 $1,200 $1,200

Accommodations $0 $5,538 $6,400

Total cost $7,412 $13,149.82 $14,011.82

Amounts are based on 2010-2011 costs. 1 Room and board based on sharing a double room in Lister Centre, for eight months, including meal plan. 2 Rent based on average rental price for a one bedroom apartment in University area for eight months. Food not included.

Costs change a bit each year; however, you can use the current assessment as a guideline for financial planning purposes. Your child’s own fee assessment will be available in late July, prior to the start of classes, and will be posted on Bear Tracks.

when is tuition due?Tuition and fees must be paid each term and are due at the ends of September and January. Some students opt to pay their entire academic year in September and by doing so avoid a $40 installment charge. There are a variety of payment methods including internet or telephone banking, Interac online, money orders and cheque submission. For fee payment options, visit www.registrar.ualberta.ca/fees.

what is Bear Tracks?Bear Tracks is an online tool used by students for building schedules, enrolling in classes, checking grades, viewing exam schedules, printing tax forms and more.



Big pay-oFFs, great Funding options

sCholarships and awardsThe U of A has scholarships and awards available for both new and continuing students. Detailed competition information can be found by visiting the Student Awards website at www.ualberta.ca/awards. Your child should also be looking for external scholarship options through avenues such as their provincial government, extra-curricular groups and places of employment. High school guidance counsellors are an invaluable resource in this area and should be able to provide your child with some added direction.

BursariesThe U of A also administers bursaries, a form of financial aid that is based more on need. For more information on bursary opportunities, visit the University Bursary and Emergency Funding website at www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/ubef.

student loansSome students may be eligible for provincial and/or federal loans. The Student Financial Aid Information Centre (SFAIC) is available to provide support in these areas. High school and current U of A students are welcome to access SFAIC’s services if they have any questions about their loan applications or would like some assistance preparing a budget. For details, visit the SFAIC website at www.su.ualberta.ca/sfaic.

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Big ComFort, great residenCe liVingMoving away from home for the first time is very exciting and equally difficult for both you and your child. Encouraging your child to consider living in residence for at least the first year of studies is a great way for them to build a social network with other new students undergoing similar experiences. Our first year residences are mostly dorm style, with single or double rooms, and include a meal plan. All of our residences have U of A staff members—both student and non-student—who are dedicated around the clock to the students living in their residence. These staff members are focused on developing social, academic and educational programs for the residents, ensuring their safety and maintaining community standards. From organizing social events and patrolling the buildings in the evening, to helping roommates negotiate conflict and providing support through stressful times, our residence staff are there every step of the way.

Residence applications are separate from the application for admission and are accepted as of November 1. First year undergraduate students applying for Lister Centre by February 1 are guaranteed a space in residence for the upcoming academic year*.

Your child will need to apply for admission prior to applying for residence, as a University of Alberta ID number is required. We strongly encourage students to apply for residence in the Fall of their Grade 12 year.

If your child chooses to live off-campus, encourage them to actively pursue social activities with other student groups or sport teams to ensure that they are meeting people and establishing a social circle. Getting involved is the key to a successful and enjoyable university experience.

A complete description of all of our accommodation options, including instructions on how to apply, can be found on the Residence Services website at www.ualberta.ca/residences.* Residence Services is not able to guarantee a residence assignment or the room type requested.



GREAT COMMUNICATIONSMany former university students remember standing in long lineups to get anything done. That’s not the case anymore. Most of the communication that will occur between your child and the University will occur electronically. In fact, very little will be sent by regular mail.

Within 48 hours after applying for admission online, your child will receive a Campus Computing ID (CCID) to access Bear Tracks and will be issued their own U of A e-mail account. Bear Tracks (https://www.beartracks.ualberta.ca) is a major online resource for all new and continuing students, where they can track the status of their application, apply for scholarships, register in classes, view their timetable, change their address, view their grades and much more.

If your child needs to contact us, please note that many offices on campus are open through the lunch hour to respond to inquiries. High school counsellors can also be a great resource and are often willing to help their students contact us during school hours.

E-COMMUNICATIONS POLICYIt is extremely important that your child monitors both Bear Tracks and their U of A e-mail account on a regular basis as the University holds students responsible for ensuring messages sent to those accounts are reviewed and acted upon in a timely fashion. Your child should also monitor their U of A e-mail inbox to ensure it doesn’t exceed its capacity and notify us if e-mail is not working properly. The U of A has developed an Electronic Communications Policy, which outlines the expectations and regulations with respect to University communications. For more details, visit www.registrar.ualberta.ca/ecommunications.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT (FOIPP)Alberta’s FOIPP Act governs public bodies, such as the University of Alberta, to ensure accountability and openness with regard to the information collected. The Act also protects the privacy of individuals, regulating the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. The University of Alberta Information and Privacy Office has established guidelines for the implementation of the Act as it relates to the campus community.

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Foipp and parentsThe sections of the FOIPP Act that pertain to parents are those that relate to access of information. While we recognize that parents and families have the best of intentions when seeking information on their child’s academic status or situation, the University of Alberta cannot legally release any information regarding a student’s application, file or academic standing to anyone other than the student without their prior written consent. The Act applies whether or not the student is a minor.

Our information sharing policy is established in the best interests of our students and their personal privacy. Further details on the U of A’s FOIPP policies can be found online at the Information and Privacy Office website at www.ipo.ualberta.ca. Additional information on the provincial Act itself can be found on the Government of Alberta website at www.foip.gov.ab.ca.

Big Changes aheadManaging the transition to university life begins with acknowledging that it will involve many big changes—not only for your child, but for you as well. While your child is embarking on a new educational voyage and personal journey, you will find that your role as a parent is inevitably evolving.

We are certain this transition can be a positive one for both of you, especially if you start thinking about some of the challenges your child may encounter before they happen.

time managementOne of the great things about university is that students have the opportunity to create their own schedules. A typical weekly timetable usually involves only 15–20 hours of lecture time per week, as compared to the high school schedule of around 30 hours. However, unlike high school, university studies require a significant amount of studying outside of lecture time. For every hour spent in class, your child can plan on spending between two and three hours studying. Assignments, essays, lab reports, research, projects and weekly readings can, at times, overwhelm students, particularly when midterms are scheduled on top of everything else. It is critical that your child stay on top of their studies as falling behind can be incredibly stressful.

how Can you help? Talk to your child about time management and study plans even before classes start. Encourage them to start thinking about how they will structure their days and balance their studies with student life activities. Extra-curricular activities not only decrease stress but often prove invaluable on resumes. Also, if your child plans on



being employed during their studies, it is important to discuss how much time they can realistically devote to work before it becomes an issue. Planning with your child to help them manage time effectively will reduce stress in both of your lives.

personal responsiBilityThe freedom that comes with being a university student also comes with its share of responsibilities. The University considers students to be adults and, therefore, accountable for their own educational experiences. This includes attending classes regularly, handing in assignments on time, approaching their professors and performing well in academics. Inevitably, many students will test the boundaries of their new-found freedom, especially in their first year. The challenge comes with making sure boundaries aren’t pushed too far.

how Can you help? As difficult as it may be, the best way for you to help your child is to give them space as they learn to take full responsibility for all aspects of their education. Be supportive, talk about smart decisions and empower your child to learn how to create balance on their own.

homesiCknessWhether your child is leaving home or simply leaving the comforts of high school, they are leaving a familiar environment and stepping into a new world. It’s both exciting and scary. The best way for your child to settle in is for them to find their niche. For some, living in residence is a great way to connect. For others, volunteering with a campus group or organization helps build a supportive social circle. Student groups offer great involvement opportunities, as do campus sports and cultural groups.

how Can you help? Recognizing that your child will go through a major life transition and will need time to adjust and find their place in the community is the first step. For some, homesickness is one of the more difficult parts of the adjustment to university (especially if it results in a tearful phone call home). However, being positive and encouraging about the great responsibility they are assuming in furthering their education can be reassuring. And of course, homemade cookies always help!

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Big welCome, great ways to CheCk us outAt the University of Alberta, it is important to us that our students and parents feel welcome on our campuses and feel prepared for success. We offer you a wide range of services to do just that.

open houseHosted October 23, 2010, we will welcome over 5,500 students and their families to our campuses for our annual Open House. Take a personalized campus tour, speak with professors and program advisors, and chat with current students about their experiences. For details, visit www.ualberta.ca/openhouse.

student-For-a-day program: Fyi: First year initiatiVeThe First Year Initiative (FYI) program is designed to allow prospective students in Grades 11 and 12 to attend classes, have a tour and get advice on course/program selection. Keeping your child company for the day will be an FYI mentor, a current U of A student. See www.ualberta.ca/visitus for more information.



one-on-one adVising sessionOur Recruitment Officers are available to meet with your child year-round. We can help them with a variety of things—catering their appointment according to their interests. The session offers: assistance with your child’s application for admission, an overview of our scholarship opportunities and residence options, and information about transitioning to university life, student groups and international study abroad programs. You are welcome to join your child at their appointment. See www.ualberta.ca/visitus for more information.

Campus toursWhen booking an hour-long tour, your child can request that it be tailored to their specific area of interest. All tours also cover common areas of campus including classrooms, libraries and student hot spots. Tours of our residences can be arranged by special request. See www.ualberta.ca/visitus for more information.

disCoVery days and student ConFerenCesDesigned for the specific audiences of rural, Aboriginal, international students studying in Canada, IB and AP students, we organize a variety of special events that address the unique needs of these student groups. Students can attend specialized lectures, tour campus and residence, and talk to students from similar backgrounds. Details on these events will be sent to your child’s school or you can contact us at [email protected].

t2u: transition to uniVersity workshopsThe Transition to University (T2U) online workshops are organized for both parents and students. The T2U parent online workshop is designed to familiarize you with the culture of the university and with some of the main transition issues you, and your child, will face. The workshop addresses topics such as university regulations, managing changes in family dynamics and how to support your child during their first year of studies. For details and to register, visit www.ualberta.ca/t2u.

augustana Campus preView daysCome to our Preview Days at Augustana, U of A’s small campus option in Camrose. Meet with an academic advisor, attend a university class, take a tour of campus and have lunch in the “all-you-can-eat” cafeteria—our treat! See www.ualberta.ca/visitus for more information.

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orientation

student orientationHosted right before classes begin, new students gather for two days of Orientation, filled with tours, information sessions, tips and great social activities. This Students’ Union-led, University-sponsored program is an incredible introduction to the U of A. It’s known for its fun ice-breaking activities and for teaching the infamous U of A cheers. Additionally, students are offered high-calibre presentations on everything from academics to fitting in on campus. It has been proven time and time again that participation in Orientation sets new students up for academic and personal success.

parent orientationThe Centre for Student Development also offers a Parent Orientation—a specialized program for parents in both July and August—to familiarize you with where your child will be studying for the next few years and to allow you to interact with current U of A students. For more information, visit www.su.ualberta.ca/orientation and click on ‘Parents’.

in your CommunityYou and your child are always welcome on our campuses, but if you can’t make it here, we have recruiters and advisors who travel across Canada throughout the year to connect with students and their families in their hometowns and cities. From school visits and career fairs, to U of A information sessions and Early Admission workshops, we want to meet you. For details on upcoming events in your area, visit www.registrar.ualberta.ca/events.



great inFormation, Big upComing datestimeline For parentsKeeping track of everything that needs to be done can be overwhelming—picking programs, completing various applications and meeting deadlines can all be tough to keep track of. This timeline lays out some of the major areas that need to be addressed and gives you an idea of when they need to be done. As a parent, we encourage you to use this timeline as a motivational tool for your child and not as a to-do list for yourself. As they grow into the university experience, it is important that they assume the responsibility for what needs to be done, as the maturity and responsibility required to complete the process are the qualities that make for a good university student. Remember, we are here to help, so make sure you contact us if you have any questions at [email protected].

to start◗ Encourage your child to speak with their school counsellor regularly to make sure that they are on track for admission to university—completing the correct Grade 12 courses and having a competitive average are key.

◗ Check out postsecondary events happening at your child’s school and in your community. We host a wide variety of information sessions, conferences, recognition evenings, school visits and workshops across Canada each year. To find out when the U of A will be in your area, visit www.registrar.ualberta.ca/events.

◗ Investigate our scholarships and awards at www.ualberta.ca/awards.

Fall◗ Attend the U of A’s Open House on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Visit www.ualberta.ca/openhouse for details.

◗ Review the admission requirements in the Viewbook available under ‘Parents’ at www.registrar.ualberta.ca/publications.

◗ To allow adequate time for processing and to be prepared in time for Spring course registration, Fall is a good time for students to submit their application for admission. It can be completed online at www.registrar.ualberta.ca/apply and will require a $115 application fee.

◗ Applicants should indicate any and all Grade 12 courses that will be completed by the time of graduation. To be considered for Early Admission, we need to see either interim or final scores in several of the courses required for the program applied to (midterm and final scores awarded by teachers are appropriate to record on the application for admission).



Note: We will be hosting Early Admission workshops across Canada in November and December, as well as at Open House on October 23. There, your child can work with an admissions advisor to submit their application and be offered Early Admission on-the-spot. Visit our events website at www.registrar.ualberta.ca/events to see if we will be in an area near you. If your child is unable to attend a session, no problem. We will review all applications in our office and be in touch shortly!

◗ Residence applications are accepted as of November 1. First-year undergraduate students applying for Lister Centre by February 1 are guaranteed a space in residence for the upcoming academic year.* Your child can apply online at www.ualberta.ca/residence. Please note that an application for admission must be made before an application for residence can be submitted.

* Residence Services is not able to guarantee a residence assignment or the room type requested.

winter◗ Several key scholarship competition deadlines come up in March. Scholastic Distinction Scholarship (March 1) and Entrance Leadership Award (March 15) Competitions are both applications that require some time to complete as they include essays, reference letters and activity summaries. For details, visit www.ualberta.ca/awards.

◗ If your child has not received Early Admission by the end of February, they should arrange to send an updated copy of their transcript and midterm results to the Office of the Registrar and Student Awards.

◗ Registration for new students who have received Early or Final Admission to their programs begins in April. Each student is assigned a specific date and time when they are eligible to begin registering. If your child needs help figuring out how to select their courses or construct a timetable, they can plan to attend one of our Registration 101 workshops in April, hosted across Canada. Visit our events site at www.registrar.ualberta.ca/events for date and location details. Alternatively, they can also contact their Faculty or the Office of the Registrar and Student Awards for individual assistance.

◗ The Transition to University (T2U) online workshop begins anytime after January of a student’s year prior to entering university and continues until April of their first year. There are customized T2U modules for both students and parents. You can register online at www.ualberta.ca/t2u.

◗ February 1 is the application deadline for Nursing.



spring/summer◗ May 1 is the deadline to apply to most of our direct-entry programs.

◗ Important! Your child must arrange to have all of their official and final transcripts sent to the university–they are not automatically sent to us.* Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution(s) and must be received by August 1. We will require copies of their provincial transcript as well as any external coursework (e.g. IB or AP) they may have completed.

◗ Your child can use Bear Tracks to monitor the status of their application and to verify that all necessary documents have been received.

◗ A nonrefundable $175 confirmation deposit is due by mid-August to secure course registration and will be applied towards tuition. The confirmation deposit can be paid online at www.financial.ualberta.ca/student.cfm.

◗ If your child has applied to live in residence and has received a room offer, to reserve their space they must ensure that any required deposits are paid to the Residence Services Office by the deadline stated on their offer letter.

◗ The Students’ Union hosts Parent Orientation each summer. Offered twice throughout the summer, this one-day, on-campus workshop consists of various information sessions (including those on succeeding academically and financing a university degree) and a campus tour. For more details, visit www.su.ualberta.ca/orientation and click on ‘Parents’.

* Please note if students are applying out of high school in the province of Alberta we will be able to request the Alberta Learning transcript on their behalf, provided they select that we are able to on their application.

septemBer◗ Student Orientation is held right before classes start and is a great way for your child to connect with other students studying in the same Faculty. This program has proven to be of significant benefit to new student success. For more details, visit www.su.ualberta.ca/orientation.

◗ Students can make changes to their course timetable up until the add/drop deadline of September 21, 2010. Any changes they make to their timetable must be made through Bear Tracks.

◗ Tuition and fees are due by September 30, 2010, and a full fee assessment is available on Bear Tracks.



stay in the loopConsider signing up for our monthly parents’ e-newsletter filled with interesting highlights, important deadlines, changes to admission requirements and notices. To add yourself to the electronic listserve, e-mail [email protected].



Office Of the RegistRaR and student awaRds

201 Administration Building University of Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2M7

Tel: 780.492.1956 Fax: 780.492.7172

[email protected]

ProsPective students

www.ualberta.ca/dreambigFees

www.registrar.ualberta.ca/feesorientation

www.su.ualberta.ca/orientationresidence

www.ualberta.ca/residencesscholarshiPs

www.ualberta.ca/awardsstudent Financial aid

inFormation centre

www.su.ualberta.ca/sfaict2u: transition to university

www.ualberta.ca/t2uuniversity Bursary and

emergency Funding

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/ubef

staRt LiVing YOuR Big dReaM

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U of A Parents Booklet