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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Orientation Mandatory?

It is strongly recommended that you attend your orientation session. The faculty will give you important information about your program, provide you with the opportunity to meet other students and help you make a successful transition into College life. Students who attend Orientation report feeling more connected to the College and that their start-up is much smoother. The majority of first year students at the College attend this day.

When is my Orientation/How do I know what day to attend?

Conestoga College has many new students starting so Orientation is spread out over a number of days at all the campuses. It is VERY important to learn what day you have Orientation. Check the New Student page to see the dates and schedules of Orientation. You are also able to preview an electronic copy of the Orientation Guide on the website which outlines who has Orientation on what day. You will receive a copy of the Orientation Guide in the mail prior to Orientation that will outline the schedules, workshops and checklist for Orientation.

Can my family and friends attend Orientation with me?

Yes! We're pleased to welcome family and friends of new students. Conestoga College offers a specific Family & Friends Orientation session at the Doon Campus (fall and winter) and the Waterloo Campus (fall only) that runs concurrently with the student orientation and is specifically designed to assist family and friends in learning how to support students through a successful transition to college. After the Orientation session, family and friends are welcome to go on a campus tour before meeting up with the students at the lunch extravaganza. Family and friends of students at Guelph campus are welcome to attend the Family and Friends Orientation at Doon Campus. To RSVP for the Family and Friends Orientation please visit the Family & Friends page.

Do I need to bring anything with me to Orientation?

You should bring your Orientation Guide because it contains your new student checklist and campus maps. To get your student ID card you will need to bring government issued photo ID and your enrollment form. If you are picking up your OSAP you will need your Social Insurance card, government issued photo identification and your banking information. If you have any outstanding academic conditions you will need to bring proof of completion to the Admissions Office. Also a pen!

How long is Orientation?

Orientation begins in the morning with a welcome from the College. You then go to your program sessions to learn specifics about what to expect within your program, meet faculty and classmates. There is a FREE lunch extravaganza for all students, family and friends to attend. In the afternoon you can complete your "start up" tasks (student ID, buying textbooks, and picking up financial aid). Doon Campus students are invited to go on a campus tour, or attend student success workshops designed to help you prepare for College.

When do I get my locker, parking pass, textbooks and student ID card?

Orientation day is a great opportunity for you to complete your "start up" tasks (student ID, buying textbooks, picking up financial aid) while on campus. All the services will be set up in central locations to help you, but if for some reason you can’t get all your "start up" tasks done at Orientation, you can do these things during the first week of classes. Students at the Doon Campus can purchase their parking pass and get their locker online prior to Orientation. Students may also find and order their textbooks online through their student portal under services / bookstore. Students at the Guelph and Waterloo Campuses can purchase their parking pass and get their locker in the Campus Administration Office during Orientation. Please refer to the Orientation Checklist online for further details.

Who are the Orientation Leaders?

The Orientation Leaders (or OLs as we call them) are a group of energetic, excited, senior students who have volunteered their time to help make Orientation a great day for you. They are wearing blue t-shirts or sweatshirts and will be all over campus, welcoming you to Conestoga, taking you to your program session, hanging out with you at lunch and helping the day run smoothly. If at any time during Orientation day you have a question or need help just look for one of the OLs wearing blue.

How do I access my e-mail account?

It is important that you access your new email account to receive messages and updates from the College. Visit the Conestoga email login website and click on “students’ web email login” to access your account. To gain entry into your new Conestoga email account you will need your username and password which are both on your enrollment form. If you need further assistance accessing your email there is a help page that you can visit.

How do I get my student timetable?

You can access your timetable through the student portal on the website. If it is your first time using the student portal follow the instructions on the webpage regarding login. You will need your student number and temporary password (birth date) to login.

When do classes start?

Not all Conestoga College programs begin classes on the same day. It is very important to read your Orientation Guide and the Orientation website to learn the dates and schedules for your specific program.

How do I find my classes once my program starts?

To find a more detailed map of the school you are attending visit Our Campuses then find your campus, click campus site plan, and then campus floor plan; after this you will be able to click a section of the school and view all individual classroom locations. Doon Campus students should also take the opportunity to go on a campus tour when you are at Orientation or ask an Orientation Leader to point out rooms to you during your Orientation day. Students who don’t know where a room is at the Doon Campus can ask at the Student Life Info Desk in the Student Life Centre by door #3. Waterloo and Guelph are smaller campuses and are easier to navigate. However, if you need assistance, go to the Campus Administration Office.

Can I move into Residence early?

Yes, it is possible to move in early. We include a charge of $30/day for early move in, although this amount covers breakfast and events for each day. If you have signed up to be a part of the Social Orientation Staff or Welcome Crew you are able to move in early for free. There are some date restrictions for this. For more information about SOS and WC please visit the Residence website.

What happens if there is bad weather on Orientation Day?

In case of bad weather please visit the main Conestoga College website for information. If the College is closed, Orientation is cancelled and you should attend your first scheduled day of classes.

What happens if I can’t attend my Orientation Day?

It is expected that all students make arrangements to attend Orientation unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to attend Orientation, you can email (orientation@conestogac.on.ca) and a Student Life staff member or student intern will advise you of what you will need for start-up. We also recommend that you notify your Program Coordinator of your absence via phone message. To learn who your coordinator is and their contact information, visit the Academics area of the Conestoga College website. Furthermore, you should arrive on the first day of classes at the first scheduled class in your timetable.

Where can I find information about off-campus living?

Conestoga Offers information about off campus living at the following link.

Does orientation Cost money?

Orientation itself does not cost anything, however if you are buying books, or parking passes you will want to bring money with you. You can check out the prices for these items on the links listed above.

Where can I find information about the Conestoga Students Health Plan?

The Health plan for students is run by CSI, (Conestoga Students Inc). You can find more information about this service at their website. For more information about the health plan go to www.mystudentplan.ca. Contact Name: Jessica Bayne, Student Service Coordinator. Email: conestoga@gallivan.ca

How and when do I opt out of the health plan?

If you are an eligible student and have comparable health and dental coverage you may apply to waive benefits. Each student is given one opportunity to waive benefits under the health and dental plan each year. All waiver forms must be completed on-line by 2:00pm on the last Friday of the month your program starts. For the complete procedure about opting out please go to www.mystudentplan.ca.

How do I get my library access card?

Your library access card is your student card! More information about the Library is available on the Conestoga homepage under student services then Library (LRC). http://www.conestogac.on.ca/lrc/

If your question has not been answered, please email us at orientation@conestogac.on.ca