Newcomers' Information Session at BSA at UofC
- 1. Newcomers’ Information Session Bangladeshi Scholars’ Association (BSA) at University of Calgary Sunday, September 6, 2020 10:00-11:00 AM 1
- 2. Welcome! 2 Welcome to the Newcomers’ Information session. I would like to take this opportunity to 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), as well as 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 3.
- 3. Session Outline After Arrival 1. Living in Calgary: What to know (Housing, transit) 2. Bank account 3. Health insurance 4. SIN 5. Study permit 6. PGWP 3 Remote Study 1. Course Registration, D2L 2. Method of Class, quizzes, midterm, final, grading, Role and expectations from supervisors 3. Management of tuition fees & funding during covid Q&A
- 4. Getting Ready to Register! 4 Course Registration Read the course description and any restrictions CAREFULLY! ❏ Go to “Schedule Builder” and find the course ❏ View the “Results” panel to see the course’s details Additional Info: https://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calen dar/current/course-desc-main.html Enrollment Appointment ❏ Enrollment appointment - date and time to begin course registration ❏ MyUCalgary (my.ucalgary.ca) to register for courses Initialize Registration Complete registration initialization FIRST! ❏ Log in to My UCalgary ❏ Home tab and scroll down to about the middle of the page ❏ click on "Initialize Registration" or "Enroll" ❏ Follow the prompts that appear on the screen Be sure to register on time so you can get the best course selection!
- 5. Planning Course Schedule 5 1 2 3 4 To get help preparing for registration, you may book an appointment with an advisor from your faculty. Advisors can help you choose courses to take based on the requirements of your degree. Some useful links ❏ How to Register: https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/registration/how-register ❏ Enrollment Appointment: https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/registration/enrolment-appointments ❏ Course Registration Guide: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/registration/course-registration
- 6. D2L (d2l.ucalgary.ca) 6 ❏ Home to your course materials - lectures, slides, assignments, instructions… almost everything. ❏ Anywhere you have a reliable Internet connection, you can access your course from any device at any time. Useful link: https://conted.ucalgary.ca/info/d2lintro.jsp
- 7. Mode of Class During COVID19 7 Assignment/Term paper submission in D2L 03 ● Always use UCalgary email and take a screenshot of the confirmation of upload to D2L and/or keep the sent notice in your email box ● Notify your instructor if notice any discrepancies ● If a class is “web based”, any final exam/assessment will be online as well Mixed Delivery of Courses - Contents that is delivered live will also be recorded, made available asynchronously 02 ● Courses in Fall-2020 - combination of face-to-face and online or remote learning ● For in-person classes: small classes and experiential learning opportunities i.e., labs, tutorials, and seminars ● The remainder of learning will be done through online or remote delivery Check which courses/course components (lectures, labs, tutorials) are online and which are on-campus 01 ● Lectures: Classroom-based instruction ● Labs: Smaller, more individual course components that supplement your lectures ● Tutorials: Supplement to lecture ○ Provide opportunities to ask questions, discuss course/reading material and receive additional assistance. Technology required for online class 04 ● Access to a computer that has a microphone and camera ● Stable internet connection ○ Assignment submission ● Any issue? Talk to your instructor Useful link https://grad.ucalgary.ca/covid-19-information-graduate-students/fall-2020-graduate-studies-faq https://www.ucalgary.ca/current-students/fall-2020-term-faq
- 8. Understanding Course Components 8 Synchronous: Students must participate or engage at the scheduled time(s). Asynchronous: Students may engage with the course materials at a time that is convenient for them. Hybrid: Some synchronously + Some asynchronously. This scheduling information will not appear in the published class times in PeopleSoft; it may appear in the “Class Notes.” ** Change courses/sections by the add/drop/swap deadlines in September Check the academic schedule: https://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/a cademic-schedule.html More resources https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/student- centre/understanding-course-listings https://conted.ucalgary.ca/info/online-resources.jsp
- 9. Research and Expectations 9 ● Develop a personalized plan that allows each person to conduct research remotely to the fullest extent possible (e.g., 3 performing data analysis, literature review, modeling and computation, writing manuscripts and applications, and planning) ● For community-based research: in-person meetings should be rescheduled as virtual meetings by telephone, Skype, Zoom or similar ● Establish a communications plan with your supervisor clarifying how and when you will connect ● Discuss how you can make academic progress and set reasonable goals and expectations ● Prioritize activities, and discuss which activities can be ramped down, curtailed, or delayed and possible alternatives that can limit potential research interruptions ● Maintain communication with your supervisor to share a clear understanding of expectations for how your academic and research plans will proceedExpectations Communication Planning Possible Research Plan Useful links https://grad.ucalgary.ca/covid-19-information-graduate-students https://grad.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/3/FGS%20Guidelines%20for%20Remote%20Supervision_March2020.pdf
- 10. Tuition Fees: Thesis Based (Ms/PhD) 10 Fall 2020 Winter 2021 Spring 2021 Summer 2021 Tuition fees (except MBA) $2,693.67 $2,693.67 $1,346.83 $1,346.83 Graduate Students Association $176.84 Extended Health Insurance 1 $326.58 Dental Insurance 1 $264.09 Group Insurance $11.00 Graduate Bursary Donation 2 $10.00 Campus Recreation $37.48 $37.48 $37.48 Student Services Fee $160.50 $160.50 $160.50 UPASS $155.00 $155.00 Athletics $25.88 $3,680.16 $3,072.53 1699.81 $1,346.83 You pay: ~$9,799.33/yr or ~$816.61/month Note: Figures are provided above solely to give an idea. Please double check your fee structure 1 can be opted out of if you show proof of alternate coverage 2 can be opted out = $8,081
- 11. Tuition Fees: Thesis Based (Ms/PhD) 11 Fall 2021 * Winter 2022 * Spring 2022 * Summer 2022 * Tuition fees (except MBA) $2,693.67 $1,292.72 $2,693.67 1,292.72 $1,346.83 $646.36 $1,346.83 $646.36 Graduate Students Association $176.84 Extended Health Insurance 1 $326.58 Dental Insurance 1 $264.09 Group Insurance $11.00 Graduate Bursary Donation 2 $10.00 Campus Recreation $37.48 $37.48 $37.48 Student Services Fee $160.50 $160.50 $160.50 UPASS $155.00 $155.00 $155.00 Athletics $25.88 $25.88 $2,460.09 1,671.58 $999.34 $646.36 Continuing Fees = $3,231.80 * Ms - After 1st year * PhD - After Candidacy You pay: ~$5,777.37/yr or ~$481.45/month Note: Figures are provided above solely to give an idea. Please double check your fee structure 1 can be opted out of if you show proof of alternate coverage 2 can be opted out
- 12. Tuition Fees 12 For thesis-based students For course-based students For more info: https://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/p-1-2.html
- 13. Paying Tuition • Full Funded • Auto-balance • Payment plan (Details: https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/tuition-and-fees/graduate-student-payment-plan) • Self Funded • 3 ways 13
- 14. Paying Fees from BD - CIBC 14 https://pay.cibc.com/calgary
- 15. Paying Fees from BD - WesternUnion 15 https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/tuition-fees/pay-your-fees/global-pay
- 16. Online Banking (Canada) https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/tuition-and-fees 16
- 17. Funding Opportunities 17 Graduate Award Database https://iac01.ucalgary.ca/FGSA/Public/PublicHome.aspx 1. Graduate Award Competition (GAC) 2. Keep an eye on weakly GRADPost 3. Give attention to your application 4. Apply early Additional sources https://grad.ucalgary.ca/awards/award-opportunities/search-awards https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/non_can/index.aspx?lang=eng https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/financial-support/
- 19. Study Permit 19 ❏ Permit you to study specific program to specific university. ❏ Get your SP at your entry point in Canada (i.e Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary) airport immigration. ❏ It also states whether you are eligible to work in Canada as a student ❏ You MUST have your SP if you want to complete your degree. International Student Service, Immegration Support/Consultancy: issimmigration@ucalgary.ca
- 20. Your 1st Week After You Come Here • Get your rental agreement (if not already) • Go to registry office for – • Health insurance • Exchanging driving license (if you have any) • List of registry agents - http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/find-a-registry-agent.cfm • Go to Service Canada for SIN (if you are allowed to work) • Open Bank account • Add SIN, Bank account information to you UofC student record • Submit SIN: https://www.ucalgary.ca/live-uc-ucalgary-site/sites/default/files/teams/1/student_records-updating_sin.pdf • Bank account: https://www.ucalgary.ca/finance/files/finance/add_update-direct-deposit-information-portal.pd_.pdf 20
- 21. Living in Calgary - What to Know • Housing • Location (what to consider) • Distance from campus • Rent • rentfaster.ca • kijiji.ca • Facebook Marketplace • Access to transit • How many bus routes? • Bus change required? • Access to groceries • Shared housing: Bangladeshi vs International • Living Cost • Low Income Transit Pass (Fair Entry Program) • Driving License • Exchanging Bangladeshi License • Learning and Licensing here 21
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- 23. Health Insurance 0 StudentCare app https://my.ihaveaplan.c a 23 Get it from Registry office https://www.alberta.ca /registry-services.aspx
- 24. GSA H&D Plan for 2020-21 24 If you are unsure keep the coverage and defer your opt-out to the July 2021 Change of coverage period If you opt-out It would be for full year If you did not use the plan Unused Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 plan can be opted-out retroactively during a specially set up change-of- coverage date (July 2021) For details: https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/health-dental-services
- 25. Bank Account in Canada 25
- 26. Opening Canadian Bank Account (Remotely) 26 https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student-solution https://ucalgary.ca/live-uc-ucalgary-site/sites/default/files/teams/69/smart-start-ATB.pdf ntruong@atb.commahir.selimbegovic@rbc.com Both offer remote banking setup with “certain conditions” Mail them to learn more On-Campus
- 27. Be sure to know the Banks and their offers for students! 27 When you come (In- Person)
- 29. SIN • A 9 digit number • If you are permitted to work, SIN is required to work here and get paid • Currently, online application recommended (20-25 days) • You will get SIN immediately if you visit Service Canada in person (if allowed when you arrive) • For details: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html 29
- 30. Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility & Length 30 Completed a study program: at a DLI >8month Led to a degree/diploma/certificate Maintain full-time status Except: • the final semester • OR approved leave from study <8 months Not Eligible 8-2 Years Program length 2yr+ 3yrs More than 1 program Combined length
- 31. PGWP: Eligibility for COVID19 Situation Ensure following: ❏ Study permit (SP), OR ❏ Approved for a SP, OR ❏ Applied for a SP before starting your study program AND ❖ You can begin your classes and complete up to 50% of your program online (until April 30, 2021) AND ❖ if you complete the other 50% of your program in Canada 31
- 32. PGWP: Important Notes ★ If you apply for your study permit before starting your program, any time spent studying online from outside Canada now counts toward the length of a post graduation work permit. ★ No deduction from the length of your PGWP for remote study until April 30, 2021. ★ You still need to be here after restrictions lift. 32
- 33. BSA • Official GSG to support Bangladeshi students at UofC • Associated with GSA • Volunteering opportunity 33
- 34. BSA 34 VP - Sports PhD, Statistics VP - Operations MSc, Chemical Eng. VP - Communication MA, Educational Research President PhD, Bioinformatics VP - Events M.Eng., Mechanical Eng. VP - Finance MA, Sociology Chinmoy Roy Rahul Shariful Kibria Nabil Nujhat Adrita KM Tahsin Hassan Rahit Abdur Rahman Khan Shetu Mohammad Mojammel Hussain Raihan Ex VP - Operations PhD, Biomedical Eng. Md Mohosin Rana A Very Special Thanks to...
- 35. Q&A 35 1 How are the online classes for the seniors? Are they facing any problems in doing those classes? Will deferring to the next term be a good decision? 2 Recently I have seen a new message from IRCC that they have become more flexible about completing any program from outside of Canada till April 30, 2021. But previously they said we have to complete atleast 50% inside Canada to get PGWP. My regular program will start from this Fall semester and finish winter 2021 or Fall 2021. My question is - according to the new flexibility am I able to complete my whole program from my native country if I want to complete it within 1year? If I linger my program to next Fall semester then will I get 3years PGWP? Thank you! 3 How to make a class schedule properly? Should I pay my 1st semester tuition fee? As I have not get my visa yet. 4 If i completed my BBA/Bcom from MUN,then what is admission requirement for MBA? Can i apply for MBA without 2 years work experience? 5 How do I take courses that are currently filled up 6 Will January session start physically? 7 When we will be needing on campus classes but still there will be travel restrictions, what will happen then? 8 Doing classes online would mean missing out to meet my Bangladeshi classmates in UofC. It would be a great initiative if we could meet virtually, share contacts, have a good time to now peers.
- 36. Thank you For any information: bsa@ucalgary.ca Facebook Group: fb.com/groups/12998323212 Facebook Page: fb.com/bsauc 36