INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE. Where the University meets the World! KAMLOOPS, BC CANADA

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE Where the University meets the World! KAMLOOPS, BC CANADA

2 Important Phone Numbers EMERGENCY Police, Fire, Ambulance Police (non-emergency) Royal Inland Hospital Taxi TRU Campus TRU World Campus Security Campus Health International Advising Lab Support Bookstore Main Library Reference Desk Checkout Desk House of Learning Library Reference Desk Checkout Desk Students Union About Phone Numbers: Phone numbers in the Kamloops area are 10 digits. Outside of the area you may need to dial an area code before the numbers. Area codes for Kamloops are 250 and 778 Area codes for Vancouver are 604 and 778 Numbers beginning in an 800 or 888 code are free to call. Long distance numbers inside Canada require a 1 before the code and local numbers. Long distance numbers outside Canada require 011 before the code and local numbers. Canada Immigration Centre Social Media

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES....9 International Student Advisors (ISAs) mytru International Student Information Session Series Immigration Information Sessions Impress Your Instructor Intercultural Information Session Employment Information Sessions Additional Information Sessions Global Competency: Recognizing Future Global Leaders How Do I Earn It? What Is It? International Student Activity Program (ISAP) International Days at TRU Prayer and Meditation Room...18 International Flags INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 2 ACADEMIC SERVICES AND SUPPORT Admission and Registration...20 English Language Requirements University Transfer and TOEFL Scores Transcripts, Certificates, and Diplomas Dates and Deadlines Academic Advising...23 Mandatory Academic Advising at TRU Academic Advisor or Program Advisor? Satisfactory Academic Progress International Students Responsibilities Change, Add, or Withdraw from a Course

4 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Tips for Academic Success...27 The Canadian Academic Environment Academic Behaviour: Standards and Policies Language Support English as a Second Language Department (ESL)...29 ESL Certificates ESL Learning Centre...29 Language Labs Supports for Academic Success...30 Foundations for Success Education and Career Planning Student Employment Centre and Co-op Education Supplemental Learning More Academic Services Libraries/Books TRU Libraries The Writing Centre Math and Stats Help Centre TRU Bookstore Kamloops Public Libraries...34 CHAPTER 3 TRU CAMPUS IMPORTANT BUILDINGS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TRU Campus Map International Building (IB)...36 Old Main Building (OM)...37 Campus Activity Centre (CAC) Brown Family House of Learning (HL) CHAPTER 4 IMPORTANT IDENTIFICATION CARDS TRU Student Card...40 U-Pass International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Studentsaver Card BC Identification Card (BCID)...42

5 CHAPTER 5 COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES Computer and Communication Services Computer Accounts Services TRU Wireless Information Technology Services Lab Support Hardware and Software...45 TRU Print Shop CHAPTER 6 TRU FOOD SERVICES TRU Food Services TRU Meal Plan Card Cafeterias Quick Lunch, Snacks, Coffee Fine Dining Pub Coffee House...49 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 7 LIFE IN CANADA Canadian National / Cultural Holidays Canadian Culture...53 Multicultural Society First Nations About Canadians Canadian Arts and Culture Culture Shock What Can You Do? Help Yourself...60 Get Support CHAPTER 8 GET INVOLVED TRU STUDENTS UNION (TRUSU)...62 Advocacy Services...62 Entertainment...63

6 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Campus Media Campus Radio: The X FM Student Newspaper: Omega Sports and Recreation TRU Recreation...64 Varsity Athletics Gymnasium...65 Canada Games Aquatic Centre Tournament Capital Centre CHAPTER 9 HEALTH AND WELLNESS Medical Insurance...67 Medical Services Plan (MSP) Extended Health and Dental Campus Health Services Campus Health Centre...69 TRU Mental Health & Addictions Practitioner Wellness Centre Peer Support...69 Off-Campus Health Resources Royal Inland Hospital...70 South Central Health Unit Walk-In Clinics Pharmacare Dental Other Helpful Information and Numbers: Climate and Health Colds & Flu...72 CHAPTER 10 VISAS, PERMITS AND EMPLOYMENT Entry (Temporary Resident) Visa...74 Study Permit (Student Visa) How to Renew Your Study Permit...74 Delays in Application Processing...75 Advice for Renewal of Study Permit...75 Employment While a Student...76 Off-Campus Work Permit Program Career Education Department...77 Student Employment Centre...77 Co-operative Education....77

7 Other Work Opportunities Post Graduation Work Three Ways to Be Hired as an International Graduate...79 Necessary Work Documents How to Apply for a Work Permit Social Insurance Number (SIN) How to Apply for a SIN US Visitor VISA...81 How to Apply How to Make an Interview Appointment CHAPTER 11 FINANCES AND BANKING Sales Tax Refundable Tax Resident s Refund Study Visa Banking and Financial Planning Receiving Money from Home Expenses and Budgets INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 12 ACCOMMODATION AND HOUSING Homestay...87 Student Residence...87 Off-Campus Housing Household Accounts Telephones Cable Television Satellite Television...90 Residential Internet CHAPTER 13 SAFETY Tips to Prevent a Crime On and Off Campus...92 Personal Safety...93 On the Street Car Safety and Theft Prevention...93 Public Transportation Purse/Wallet Theft If Attacked....94

8 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Home Safety Residences/Apartments Suspicious or Criminal Behaviour on Campus Safety Numbers at TRU CHAPTER 14 LIFE IN KAMLOOPS Map of Kamloops Local Transportation Bus...99 Taxi...99 Shopping and Services Grocery Stores Ethnic Food Stores Hair Salons Pharmacies Shopping Malls Second Hand and Thrift Stores Post Offices International Couriers and Shipping Churches and Places of Worship Recreation Parks Pools (Indoor) Pools (Outdoor) Racquet Ball and Squash Tennis Club Public Tennis Courts Gyms and Fitness Studios Arenas Bowling Alleys Golf Disc Golf Riding Stables More Indoor Fun More Outdoor Fun Water Sports Other Rentals Theatres, Movies, Nightlife, Coffee Houses and Internet Cafés Live Theatres Movie Theatres Nightlife/Entertainment Coffee Houses Radio Stations Art Galleries and Museums...115

9 Fun Things to Do Near Kamloops Outdoors Skiing White Water Rafting Dog Sledding Okanagan Wine Tours Annual Festivals Fall Winter Spring Summer CHAPTER 15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL Cars Rules and Regulations Driver s License Vehicle / Car Insurance Renting a Car Buying a Car What to Do if You Have a Car Accident Bus Train Ferry Travel Agencies Airline Service in Kamloops Transportation to Kamloops Airport International Airlines International Hostels Consulates & Other Foreign Government Representatives in Vancouver INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS APPENDIX 1 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY APPENDIX 2 CANADA APPENDIX 3 MAKING FRIENDS WITH CANADIANS INDEX

10 Mike Henniger Director, International and Managing Director, TRU World Global Operations Adrian Conradi Associate Director, International Student Services Craig Engleson Manager, Events, Activities, and Housing Welcome to TRU... I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to you and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Thompson Rivers University (TRU). TRU continues to welcome international students from more than 85 countries. We believe that every international student contributes positively to the richness of life on our campus and in our community. As a student at TRU, may your experiences be memorable and your studies challenging and enjoyable. You will have the opportunity to learn about the Canadian culture and make many new friends. The staff of TRU World is committed to your success at TRU. We are ready to assist you in any way we can. On behalf of TRU World, I would like to extend a special invitation to you to visit TRU World on the third floor of the International Building. We look forward to getting to know you and supporting you in your academic studies as well as your new life in Kamloops! Karie Russell Interim Manager, Study Abroad Baihua Chadwick Associate Vice President, International and Chief Executive Officer, TRU World Global Operations Eric Kim International Student Support Supervisor 8

11 CHAPTER 1 TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES International Student Advisors (ISAs) mytru International Student Information Session Series International Student Activity Program (ISAP) International Days at TRU Prayer and Meditation Room International Flags

12 TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES The following TRU World executives oversee the International Student Affairs. 1 Adrian Conradi Associate Director, International Student Services Craig Engleson Manager, Events, Activities, and Housing Karie Russell Interim Manager, Study Abroad Eric Kim International Student Support Supervisor TRU World Location: 3rd Floor, International Building (IB) Phone: Web: Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm IMPORTANT ISAs will help you when you arrive, during your stay, and also when you complete your program or graduate. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISORS (ISAs) International Student Advisors (ISAs) are here to help you. They know the challenges of international students and can assist you with: Immigration and Visa regulations and applications Medical insurance and medical needs Translation help with doctors, lawyers, officials, etc. TRU policies and procedures Referrals to academic support and liaison with faculty Day-to-day challenges (personal or social matters) Accommodation issues Cultural adjustment Connecting with Canadian students and culture When you graduate: support for returning home, Alumni Association contact Any other questions or problems you may have Please stay in contact with your ISA by making an appointment, or just dropping by TRU World. Let the ISAs help you make the most of your stay at TRU, Kamloops, and Canada! If you need any information, or if you need to talk to someone about any concern, please see one of the International Student Advisors (ISAs) at TRU World. 10

13 International Student Advisors (ISAs) NAME CONTACT LANGUAGE REGIONAL FOCUS Eric Kim Staffen Liu-Calver Korean Mandarin (Presently technology support, but able to support Korean speakers) People s Republic of China: Southern Region, Macau, Hong Kong TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 Teresa Wei twei@tru.ca Mandarin People s Republic of China: Northern Region, Taiwan, South East Asia Sultan Almajil salmajil@tru.ca Arabic Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Libya), Korea Amit Goel agoel@tru.ca Hindi Punjabi Urdu South Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Burma, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka) Tatyana Dikareva tdikaryeva@tru.ca Russian Russia, Ukraine and Europe Rika Kimura rkimura@tru.ca Japanese Homestay program and Japanese Reuben Onyango ronyango@tru.ca Swahili Onyango: African countries Back: Amit Goel, Rika Kimura, Sultan Almajil, Reuben Onyango, Tatyana Dikaryeva. Front: Staffen Liu-Calver, Eric Kim, and Teresa Wei. 11

14 TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 IMPORTANT A) It s important to check your account as this is how we communicate with you. B) You will receive important mail to your mytru account. To forward mail to your personal account: click on the icon select options select auto forward enter your address mytru The mytru portal provides everyone in the TRU community with one-stop access to the on-line services available. You can check your grades, your financial information, read campus or class announcements, or participate in group discussions, all through mytru. International tab (mytru) The International tab in mytru provides international students with important information. You can find events, links to forms and documents, groups and news. How do I get to mytru? Go to (or click on mytru on the top of the university s home page) 1. You will see the login screen 2. Login using your login name or your TRU ID 3. Your (temporary) password = your birthdate (yymmdd) 4. You will be asked to create your own password must be between 8 and 20 characters long is case sensitive must be a combination of letters and numbers must not be your date of birth 1. Login Page TIP If you need help, click on the Login Help box 12

15 mytru Password To change your password, click on the My Account tab (top left corner). Note: when you change your password in mytru, it does not change your Blackboard, Moodle, Wireless or Network account password. Once you log in, this is the International page TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 Once you log in, this is the Student Resources page Groups page IMPORTANT Important information for International students is posted on mytru. Click on the International tab. 13

16 TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION SESSION SERIES TRU World offers information sessions to help international students in a variety of ways. Information sessions are offered throughout the semester. Check the International tab on mytru for each semester s calendar at and click on the information session schedule icon or visit TRU World for a paper copy. For more information, isa@tru.ca or find out on facebook Typical information sessions offered during a semester include: Immigration Information Sessions ISAs offer weekly workshops on study and work permit applications every Friday afternoon in the computer labs in IB. Contact your ISA or visit TRU World reception for details. Study Permit Extension Step-by-step instructions on how to extend study permits. Work Permit Application (including off-campus, practicum, and co-op) Compares different types of work permits that international students are eligible to apply for. Post-Graduation Work Permit and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Introduces the BC Provincial Nominee Program for students who are interested in becoming permanent residents of Canada after graduation. Also provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a post-graduation work permit. Impress Your Instructor Academic Success Designed to help international students identify the differences between the expectations of our classes and those of their home culture. Students will consider their learning styles and how to become more effective active learners. Understanding Plagiarism Clarifies Canadian perspectives toward academic integrity. Understand expectations for citation, quotations and paraphrasing. Understand TRU policies and why they are taken so seriously. 14

17 Intercultural Information Session Intercultural Communication Provides an outline of cultural differences with a focus on how differences influence communication styles. Students will have opportunities to consider how to communicate more effectively across cultures. TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 Employment Information Sessions Career Success for International Students For students who want to start their careers before they even graduate from TRU. Find out how TRU s Career Education Department can help you meet your career goals. Meet international students who have graduated and are now working in Canada in their profession. Get top tips for gaining career related experience through TRU Co-op. Preparing for Job Fair Designed to give students specific information on how to maximize their job fair opportunities. Topics include: preparation for the job fair, sample employer questions, sample questions students might want to ask, and job fair etiquette. Additional Information Sessions Tax Return for International Students Helps international students file a Canadian tax return. Overseas Education Certification for Chinese Grads Step-by-step instructions for Chinese students on how to prepare to have their TRU graduation certificate verified by Chinese officials in Canada. Moodle Basics Learn the basics for courses where your class works online in Moodle. Introduction to Blackboard Learn the basics for courses where your class works online in Blackboard. Library Orientation Join a librarian to learn how to use library resources and find materials. 15

18 TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 GLOBAL COMPETENCY: RECOGNIZING FUTURE GLOBAL LEADERS The TRU Global Competency allows students to earn formal recognition for their intercultural and international experiences from Study Abroad, to learning a second language, to volunteer work. What Is It? Global Competency is a credential that can be earned along with any credit program undergraduate or graduate offered by Thompson Rivers University. The credential formally recognizes the global competencies knowledge, skills, and attitudes of a globally minded citizen acquired by students through their educational experiences. Students earning this credential will have it formally noted on their official TRU transcript and receive a certificate at Convocation. TIP Watch for upcoming orientation sessions. You must attend an orientation session to apply for the credential. How Do I Earn It? The program uses a portfolio approach that allows each student to track a number of different educational and personal experiences. To earn this credential, a student must: 1. Attend an Orientation Session 2. Document your learning in a portfolio that includes: a) Relevant forms and documentation Application form Verification form(s) Minimum 2 of 4 categories (A, B, C or D, below) b) Summaries of Learning Written Summary 1-2 page summary of the knowledge skills, and attitudes you gained from your intercultural and / or international experiences Communication Piece: Create a way to share your learning with others. For example, a presentation, a newspaper article, a video or other AND earn a minimum of 12 points in 2 or more of the following categories: A: Additional Language B: International Experiences Abroad C: Experiences at TRU with an intercultural or international focus D: Experiences EXTERNAL to TRU with an intercultural or international focus For more information: globalcomp@tru.ca Call Julie or juliel_taylor@hotmail.com 16

19 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ACTIVITY PROGRAM (ISAP) TRU ISAP Location: ISAP International Event and Activity Desk, IB 1004 Phone: Web: Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm The ISAP Team TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 TRU ISAP is an activity program that provides our students with educational, fun and exciting activities each semester. We encourage all our students to participate! TRU ISAP gives you the opportunity to: Meet new people Visit the Kamloops area Experience Canadian culture Get involved in planning and organizing activities Try new activities and have fun! Craig Engleson Manager, Events, Activities, and Housing Through TRU ISAP, you can experience wonderful activities per semester. Here are a few of the past activities our students have enjoyed: Horseback Riding Soccer Skiing/Snowboarding Cricket Bowling Swimming Hockey Games Basketball Curling Golfing Ice Skating Sun Peaks Resort Tobogganing Goldpanning Music in the Park Indoor rock climbing Kelowna Wine Tour Board games Canoeing TRU Survivors Biking and more... Jennifer and Trevor Pendergast Coordinators, ISAP 17

20 TRU WORLD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES 1 INTERNATIONAL DAYS AT TRU International Days is a TRU celebration of cultures from around the world. Learn about the wide variety of cultures at TRU or share information about your own culture. Join the celebration with food, music and dance! International Days is in February or March. For information about how to get involved, this year s dates, previous programs and photos, visit: PRAYER AND MEDITATION ROOM There is a room in the International Building that is designed to be a special place to pray and/or meditate. Please read the code of conduct posted in the room. Prayer and Meditation Room Location: IB 2059 Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm IMPORTANT Watch for your own country flag outside the International Building during the year. INTERNATIONAL FLAGS TRU World flies international flags at three locations on campus. TRU Campus entrance at McGill Road: International student flags flown weekly. International Building west entrance: International student flags flown monthly. International Building east entrance: Flags representing international visitors to TRU. Watch for your own country flag to fly or try to identify flags as they change. Flag identification can be found on the International tab on mytru. 18

21 CHAPTER 2 ACADEMIC SERVICES AND SUPPORTS Admission and Registration English Language Requirements Transcripts, Certificates, and Diplomas Dates and Deadlines Academic Advising International Academic Advisors Responsibilities International Students Responsibilities Satisfactory Academic Progress Tips for Academic Success The Canadian Academic Environment Academic Behaviour: Standards and Policies Language Support English as a Second Language Department (ESL) ESAL Certificates ESL Learning Centre Language Labs Supports for Academic Success Foundations for Success Education and Career Planning Student Employment Centre and Co-op Education Supplemental Learning More Academic Services The Writing Centre Math and Stats Help Centre Libraries/Books 19

22 ACADEMIC SERVICES & SUPPORTS 2 ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION International Admissions Location: OM 1412 Phone: Fax: Web: Hours: Inquiries welcome@tru.ca Applications iapply@tru.ca Registration ireg@tru.ca Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm NAME COUNTRIES PROGRAMS Tracy Barth Sabrina Weeks Tracy Barth tbarth@tru.ca and Sabrina Weeks sweeks@tru.ca Australia/New Zealand Indonesia Hong Kong/Macau Mainland China Taiwan Thailand & Vietnam Western Europe Bangladesh India Malaysia Singapore Pakistan/Nepal Japan Korea Myanmar Philippines Accounting Technician Adventure Guide Cook Training/Retail Meat Diploma in Management Journalism Tourism Programs Masters programs including MBA, MSC and MEd Off-Shore Programs Bilateral/ISEP Exchanges Scholarship Contact Student Housing Jean Linteris Jean Linteris jlinteris@tru.ca and Lorna Hutchinson lhutchinson@tru.ca Africa Eastern Europe Russia and CIS Turkey Middle East (Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, UAE, Syria) Saudi Arabia USA Mexico and Caribbean South and Central America Electronics and Engineering Foresty Natural Resource Science Nursing Respiratory Therapy Social Work Bachelor of Computer Science Computer Systems Operating Management Digital Art and Design Early Childhood Education Engineering Drafting and Design (ARET) Fine Arts Diploma/Degree Forms Management and Mailouts Saudi Bureau Contact Lorna Hutchinson Ornella Falsetta Ornella Falsetta ofalsetta@tru.ca Front Counter - Registration TRU OL Saudi Bureau Transcripts print Saudi Bureau Registration print Admission all open programs Coop - all programs Off Campus Work Permits Stable Enrolment Clean Up Current Student Refunds Organizing File Cabinets Back Up Off Shore programs Registration Entering grades 20

23 Please see International Admissions for these services: Application or re-application for admission Evaluation of transcripts, course challenge or advance placement and transfer credit Program information Registration and payment of fees Acceptance letters (Visa, Confirmation, Military & Fees letters) Exam and classroom schedules Change of address (or notify one of the ISAs) Official transcripts and grade reports English Language Requirements Students take an English Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival and are placed in the appropriate level of English language study in TRU s ESL program. The EPT must be written one week before classes begin. If a student has a TOEFL or other test score they may elect to enter ESL or academic courses without taking the TRU English Placement Test. The following scores provide this option: ACADEMIC SERVICES AND SUPPORTS 2 TRU PLACEMENT* Direct entry to academic programs Direct entry into Level 5 ESL (2 ESL & 3 Academic Courses) Direct entry into Level 4 ESL (4 ESL & 1 Academic Course) ibt 88+ with no section below 20 TOEFL Paper- Based 570+ TWE TWE 4.0+ Computer- Based 230+ Essay Essay 4.0+ IELTS 6.5+ with no bands below with no band below with no band below 5.0 Direct entry into Level 3 ESL * Other exams may be accepted. A student must meet or exceed the required level on all aspects to be at any specific level (e.g. Direct entry students must have 88+ and all sections at least 20). If a student does not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry, it is recommended that they write the TRU Placement Test to determine the appropriate placement for them in ESL. For ESL Level 4, students may take 4 ESL courses and 1 academic course. For ESL Level 5, students may take 2 ESL courses and 3 academic courses. Talk to your Academic Advisor about other possible situations. 21

24 ACADEMIC SERVICES AND SUPPORTS 2 University Transfer and TOEFL Scores Although TRU does not require a TOEFL score for entry, many universities accepting a transfer student may ask for a TOEFL score. Students intending to transfer to another university should take the TOEFL. To ensure the highest score, it is best to complete ESL study before you write the TOEFL. Students who have completed Level 3 ESL may take ESAL 094 Preparation for the TOEFL. Self-study materials are available to students in the Language Lab in IB 2057/2058. TOEFL application kits are available at the Assessment Centre, OM IMPORTANT You must apply in writing for a certificate or diploma after you have successfully completed a program Transcripts, Certificates, and Diplomas You can get copies of official transcripts for $5.10 each by written request or apply online at: You must apply in writing for a certificate or diploma after you have successfully completed a program. Application forms for transcripts, certificates, or diplomas are available from International Admissions in the Registrar s Office. Early January Start of Winter Semester January to April Mid January Last day for: late registration, course additions or changes Late January Last day to withdraw from a course that spans Fall and Winter semesters Mid February Mid-semester break Early March Summer registration. Full fees due Early March Last day to withdraw from a Winter semester course Mid April Last day of instruction for Winter semester Late April Last Winter semester exams Dates and Deadlines APPROXIMATE DATES AND DEADLINES EXACT DATES ARE CRITICAL! CHECK ONLINE FOR EACH SEMESTER. Early May Start of Summer Semester May to August (certain programs only) Late May Last day to withdraw with a W from Summer Session I courses Early June Convocation Mid June Fall/Winter registration. Full fees due Mid June Last day to withdraw from Summer Session I courses Late June Last day to withdraw with a W from Summer Session III courses Mid July Last day to withdraw with a W grade in Summer Session II courses Early August Last day to withdraw from Summer Session II courses Early September Start of Fall Semester September to December Mid September Last day in Fall semester for late registration, course additions or changes Late October Last day to withdraw from Fall semester courses Late October Last day to register for Winter semesterized programs Early December Last day of instruction for Fall semester and to withdraw from a Fall semester program Mid December End of Fall semester exams Exact dates for each semester can be found online at 22

25 ACADEMIC ADVISING International Student Academic Advising Location: OM 1100 Phone: Fax: Web: Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Mandatory Academic Advising at TRU What is MANDATORY? It means you MUST see us! Please speak to the Academic Advising secretary in OM 1100 to make an appointment to see Barb, Donna, Verlinda or Susan. Mandatory Academic Advising means that all of your course registrations and changes must be approved by your Academic Advisor Why? How does this help you? Saves you time and money! The Canadian university system can be very complicated: not all courses count as credit towards all degrees some courses have pre-requisite and/or co-requisites, so courses need to be completed in the proper sequence. Your Academic Advisors will help you be successful by making sure you take the right courses and this will save you time and money! Academic Advisors for International Students: Barb Smith Phone: Donna Fleury Phone: ACADEMIC SERVICES AND SUPPORTS 2 Academic Advisors can help you with. course selection course registration program planning even timetabling instruction We will help you select the most appropriate courses and build a suitable schedule. We want to see each student at least once a semester to find out how you are doing and to talk to you about the opportunities available to you in your program area that might include co-operative education, field schools, study abroad, new courses, new program options, etc. If you have any questions about your program, talk to your Academic Advisor. Verlinda Wale Phone: vwale@tru.ca 23