
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Registration
Fees
- How much do I owe?
- What are the Other Fees listed on the Fee Schedule?
- What if I already have Health and Dental benefit coverage?
- How do I pay?
- When is payment required?
Classes/Course Information
- When do classes start?
- What classes will I be taking?
- What books and supplies do I need?
- How do I know what the graduation requirements are for my program?
Living Accommodations
- Does Olds College have an on-campus residence?
- Is a meal plan included when living in on-campus residence?
- How much does on-campus residence cost?
- Does Olds College have any family housing?
- Do you have any information if I choose to live off-campus?
Eating On-Campus
Student Life
Miscellaneous Questions
- Should I bring my desktop/laptop or do you have any recommendations when purchasing a desktop/laptop computer?
- What if I think I should get credit for courses I've already taken?
- Where do I park?
- What assistance does Olds College offer to students?
ANSWERS
REGISTRATION
When / Where do I register?
Please refer to the ‘Registration and Program Dates’ link for your date, time and location.
What happens on Registration Day?
- Please arrive on time and expect to be here for the day
- Dress appropriately for walking and being outside at times
- Submit your Student Medical Form (if you have not yet submitted it)
- Pay tuition, fees and residence (if applicable) – if you have not already done so
- Government Student Loan signing (if applicable) - not all programs qualify for Government Student Loans, please contact Sharon Notley for more information
- Pick up your Olds College Student ID (IDOC Card) - email in your photo!
- Have your picture taken for the yearbook
- Food and beverages available
- Let us know your local address and contact information if this has changed
- Request (you will need your License plate number) or pick up your parking pass
- Receive Information
FEES
How much do I owe?
The 2012-2013 Fee Schedule is available for an estimate of costs.
You may access your account for confirmed costs on-line for through My Olds College. Adjusting your course load, transfer credit, requesting a parking pass or applying for residence will change this amount. Newly admitted students - please allow a few days for processing of your timetable and fees.
Books and supplies are not charged to your account but you will purchase these items as needed and generally through the Olds College Bookstore.
What are the' Other Fees' listed on the Fee Schedule?
This fee consists of ID Card Fee, Service Fee, Grad Fee, HELP centre Fee, Wellness Fee (provides access to the Fitness Centre and the Aquatic Centre),Yearbook Fee and On-line Technical Fee (for on-line courses only).
What if I already have Extended Health and Dental benefit coverage?
If you have equivalent health and dental benefit coverage to the plan that is offered by the Olds College Students' Association, you may complete the Student Benefit Waiver Form to opt out of the coverage. For further information, please contact the Students Benefit Coordinator at ocsaplan@gallivan.ca or 403 556-4626
How do I pay?
On-Line Through My Olds College
- You can pay on-line with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or Interac through My Olds College using your nine digit Olds College ID number and My Olds College PIN (available on your Early or Full Admission letter). You will also have the option to delegate individuals to access your account and make payments on your behalf. Information on accessing My Olds College
Olds College also offers many other payment options for your convenience
When is payment required?
Your tuition, fees and residence (if applicable) for the first semester are due on or before Registration Day.
You will purchase books and supplies as you require them from the bookstore. Your tuition, fees and residence (if applicable) for the second semester are due on or before the first day of the second semester. A $50.00 late fee will be assessed if you do not pay your fees on or before the appropriate day. To avoid long line-ups, it is recommended that you pay your tuition, fees and residence (if applicable) prior to required deadline.
CLASSES/COURSE INFORMATION
When do classes start?
Classes start on Tuesday, September 4 2012
What classes will I be taking?
- Students entering General Studies will work with their Program Coordinator to select courses
- Students entering all other programs have set course requirements and will be timetabled into the appropriate courses
- Please refer to the Academic Calendar 2012-2013 for a list of your required courses
- You may review the Course Outline for each class.
- Students may access their timetables online through My Olds College. Newly admitted students - please allow a few days for processing of your timetable and fees.
What books and supplies do I need?
Please refer to the Information from your Program Coordinator link for any supplies that you will be required to purchase and bring to Olds College. As you attend each class, you will receive further information on the books and supplies needed for that class.
Olds College does not provide a school supplies type of list for students. You are now entering post secondary and you decide how you want to best manage your notes, handouts, etc.. The Olds College Campus Bookstore has a selection of binders, paper, pens, etc...
How do I know what the graduation requirements are for my program?
Graduation requirements are listed in the Academic Calendar 2012-2013 for your review.
The statement belows pertains to all programs except Meat Processing:
Olds College believes that writing skills are essential to success and a requirement of employers in the industry. Within the first portion of your program, you will be required to complete a Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE).Meeting the minimum standard on this exam is a requirement for graduation in your program. If your writing exam results do not meet the standard set by Olds College, you will be required to seek assistance at the Learning Centre and complete the Writing Proficiency Exam again once you are prepared.
LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS
Does Olds College have an on-campus residence?
Yes, the on-campus student residence is called Frank Grisdale Hall. Olds College has a long tradition of students living on campus and believes so strongly in the value of the experience that we encourage all students to live in residence during their first year on campus. There are many lifestyle advantages to staying in residence; you are close to all the amenities and facilities the college offers both academically and socially.
To live on campus students are required to complete and submit an application form.
Is a meal plan included when living in on-campus residence?
If you plan on living in Frank Grisdale Hall, you must select one of the residence meal plans.
How much does on-campus residence cost?
Please refer to the Residence Fee Schedule - Fall 2012/Winter 2013
Does Olds College have any family housing?
Unfortunately, we do not have any on-campus family housing nor do we offer co-ed rooms in residence.
Do you have any information if I choose to live off-campus?
Living on or off-campus is a personal decision for each student. You may wish to refer to the Off-Campus Housing List available through the Olds College Students' Association.
When living off-campus, you are able to purchase a residence meal plan or put a lump sum of money on your ID card to use towards purchasing food in the Frank Grisdale Hall residence cafeteria and the cafeteria in the Land Sciences building.
EATING ON-CAMPUS
Where can I eat on-campus?
Olds College has many options for eating on-campus.
- Grisdale Market - cafeteria in Frank Grisdale Hall residence
- Cafeteria located in the Land Sciences building
- Coffee and Snack bar located in the Duncan Marshall Place building
- The Crossing Restaurant and Lounge located in the Bell E-Learning Centre
- vending machines in various buildings across campus
Can I purchase a meal plan?
All students living in the Frank Grisdale Hall residence must purchase a meal plan when applying for residence.
When living off-campus, you are able to purchase a residence meal plan or put a lump sum of money on your ID card to use towards purchasing food in the Frank Grisdale Hall residence cafeteria and the cafeteria in the Land Sciences building.
STUDENT LIFE
What can I do outside of my classes?
Olds College offers many opportunities outside of classes. We encourage you to be involved in activities on or off-campus to add to your college experience and meet new people.
- Broncos Athletics: Olds College offers competitive teams in Volleyball, Basketball, Futsal, Curling, Cross Country Running and Rodeo - you may wish to participate or watch an exciting game!
- Campus Recreation Activities: From intramurals to ski trips and shopping! Please check with Campus Recreation when you are arrive for a schedule of events.
- Olds College Students' Association (OSCA): You have an opportunity to be involved with student council, clubs or one of the many events hosted by the Students' Association
- Fitness Centre: A brand new fitness facility with state of the art equipment and an indoor running track! You may wish to join one of the many fitness classes (yoga, spinning, etc...) or work-out on your own.
- Olds Aquatic Centre: Olds College students pay a user fee per semester for free access to the pool during public, lane, adult, morning and the weekly scheduled College swim time
- The Town of Olds also has many other opportunities such as an arena, bowling alley and shopping.
What competitive sports teams are there?
The Olds College Broncos varsity teams participate in the Alberta College Athletic League (ACAL) and the Alberta College Athletics Conference (ACAC) in sports which include Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal (indoor soccer), Curling, Cross Country Running and Rodeo (participate in CIRA and NIRA rodeos).
MISCEALLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Should I bring my desktop/laptop or do you have any recommendations when purchasing a desktop/laptop computer?
It is in your best interest to bring a desktop/ laptop computer with you to college. We do have computers available on campus for students but usage may be limited due to computer lab and library hours or the number of students using the computers. If you are looking to purchase a desktop/laptop for college, please refer to Student Laptop Recommendations.
What if I think I should get credit for courses I've already taken?
Any post secondary transcripts that you submit to Olds College will automatically be assessed for tansfer credit and you will be notified of the results by email or mail. You may be required to submit further documentation such as course outlines and/or course descriptions. Transfer Credit will only be considered when the applicant demonstrates on their transcript that they have a minimum grade of either a C- (60-64 percent) or four (4) on a nine-point system or two (2) on a four-point system for the course(s) in question.
Where do I park?
You will be parking in a student lot, either plug-in or non plug-in depending on which type of pass you receive. Plug-in parking is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The Parking Application Form is now available.
What assistance does Olds College offer to students?
We recognize that you may have an adjustment period when entering college or may need assistance with your academic studies. Seeking assistance from our resources will best set you up for success.
- College Success Skills Course: Your success at college may be determined in your first semester. Be properly prepared for the college experience, so you do not find yourself in academic trouble. Take the five day pre-college credit course to help prepare for the demands of college.
- Program Coordinator: You will meet with your Program Coordinator once you arrive. This person can assist you through your academics and help you meet the graduation requirements of your program
- Learning Centre: The Learning Centre provides individual instruction to all Olds College students in the areas of learning time management, memory, writing and mathematics.
- Library: The library offers a great location for study and searching our extension resource collection. Computers and printers are also available for your use.
- Services for Students with Disabilities: Please review the information and complete and submit the application form prior to your arrival at Olds College if you have any physical, emotional or learning disabilities.
- Health and Wellness Services: The goal of this department is to enable the College community to function at their optimal level of performance
- Olds College Students' Association (OCSA): The OCSA is YOUR Student Association, we are here to represent your needs/issues/priorities to College Staff, Faculty and Executive. Services provided include: Health Benfit Plan, Clubs and Student Board of Directors.
Please contact us if you have further questions
- Toll-free: 1 800 661-6537
- Phone: 403 556-8281
- E-mail: admit@oldscollege.ca