Program Spotlight: Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management

Posted: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 - 09:00

Are you interested in studying science, technology and business management, all while learning how you can improve our world’s resources? Look no further than our Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (BBRM) program!

BBRM is broken into three distinct majors: Environmental Management, Equine Management and Food Industry Management. Each major can be customized to suit your interests and goals through various science and business electives, field trips, research positions and summer jobs.

Let’s break down each major so you can find your niche!

Environmental Management

This major is best for students who want to play a role in protecting our environment and natural resources. It combines applied environmental science and technology with business training focused on leadership, remediation and regulation.

First year courses introduce topics like biodiversity, Canadian business management, financial accounting, environmental economics, environmental law and policy and more!

U of G Environmental Management graduates have gone on to become environmental consultants, environment protection officers and environmental policy analysists!

Equine Management

This one is for all of you horse lovers! In this major, students will learn about the biology, physiology and behaviour of horses while also covering horse handling and routine care. The business element of this major provides a hands-on learning approach to becoming a leader in equine-associated industries and businesses.

First year courses explore the biology of plants and animals in managed ecosystems, financial accounting, principles of animal care and welfare, microeconomics and much more.

After graduation you’ll be well-prepared for a career in breeding and foaling, equine event management, equine nutrition consulting or equine marketing, sales and promotion.

Food Industry Management

This new major was created in response to the growing food science and manufacturing industry in Canada. Students will develop a multidisciplinary skill set and gain a solid background in food science, economics and business.

In your first year you will take courses on biological concepts of health, molecular and cellular biology, business mathematics, chemistry and financial accounting.

Prepare for a future career in research and food product development, food production, operations management, food safety management, logistics and more. Study in the co-op stream and gain even more hands-on experience!

Join the Ontario Agricultural College and learn how you can lead the charge in improving our world’s resources with a Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management.

Visit the BBRM program page to learn more about our majors, first year courses, where our grads have worked and how to apply!

The Ontario Agricultural College website is also a great resource for discovering opportunities within the program.

Tips Tuesday Episode 5 – Get to know our Exam Stress Busters

Posted: Tuesday, December 4, 2018 - 09:25

Our gryphons have started finals and the end of the semester is finally in sight! Today we’re letting you in on what we do to give our students (AKA YOU this time next year) a study break during exam time.

During exams each semester our Library Team develops a list of activities to help students take a study break, refresh their minds and stay motivated. We call these activities “Stress Busters” and they are FREE and open to all students.

What would help you recharge during a stressful time?

How about making your own study care package?

Or enjoying “Coffee with a Cop”?

Would a colouring contest help you relax?

Or maybe just a snack break with free food?

We offer activities like these every day during the exam period, so students have a little something to look forward to in an otherwise study-filled time.

Did we mention the “Take a Paws” event brings therapy dogs into the library for students to cuddle? There’s just something about puppy cuddles that really calms us down.

As you can see, busting students’ stress levels is just one of the many services we offer here at U of G!

Want to learn more about our Exam Stress Busters? Check out the full schedule!

Program Spotlight: Bachelor of Commerce

Posted: Thursday, November 29, 2018 - 15:18

We take a unique approach to business (or as we call our program – Commerce) by emphasizing collaboration and sustainable business practices to transform students into socially responsible leaders of Canadian and global economies.

Today we’re breaking down our majors and sharing what sets our Commerce program apart from others!

With 8 different majors, there’s truly something for everyone:

1. Accounting – Complete the requirements to become a CPA and complement your accounting focus with a secondary area of discipline.
2. Food and Agricultural Business – Prepare for a career in one of Canada’s largest industries while exploring accounting, economics, finance, marketing, production, organizational behaviour, policy planning and implementation.
3. Hospitality and Tourism Management – Choose an area of emphasis in Hotel and Lodging, Restaurant and Foodservice or Tourism management and prepare for a leadership role in this fast-paced industry.
4. Management – Gain strategic leadership and management skills that will prepare you for work as an organizational leader in a wide range of industries and/or to get your CHRP designation after graduation.
5. Management Economics and Finance – Specialize in Management or Finance and integrate the analysis of economics with the practical tools of accounting, business management and marketing.
6. Marketing Management – Examine core business areas such as finance and human resources while exploring topics like consumer psychology, market research and pricing and product development.
7. Public Management – Combine politics, law and business while developing transferable business skills in law, human resources, marketing, accounting and finance.
8. Real Estate and Housing – Develop analytical, conceptual and management skills relevant to the industry by examining relevant real estate studies.

We emphasize collaboration

Our students work together to develop new business ventures and participate in national and international business competitions – many of which they have won!

Our College of Business and Economics building features many group work spaces including “break out” rooms for studying and presentations and a spot to grab coffee or a snack before getting down to business with your team.

We offer flexibility

In your first year you’ll learn the essential skills related to business management, giving you a solid foundation for the years ahead. You can apply to our undeclared major from high school and take advantage of electives in first semester to explore your interests before selecting a major in second semester.

Gain experience AND course credit through CBaSE

The Centre for Business and Student Enterprise (CBaSE) is where Commerce students can apply business knowledge and gain work experience while earning credit! Through CBaSE you can apply for start-up funding, consult on local business projects and even receive financial support to attend industry events.

Build your professional network in co-op

Co-op is now offered for all our Commerce majors. Gain work experience, learn transferrable skills and build your professional network, all while attending university. Students can complete their co-op terms anywhere in Ontario, Canada or even internationally!

Benefit from many experiential learning opportunities

Our Bachelor of Commerce program allows you to put your skills to work through applied business projects, product development courses, specialty courses, internships, externships and co-operative education. Visit our Experiential Learning website for more details.

As a Bachelor of Commerce student at Guelph you are joining one of Canada’s top colleges for sustainable business practice. To learn more about how we’re improving how the world does business visit the College of Business and Economics website.

Tips Tuesday Episode 4 – Fill out the Student Profile Form

Posted: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 - 14:25

Today we’re coming at you with one MAJOR tip: Fill out the Student Profile Form (SPF).

Here’s why:

• It’s your chance to tell Admission Services more about yourself
• You can use it to describe an awesome leadership experience, your volunteer involvement and neat community/school initiatives you've been a part of
• It’s the best way to let us know about factors that may have negatively impacted your academic performance, such as illness or extenuating circumstances
• You get to provide references so the important people in your life can vouch for you
• It’s a good way to have your application considered if you are worried about your admission average not quite meeting our estimated cutoffs (your SPF will be considered if your average falls within 5% of our final cut-off)

Our deadline for SPF submission is May 1, 2019, but now is a great time to check it out and start making notes on activities/experiences to include. Keep in mind, you can only submit the SPF once so make it count.

Check out our SPF page for more details!

Fact Friday Episode 1 – Application Advice

Posted: Friday, November 23, 2018 - 10:43

Fact #1: Remember to look out for Alternate Offers

It’s always good to have a back-up plan, which is why we’ve built one into our most popular programs.

For example, if you are inadmissible to the Bio-Medical Science and/or the Human Kinetics majors, we’ll automatically consider you for Biological Science.

Same goes for Criminal Justice and Public Policy (we’ll automatically consider you for General Arts).

Interested in a major that has co-op, but not sure if you should apply? Go for it! Even if you don’t meet the cut-off for the co-op program, we’ll still consider you for the non-co-op stream. You’re welcome.

Check out our Alternate Offers page for more details.

Fact #2: You should shoot for the stars

Our estimated cut-offs are exactly that – estimates.

Because we can’t predict the quantity and quality of our applications, we advise you to aim for the high end of our estimated cut-offs to be on the safe side.

If you think your average may fall within or just below the range, we highly advise you to fill out the Student Profile Form (SPF) which you can find on our website. The SPF will only be looked at in the final round of offers in mid-May, so until then, keep working!

Fact #3: It’s best to apply directly for co-op

While you can apply to the co-op program during your first year of study, it’s definitely much easier and less stressful to apply straight from high school. And remember, even if you don’t make the Co-op cut-off, you’ll be considered for the non-co-op stream!

Fact #4: You’re going to want to read our admission plan

Wondering which grades we use to calculate your admission average? Our Admission Plan takes the guesswork out of that for you. Head to the Admissions website to review our offer rounds.

Fact #5: You will only receive one offer

Applying to multiple majors within the same degree program will NOT increase your chances of getting accepted to the U of G. If your admission average meets the requirements, you will only be admitted to your first choice of program. Therefore, it’s important that if you apply to multiple programs at the U of G, you rank them in order of preference.

For more application tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Snapchat and Instagram and watch our stories on the daily. Your next opportunity to chat with us is on Tuesday, November 27th so visit our website for instructions on how to access the chat and get your questions answered.

Program Spotlight: Bachelor of Arts and Sciences

Posted: Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - 16:14

Choosing what to study at university can be tough – especially when you excel in both the Arts and the Sciences. Luckily at U of G, you don’t have to choose between the two! Our unique interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BAS) program allows you to study the world through both perspectives.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. You’ll select 2 unique minors

As a BAS student you will select two minors, one in the sciences and another in either the arts or social sciences. These don’t need to be declared until your second semester, so take your time and use electives to figure out where your passions lie. Checkout our list of minors to see your options.

2. You’ll integrate your minors in core ASCI courses

You will take ASCI (Arts and Science) courses throughout all four years of study to help build your confidence as a speaker, researcher and writer. You’ll study how the Arts and Sciences intersect in society and look at case studies to learn about past and current global issues.

3. Endless Career Options

With the seemingly endless combinations of minors you truly have the freedom to explore your personal interests and find your perfect niche.

Examples of minor combinations and career choices:

Computing + Psychology = a career in Gaming Research

Biochemistry + Criminal Justice and Public Policy = a career in Forensic Science

Physics + Theater Studies = a career in Theatre Lighting and Sound Technology

4. Be prepared for post-graduate studies

Many of our BAS grads go on to a variety of post-graduate studies including medical school, veterinary school, law school and teacher’s college to name a few. The flexibility in BAS allows most students to complete the subject requirements for professional school without having to enroll in additional semesters.

5. Learn through experience

In upper years you’ll have the chance to participate in a community project with options ranging from critically analyzing a case study to completing a volunteer placement locally or abroad!

In fourth year, you can also participate in seminar courses exploring topics like Science and Gender, Evolution and Darwinism, Literature and Science and Scientific Racism.

If you’re looking for an interdisciplinary program that gives you the freedom to explore your personal interests, discover your strengths and address complex social issues, look no further than Arts and Sciences at the University of Guelph. Visit the program page for more information and join in one of our chats to ask any questions you might have.

Tips Tuesday Episode 3 – Chat with Us!

Posted: Tuesday, November 20, 2018 - 16:23

Do you have questions about the University of Guelph, our programs, campus, admission requirements, or even just about student life? YOU'RE IN LUCK!

We invite you to chat in real-time with Admission and Recruitment staff, students and other high school students interested in joining our community. These chats are a fantastic resource for all students wanting to learn more about what U of G can offer you.

We host both online AND Snapchat chats, so you can talk to us on the platform of your choosing. Our online chats typically take place from 7-9pm and can be accessed through a Java Plug-in. Snapchat chats take place right in the app – all you need to do is add “uofgadmission” and send us your questions at chat time.

Chat season is officially underway, so visit our website to view the schedule and for instructions on how to access our chats. Be sure to keep checking back as more dates are added.

Chat soon #FutureGryphons!

Program Spotlight: Bachelor of Arts

Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2018 - 11:46

24 majors, 50 minors, hundreds of unique courses, unlimited potential. That’s Arts at U of G. Our Bachelor of Arts program is considered one of the most comprehensive and customizable BA programs in Canada. Here’s why:

1. Your options are (quite literally) endless

Choose a major, add a minor, complete a general degree with an area of concentration or go undeclared. We offer majors that can lead to graduate studies and careers in a broad variety of fields.

You can also take advantage of the “Major to be Determined” designation and test drive some courses from different areas before declaring a major! The choice is yours Future Gryphons!

2. We have stellar instructors

Students have nothing but positive things to say about Professor John Walsh. Learn what makes him passionate about Classics and History on our IGTV 90 second interviews!

Lawrence Hill, author of the Book of Negros and recipient of the Order of Canada, is another one of the amazing professors for our BA program.

3. We want you to explore campus and the world

We encourage travel, exchanges and involvement in our campus to broaden your idea of what art is. If travelling isn’t for you, The Art Gallery of Guelph and the largest Sculpture Park in Canada are located right on campus. Visit the Study Abroad website for more information about our opportunities for travel.

4. Our courses are relevant to today’s world

From environmental governance and political science, to more unconventional courses like Violence in Society, a BA will help you make sense of what’s on the news and identify your own solutions.

5. Design your own education

Minors are optional but offered for most degree programs here at the U of G. Why not get some credit for your special interests and hobbies? Check out our complete list of minors on our website.

6. Our Arts are for everyone

Whether studying music, studio art or theatre; we start from the basics. There are no auditions or portfolios required for admission because we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to discover and explore their creative side.

Learn more about our Bachelor of Arts by visiting the program page, browsing the list of majors and checking out sample first year courses. Choose the program that will not only improve your life, but help you improve the lives around you.

ICYMI: Science & Engineering Sunday 2018

Posted: Monday, November 12, 2018 - 14:52

On Sunday we hosted over 2000 visitors as they came to learn all about Science & Engineering here at U of G! We had tons of staff, students and faculty sharing our amazing programs and resources. If you missed us, here’s a recap:

1. We welcomed students and their supporters

Our day started off with unique and specific welcome sessions for each program that we were promoting: Engineering, Computing, Environmental Sciences, Agriculture and more! Future Gryphons were able to start off their day by learning and connecting with our faculty and students from their program of interest.

2. Students experienced U of G 'Choose Your own Adventure' style

Visitors at Science and Engineering Sunday were essentially able to decide what they wanted to see and when they wanted to see it. There were info sessions highlighting academics, a resource fair with experts on everything from Admissions to Student Experience and self-guided lab tours where Future Gryphons got a glimpse of our various learning facilities!

3. We honoured our Veterans 

At 11am we held a ceremony to recognize the brave Canadians that fought, and continue to fight for our freedom every day. The ceremony took place at Branion Plaza, with an address of remembrance, a playing of “The Rouse”, a reading of In Flanders Fields and a moment of silence.

4. Folks got the lowdown on DVM 

We know that a lot of Future Gryphons are thinking way ahead and wanting to apply to Vet School, which is why we held a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Information Session for our visitors to learn more! The session was jam-packed with information about need-to-knows, what the program is like and what the Ontario Verterinary College is looking for when they review applications.

5. Campus and residence were toured

In the afternoon, our residences opened their doors and our tour ambassadors came out to show our visitors what U of G is like. From guided campus walks and sharing what it’s like to be a U of G student to our residence ambassadors showing off their rooms, we hope that those who could make it were able to picture themselves here at Guelph next year! 

For those who couldn't make it, be sure to check out the 360 room tours available on the Student Housing Services website. You can also book a tour and come see residence and campus in person!

Needless to say, Science & Engineering Sunday was a HUGE success. Our Future Gryphons learned what life is like as a student at U of G and we were able to do what we do best - spread the word about why we love Guelph.

Program Spotlight: Bachelor of Applied Science

Posted: Thursday, November 8, 2018 - 12:01

Interested in studying human nutrition and development throughout all stages of life? Want to gain a combined understanding of the biological, psychological, and social facets of human behavior? We have good news; our Bachelor of Applied Science program integrates theory and research to inform current practices for improving human life.

Today we’re breaking down the 3 separate majors that make up our Bachelor of Applied Science program. As you read about them, keep in mind that there are many opportunities enhance your personal experience in whichever major you choose through practicums, co-op and field placements!

Adult Development

• Investigate the influences of psychological, biological, social and economic factors on adult development;
• Study topics related to adult capabilities, health, relationships and sexuality
• Learn how to apply this knowledge to promote both individual and family well-being;
• Practice applying your skills in a work setting through co-op;
• Potential future careers: adult educator, elder caregiver, health promotor, counsellor or social worker.

Applied Human Nutrition

• If you want to become a registered dietician, this program is for you! (Adding an Area of Interest in Dietetics is the first step toward this career path);
• Our dietetic education program is accredited and recognized by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP);
• Explore healthy lifestyles, how individual factors influence eating habits and how poor eating habits contribute to illness;
• Students can pursue careers in fitness consulting, public health, research and more.

Child, Youth and Family

• Study the growth and development of children from infancy to adolescence and examine challenges like behavioral and learning difficulties, parent-child conflicts and substance abuse;
• Gain valuable work experience through co-op;
• Apply for a membership in the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE);
• Go on to pursue careers in areas such as early childhood education, mental health services, teaching or social work.

If you are interested in exploring the factors that influence human development, including lifestyle, biology, psychology, nutrition and parenting; Applied Science at the U of G just might be a perfect fit for you!

Visit the program page to learn more.