News
2019 Road Warrior Series: Katie Jany
Posted: Thursday, September 19, 2019 - 08:00
Name: Katie Jany
Program: BSc. Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
What is your favourite thing about U of G? What was your most memorable experience here?
My favourite part about the University as a whole is how caring and supportive Gryphons are of one another – they welcome each other’s accomplishments! It is an environment that sets students up for success when combined with the academic and research excellence at Guelph. A memorable experience I would highlight would be my first class of MATH 1080 (Calculus) in first year. Our prof took off his shoes, sat on a desk at the front of the room, and made everyone grab the numbers of the students beside them so that they would have people to study with if they didn’t know anyone in class!
Please describe your campus & community involvement while at U of G (i.e. clubs, athletics, student organizations, jobs).
In first year, I was involved as a member of the IHSA equestrian team, and a floor representative in my residence. I began rowing in second year and rowed on the varsity team during third and fourth year, which did a lot to shape my university experience and allowed me to meet so many people. In fourth year, I was a Chemistry 1040 laboratory teaching assistant and Vice President of Communications on the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Council. In terms of employment, I held an Undergraduate Student Research Award after second year in the Physics department, and then worked the summers after third and fourth year in a Biochemistry / Microbiology laboratory on campus studying the mechanisms by which bacteria evade antibiotics.
What prompted you to become a Liaison Officer? What excites you the most about this position?
I love speaking to others about topics that I’m passionate about, and often find myself bragging to friends and family about Guelph – so why not get paid to do it? I’m excited to meet new people on the road, see new parts of Ontario, and inspire students to find what they’re most interested in!
What advice would you offer to potential U of G students?
I would offer the advice of making connections right from the day you get here. Connect with people in residence, your classmates, and get to know your professors – you never know what will help you to find a job or get involved in a new experience!
2019 Road Warrior Series: Ryan Padum
Posted: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 - 08:00
Name: Ryan Padum
Program: Graduated in 2019. Bachelor of Commerce – Management Economics & Finance. Was apart of the first graduating class at the newly named Gordon S. Lang School of Business & Economics.
What is your favourite thing about U of G? What was your most memorable experience here?
My favourite thing about U of G is the community. From our amazing faculty, to the supportive staff and of course our incredible students. My most memorable experience at the University was being able to participate in many business case competitions. This past April, I was fortunate to travel to Orlando, Florida where I competed in an Entrepreneurship Challenge and received a Top 10 overall International finish.
Please describe your campus & community involvement while at U of G (i.e. clubs, athletics, student organizations, jobs).
In my time at Guelph, I was a part of the Guelph Student Investment Council. This team manages a $100,000 portfolio on the North American markets. I held the roles of Portfolio Manager as well as Internal Manager of the team. Over my time with the council, I saw the team grow from a team of 8 all the way to 50 in the 2018-19 year.
I was additionally a part of DECA U Guelph, a team which focuses on business case competitions as well as hosts their own invitational competition on campus each year.
Being a huge sports enthusiast, I participated in many intramural sports most notably basketball, where I was able to compete with some of my best friends on the court.
I had many other extra-curricular involvements throughout my time at Guelph including volunteering on many occasions with the Gordon S. Lang School of Business & Economics.
What prompted you to become a Liaison Officer? What excites you the most about this position?
I became a Liaison Officer to share my love with this institution with other prospective students. The community and feeling of being on campus at Guelph is unlike any feeling I experienced anywhere else. The University also presents so many opportunities to get involved and make your university experience so much more worthwhile.
What advice would you offer to potential U of G students?
My advice to prospective students is to step out your comfort zone and take chances! University is a time to explore and find where your passions lie! Get involved with teams and clubs you are passionate about!
2019 Road Warrior Series: Jessie Kennedy
Posted: Thursday, September 12, 2019 - 08:00
Name: Jessie Kennedy
Program: Child Youth and Family Studies, minor in Psychology
What is your favourite thing about U of G? What was your most memorable experience here?
My favourite thing about the UofG is the balance of academics, athletics, and student life. I was actively in involved in the Guelph community and it was the people that I met throughout these experiences that made my undergrad so memorable! One of my favourite memories form being a student is painting the cannon during the 1st year!
Please describe your campus & community involvement while at U of G (i.e. clubs, athletics, student organizations, jobs).
With so many opportunities to get involved on the campus, I made sure to try a bit of everything! I was a tour guide, athlete on the novice rowing team, and a student rep for my program where I spoke to prospective students and families at Campus Day Open House Events. My favourite job on campus was running the Admission SnapChat account during my 4th year!
What prompted you to become a Liaison Officer? What excites you the most about this position?
I am extremely passionate about the University of Guelph and wanted the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience about the school to prospective students. I cannot wait to start the travel season and to meet the #futuregryphons
What advice would you offer to potential U of G students?
Come and visit our beautiful campus, the vibe at the UofG isn’t something that I can describe, you have to come feel it for yourself! The best way to learn about all the opportunities at the UofG for you is to go on a campus tour and hear from a current student! When you are on campus, make sure you see the Cannon, and grab a bite to eat at Creelman Hall, my favourite dining facility!
2019 Road Warrior Series: Sheila Mirafzal
Posted: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - 08:00
Name: Sheila Mirafzal
Program: Bachelor of Applied Science in Family Studies and Human Development, Minors in Psychology & Family and Child Studies
What is your favourite thing about U of G? What was your most memorable experience here?
Although the food is phenomenal, it’s the community and interconnectedness of the students that is my favourite part. People are not afraid to reach out to you whether they know you or not. Supports are also everywhere you look whether it is mental health supports from Student Accessibility Services, the Wellness Education Centre, professors to small things like students handing out words of encouragement with candy during exam season or therapy dogs coming in during exam times too.
I have too many memories on this campus to name one but everywhere I look I am reminded of times that are close to my heart. Some notable ones are trivia at Brass Taps, painting The Canon, doing a 5k with my dog on campus and petting cows in between classes; this campus is a physical scrapbook of some of the best years of my life so far.
The one that stands out the most to me is when I was visiting the campus with my best friend, we got lost trying to find the science complex. This kind student noticed that we were lost and offered to walk us to where we were trying to go. That experience exemplified to me what a wholesome and inclusive community the University of Guelph fosters.
Please describe your campus & community involvement while at U of G (i.e. clubs, athletics, student organizations, jobs).
On campus, I was involved at the Wellness Education Centre as a peer helper, later promoted to Senior Peer of NAKED, the team that focuses on topics such as sexual health, healthy relationships and LGBTQ2SIA+ groups. I was in charge of leading a team of peers to put out relevant health campaigns and events to educate and support the students on campus. I also helped with the organization of Winter Pride, the STI Testing Event and the annual Sexpose.
I was also a representative for my program on the student council for the College of Social Applied Human Sciences.
I volunteered as a University of Guelph Ambassador, as a volunteer tour guide and was a student representative at Academic Open houses as well as Fall Preview Days for my program and served on panels as well. I even helped transcribe data for a professor’s research as well as edited another professor’s radio show for them.
I also was involved with Project Serve Guelph where I was able to go to high schools and teach students about sexual health.
I was employed as the social media intern for the Annual Guelph Sexuality Conference.
I was also a member of the badminton club on campus.
What prompted you to become a Liaison Officer? What excites you the most about this position?
I thoroughly enjoyed speaking at panels and fairs representing my program to prospective students and answering their questions! I also love speaking to people and public speaking! During the training for the peer helpers, a girl approached me and told me that I was the reason she was at Guelph. I was stunned to hear such a thing and honestly was a bit confused. She then went on to clarify that she attended one of the panels where I talked about my experiences as a student in the program and told me that I was a huge help to her because I stayed and answered all of her questions after the panel ended. To hear such a thing was so shocking but really showed me that you can make a difference in someone’s life whether you are aware of it or not. That’s what prompted me to go after this position, so I can continue to make an impact on students’ lives and help them out with what they perceive as a stressful time in their lives. With that being said, I’m looking forward the most to answering students’ questions but most importantly, lessening their anxieties over this process and reminding them that this will be a fun journey for them. When I was in their shoes, I remember freaking out about everything and looking back at it now, I see that it was unnecessary and wish I had someone who reminded me that everything would turn out all right.
What advice would you offer to potential U of G students?
Take full advantage of all the opportunities that come your way, you’ll never know who you meet/network with or you might even discover something about yourself you never knew before! Also, don’t be afraid to change your mind whether that be regarding your program, your interests or even what you want to do after you graduate!
Office Closure
Posted: Wednesday, September 4, 2019 - 07:37
Good morning Future Gryphons!
Please note that Admission Services will be closed for our annual Community Breakfast from 8:30 - 10:00 am this morning (Wednesday, September 4, 2019).
We apologize for the inconvenience, and look forward to speaking with you outside of those hours.
Office Closure
Posted: Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - 14:59
Future Gryphons, please note that Admission Services will be closed for a seasonal event on Friday, August 23 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and look forward to speaking with you outside of those hours.
What you need to know about OSAP (Ontario Students)
Posted: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 - 12:07
Today we’re sharing some need-to-knows about OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) and telling you where to find more information.
1. Who should I contact at U of G with questions about OSAP and finances?
Student Financial Services here at Guelph should be your go-to contacts for information on billing, financial aid, scholarships and OSAP. They’ve got a Twitter account dedicated to sharing U of G financial info and answering your questions, as well as several email accounts for you to connect with:
Billing & Account Queries: accquest@uoguelph.ca
OSAP & Government Aid Queries: finaid@uoguelph.ca
Scholarships, Bursaries & Other Award Programs: awards@uoguelph.ca
2. What is OSAP?
OSAP is a financial aid program meant to help Ontario students pay for college or university through grants (money you don’t have to pay back) and loans (money you need to repay once you finish school).
3. Who can apply for OSAP?
You can apply for OSAP if you are an Ontario resident who is either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person. If you live outside of Ontario, we suggest looking into options available in your province.
4. When can I apply for OSAP?
The OSAP application is open right now! You must submit your application at least 6 weeks before you start school to be eligible to receive assistance for this year. We recommend applying by June 30th to ensure you receive your finding in time to pay for your fall semester.
5. When do I have to replay my loans?
OSAP repayment begins 6 months after you finish your full-time studies.
6. How do I apply for OSAP?
Visit the OSAP website and register to begin your OSAP application. Did you know that Student Financial Services has a step-by-step guide on applying for OSAP? It’s available on the Student Financial Services website.
For additional information on OSAP and university-related finance, be sure to connect with Student Financial Services. For deadlines and reminders follow them on Twitter @UOGStudentfin.
Why “Accepting your U of G Offer” needs to be on your to-do list
Posted: Tuesday, May 28, 2019 - 10:21
Monday, June 3rd is the Ontario University response deadline, which means you’ve got a BIG decision to make! We’ve been sharing what makes Guelph unique with you for months and today we are recapping the top 10 reasons you should accept your offer and become a Gryphon!
1. Guaranteed residence for all semester 1 students
As long as you accept your offer, complete the online registration and pay the $750 deposit fee by June 3rd!
Head to the Student Housing Services website to learn more about our residence communities and how to apply.
2. We offer tons of academic support
In addition to academic learning clusters in residence (where you can live and learn with other students in your program) our library offers Supported Learning Groups (SLGs) to help students with challenging courses. They also offer help with research and writing papers, math and stats help, and tons of activities to help you through exams.
Visit the McLaughlin Library website for more info on the services offered there.
3. Many financial support options
Did you know that in 2017/2018 we awarded over $24 million in scholarships and bursaries to our students?!
We also offer many on-campus jobs to make paying for your education a little easier. Check out the Financial Services website for information on our Work Study program, part-time jobs, our Undergraduate Research Assistantships and more!
4. Our state-of-the-art Athletics Centre
The U of G’s new 25,000 square foot athletics centre makes it easy to add a workout into your daily routine. Base memberships begin at $50 a semester. Visit the Guelph Gryphons website for details.
5. Community and mental health support for everyone
Our goal is to help you succeed, which is why we offer plenty of mental health supports and services all located in one brand new building – J.T. Powell. Student Wellness Services offers drop-in sessions and scheduled appointments with counsellors, nutritionists, accessibility staff and more.
This is also where you’ll find our Health and Performance Centre and Student Health Services. Visit the Student Wellness website for more info and services.
6. Our annual research finding is off the charts
Did you know that U of G receives over $146 million in annual research funding? That’s more than any other school in Canada without a medical school!
This means there is tons of support at U of G for you to explore your interests through research. Visit the Office of Research website to learn about current research projects, future opportunities and to find a potential researcher to work with!
7. Best campus food in Canada
Our campus food has been voted #1 and Maclean’s recently confirmed that this ranking is well deserved. To hear what our students have to say, head to YouTube and watch current students sample campus food and give their stamp of approval.
8. Student Experience at U of G is top notch!
Our purpose at U of G is to Improve Life, and according to our students, we are doing exactly that! In 2019, Maclean’s Magazine awarded U of G top marks for student experience. This means that from academics to student involvement, athletics and beyond, you’ll feel comfortable and supported here at Guelph. Visit the Student Experience website for details.
9. Experience all things Guelph
There are a lot of things that make the U of G unique – we call these “Guelph Things”. Head to YouTube to learn about some of the “Guelph Things” our students have discovered.
With over 200 clubs, unique student experience opportunities and a beautiful campus and city to explore, there’s something for everyone at Guelph. Accept your offer to find your own “Guelph Thing”!
10. You can have it all at U of G
We know you’re comparing academics, student life, residence, athletics and more before making that final decision. All the things we listed above and more come together to make the University of Guelph a community like no other!
We hope you’ve had the chance to visit our beautiful campus, tour our exceptional facilities, meet some of our award-winning faculty, and experience what it means to be a Gryphon. If you haven’t, head to our Instagram where we’ve saved virtual tours, photos of campus and highlighted the U of G experience.
When you're ready to accept your offer head to the OUAC website and make your choice.
Good luck with your decision Future Gryphons, we know you’ll make the right choice for you.
For those that choose to become Gryphons, we cannot wait to have you!
What you need to know about the residence application process
Posted: Thursday, May 23, 2019 - 10:56
Today we’re outlining the basic process for applying to residence and directing you to the experts that can answer all housing-related questions. Let’s get started.
Note the deadline and deposit amount
If you are a Future Gryphon planning to live in residence this fall, you should know that the deadline to apply and submit your $750 deposit is Monday, June 3, 2019. If you’ve applied and paid that deposit by the deadline, you will be GUARANTEED a place in residence.
Narrow down your residence choices
Before you can decide which residence is best for you, you need to see what we’ve got. Luckily you have several options for checking out residence before applying:
- Come on a tour and see residence in person
- Check out Student Housing Services’ virtual tours on YouTube to see room layouts and building amenities
- Tune into Snapchat for live tours this week (add uofghousing)
Explore our residence learning communities
Our unique residence learning communities bring together groups of students with common interests and include:
- Academic Learning Communities
- Living Learning Centres
- Themed Learning Communities
Learn more about each community type by visiting the Student Housing Services website.
Download the Applying to Residence viewbook or watch the online tutorial
Once you are ready to apply for residence, head to the Student Housing Services website and find the “How to apply” section. From there you can view and download the Applying to Residence viewbook OR watch the How to Apply tutorial. Both outline the entire application process step-by-step.
What you need to apply
In order to start your residence application, you need two things:
- An offer of admission to the University of Guelph
- Your central login and password (If you do not have your central login and password yet, there is an option to log in using your date of birth, last name and University of Guelph ID #)
What’s next?
Keep an eye on your GryphMail account (@uoguelph.ca) – this is where all official housing communications will be sent!
- mid-July: room assignments will be released
- late-July: you will receive a Move-In Information Guide
- August: pack and get ready for your new life as a Gryphon
- August 31: MOVE-IN DAY
For more information on residence and to ask any and all questions, we recommend talking to our housing experts:
Email: housing@uoguelph.ca
Phone: 519.824.4120 x58701
Facebook: Student Housing Services – University of Guelph
Twitter: @uofg_housing
Snapchat: uofgHousing
Round 3 Q&As
Posted: Tuesday, May 21, 2019 - 13:54
We are right in the middle of our third and final round of offers Future Gryphons. We typically get a ton of questions during this time so today we’re breaking down some of the most common Q & A’s. Here we go…
Q - What is the "exact" cut-off average? OR What was the "exact" cut off average last year?
A - We do not release admission averages. If your admission average met the required average, your application will be fully considered. In this final round we consider other factors such as the Student Profile Form and as a result, the averages of admitted students do vary.
Q - I have applied to the Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting (example – substitute any other program), my average falls within the "estimated range" do you think I will be admitted? OR My grades are higher than the estimated cut off average – why have I not been admitted?
A - The "estimated range" is based on the admission averages from previous years and is a point of reference. Throughout the admission cycle, admission averages change with each round of offers and are determined by the number and quality of applicants, as well as space availability within the program.
Q - I applied to co-op, but I was admitted to the regular program. How do I get co-op?
A - If you applied to co-op your application for co-op will be considered again in this final round of offers. If we are still unable to offer you admission to co-op and you accept admission to the regular stream of the program by the June 1st deadline, you will have another opportunity to apply for Co-op when you are in your first year of studies at Guelph. Contact Co-operative Education & Career Services for more information (Ext. 52323).
Q - Do you just use my "top" six or do you also calculate my average using my required courses?
A - At Guelph, during the final round of offers, we use the specific 4U Ontario high school courses required for your program plus your next best 4U and/or 4M courses, for a total of six 4U/M courses, to form your admission average.
Q - When are the May offers of admission being released?
A - We are currently in our third round of admission and are continuing to make offers. We are committed to providing an admission decision (e.g. admitted, deferred, etc.) by May 28th.
Q - How many people are admitted to (for example) - the Bachelor of Applied
Science - Applied Human Nutrition?
A - We admit more students that we expect to register each year as we know students apply to a number of programs and have choice in which they accept. If your admission average falls within our range, your application will be considered.
Q - Can I accept an offer from another university? A - Yes, you can accept an offer from another university but no Ontario university can require you to make that decision before the June 3rd common response deadline. Accepting a subsequent offer will void the previous one as you can only have one accepted offer on file with the OUAC and you should do so by the June 3rd deadline.
Q - How do I accept my offer?
A - You accept your offer through the OUAC website and by the June 3rd common response deadline. As well, June 3rd is the deadline for your Residence application and deposit to Student Housing. These are firm deadlines. You are encouraged to take your time and follow the OUAC instructions as there are a number of ‘buttons’ to click as you move through the acceptance process. There is also a tutorial offered through the OUAC that students can access for support and assistance. Please see Tutorial # 7 - How to View and Respond to Ontario University Offers of Admission
This video will show you how to check for university offers of admission and how to accept or decline those offers.
Q - How do I defer my admission?
A - You can apply to defer your admission by emailing your request to our Admissions office at admission@uoguelph.ca. You are not required to accept your offer in order to defer. The deadline for completion of this process is August 9, 2019 and it is a firm deadline. The cost of the deferral is $80.
Q - I’ve already gained admission but didn’t get an entrance scholarship. Will my most recent grades be considered again for entrance scholarship eligibility?
A - Yes, for entrance scholarships, we will automatically consider semester two, mid-term grades but may not normally include grades for courses registered in and completed after June (i.e. during the summer). You will be notified of changes to scholarship eligibility by Student Financial Services.
Q - I’m an Ontario high school student and I just figured out I want to apply to Guelph. Can I still apply? OR I have an offer of admission to (insert program) at the University of Guelph, but now realize it’s really (insert program) that I really want. Is there anything I can do?
A - With the exception of the DTM program, all undergraduate programs are currently closed on the OUAC101. In mid-June, once we have received responses to the offers made throughout the admission cycle, we will decide whether programs will reopen. In the interim, we strongly encourage you to accept one of the offers you currently have. After June 6, 2019, all students can access the OUAC Admission Information Service (AIS) at www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101/ais to review program openness.
Q - Where can I send my documents?
A - Please have your documents sent to:
Admission Services
Level 3 University Centre
University of Guelph
50 Stone Rd E
Guelph, ON
N1G 2W1
