News
Beating Exam Stress at U of G
Posted: Wednesday, April 4, 2018 - 14:24
It’s that time of year again—finals are quickly approaching and the end of the semester is in sight. At U of G, we want to keep our students mentally and physically healthy during the exam period so they are able to do their best.
To help combat stress, our Library Team develops a list of activities each semester to help students take a study break, refresh their minds and stay motivated. These events are supported by various campus groups such as the Student Support Network and the Wellness Education Centre. 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 a colouring contest?
Or enjoying “Coffee with a Cop”?
Would playing with slime calm you down?
Or maybe just a snack break with free food?
We offer these activities and more each exam period so you have a little something to look forward to in an otherwise study-filled time.
Did we mention our “Take a Paws” event brings in therapy dogs 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!
ICYMI: Campus Day 2018
Posted: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 - 11:09
Thank-you to all the Future Gryphons who made it out to Campus Day on Sunday! If you couldn’t make it, here’s an overview of what you missed:
1. We welcomed over 2,100 Future Gryphons!
We had a blast showing off our beautiful campus and chatting with prospective students about our favourite place; the U of G!
2. Future Gryphons and their families toured campus
After receiving a warm welcome, our U of G Ambassadors lead group tours around campus and our academic facilities. Prospective students were able to check out classrooms, labs and study spaces and even observed some demonstrations.
If you couldn’t make it, don’t panic! Tours are still available until April 6th with spring and summer tours resuming from April 30th – August 17th. Visit our website to book your tour today.
3. The Student Resource Fair was bumping
We had current students, faculty and university employees on hand for most of the day answering questions and sharing their university experience with Future Gryphons.
out our Campus Services article for a breakdown of student resources offered to U of G students.
4. Residence was open for drop-ins
It helps to be able to picture yourself living somewhere and on Sunday, this was possible through residence drop-in tours. If you couldn’t make it, be sure to check out our 360 degree virtual residence tours on the housing website!
5. Campus eateries were open
You’ve likely heard us brag about having the best food on any Canadian university campus and Future Gryphons were able to confirm this for themselves! If you’d like to try our incredible food, book a tour today and check out our recent article breaking down our amazing campus eateries before you visit.
6. We captured the day on video
If you weren’t able to make it to Campus Day, check out our re-cap video and picture yourself here Future Gryphons!
Breaking down Minors at the U of G
Posted: Friday, March 23, 2018 - 13:28
At the U of G we offer Majors, Minors, Co-op streams, Areas of Emphasis and more; but what does it all mean?! Today we’re answering your most frequently asked questions about Minors.
Q: What is the difference between a Major and a Minor?
A: A Major is your main area of study within a degree program. For example, Bio-Medical Science and Neuroscience are Majors within the Bachelor of Science program.
A Minor is an optional secondary area of study that can either be related to or different from your main area of study.
A Major involves intensive focus on a specific discipline, while a Minor provides an introductory level of education on a discipline.
Q: When can I declare a Minor?
A: Minors can be declared once you have started your university studies. See the answer below for how to do this.
Q: How do I declare my Minor?
A: You can declare your Minor by meeting with your program counsellor when you’re on campus. A quick search on the U of G webpage will tell you who your program counsellor is and their contact info.
Q: What pre-requisites do I need for my Minor?
A: There are typically no mandatory pre-requisites to declare a Minor, however you are going to want to make sure you have an understanding of the basics before going all-in. For example, if you Major in Commerce but decide you want to Minor in Biology, we’d recommend you take grade 12 biology so you have a basic understanding of the subject (and to make sure you actually like it!).
Q: Do Minors have required courses?
A: Typically you are required to take 5.00 credits towards a Minor. Check out the 2018-2019 Undergraduate Calendar for a complete breakdown of requirements for specific Minors.
Q: What Minors are offered at U of G?
A: A complete list of Minors can be found on our website.
Q: Can I Major in science and Minor in Arts?
A: Yes! Check out the B.Sc. Academic Advising website for information on how to do this.
Q: Can I do more than one Minor?
A: You’re in luck! All Bachelor of Arts & Sciences students choose two Minors – one in Science, and one in the Arts or Social Sciences. Each minor will be made up of a minimum of 5.00 credits, or approximately 10 courses.
If you are interested in both the Arts and the Sciences and can’t choose between the two, this is a great program choice for you! The best part is you don’t need to specify your two Minors until the end of second semester so you have flexibility to sample different courses in first year.
Q: Are Minors available for every program?
A: There are a couple programs where Minors are not possible in the regular course of study because of their applied and structured nature. You may still choose to do a Minor in the following programs, however it will extend your degree beyond the 4 years.
- Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Sciences
We hope this answers some of your questions about Minors, Future Gryphons. If you have additional questions about our programs or would like to tour our campus, come on out to Campus Day this Sunday, March 25th and speak directly with current students, professors and admission staff.
Tips Tuesdays – Episode 7: Make the Most of Campus Day
Posted: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - 13:55
Campus Day is on Sunday, March 25th Future Gryphons, so we’re sharing how to make the most out of your day.
Tip #1: Talk to people in your program of interest
Our Academic Resources Fair will have professors and current students on hand to chat about program specifics and to answer any questions you have. This is your chance to hear firsthand about student experiences, so don’t be shy!
Tip #2: Attend an Academic Information Session
Each program will be hosting a half hour session covering the basics on course requirements and academic opportunities. Visit the Campus Day webpage to plan your visit using our session schedule.
Tip #3: Visit program facilities
Thinking of applying to Bachelor of Science? You’ll get the chance to tour our Science Complex and see the labs you’ll be working in.
Considering Studio Arts? Tour the studios in the Arts building; Zavitz Hall.
Engineering? Thornborough is ready for you to visit.
Commerce? The newly renovated MacDonald Hall is open for you to explore.
And, those are just examples…
Most academic buildings will be offering presentations and demonstrations, so if there is something specific you want to see, check out our online schedule and make note.
Tip #4: Tour the campus
Experience the beauty of campus in the spring. Check out our residence halls, dining facilities, historic and modern academic buildings, and see our state-of-the-art athletic facilities first-hand.
Tip #5: Try our food!
U of G food has been ranked #1 on any Canadian university campus for over 10 years. Our most popular campus eateries will be open for you to try on Campus Day. Read our recent article for our must-try dining locations!
Tip #6: Drop into residence
Simply arrive at the marked entrances to our various residence buildings and allow a tour guide to show you around. This is a great way to picture yourself in your future home before applying to residence.
Tip #7: Learn more about university life
Campus Day will also offer student service sessions. Learn more about living on campus, financing your education and our accessibility services.
Tip #8: Get some U of G swag
The University Bookstore will be offering 15% off all regular priced clothing and giftware for Campus Day. We want all Future Gryphons to represent U of G!
Tip #9: Share your excitement!
We’ll be covering the day on social (Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter); follow “uofgadmission”. We’d love to see your excitement! Send us your Snaps and share your pics on Instagram using the hashtag #futuregryphon.
Stoked? We are. And because there is so much going on, we encourage you to visit our Campus Day event page to register and plan your day.
See you on Sunday Future Gryphons!
The University of Guelph – You’ve Gotta Eat Here!
Posted: Thursday, March 15, 2018 - 14:29
Did you know our food has been ranked the best on any Canadian university campus for over 10 years? This is because we're constantly sourcing local, sustainable foods for our various dining locations.
Today we’re breaking down some of the mouthwatering options available to you both on and off campus.
Hospitality Services manages many of our residence dining facilities and other on-campus locations. Check them out below and be sure to visit the Hospitality website for a complete list of dining options!
#1 Creelman Hall Marketplace
Although all of our food is amazing, Creelman Hall is our most popular on-campus eatery. We call it a marketplace because of its wide variety of shops laid out like an open market. Choose from the all-day salad bar, made to order pizza and pasta, the Mongolian BBQ and so. much. more!
Looking for local food or vegetarian options? The 100 Mile Grille features local foods daily and Nature’s Best is always cooking up tasty vegetarian options!
Coming soon to Creelman Hall is the Creelman Bake Shop! Follow @HospitalityUofG on Twitter for updates on the Bake Shop’s official opening.
#2 The University Centre Food Court
Located on the main floor of the University Centre (UC), the food court is the central place on campus to grab a meal, coffee or snack. It offers a great mix of home cooking, vegetarian foods and sandwiches as well as your favourite brands like Subway, Starbucks and Pizza Pizza. There’s something for everyone in the UC Food Court.
#3 LA
For those living in the North end of campus, LA is just a few steps away. If you’re living in Lennox/Addington Residence, you don’t even need to leave the building to access their wide food selection!
LA features a hot grill, Pizza Pizza counter, a salad bar, a Starbucks and more! The best part is you can take anything you order back to your room to enjoy.
#4 South Eateries
Another residence building where you don’t need to leave to find delicious food options! Mountain and Prairie Dining Halls are conveniently located under one roof in our largest student residence hall. From gourmet waffles, crepes and other desserts in Mountain to the salad bar and hot meals served in Prairie Hall, you’ll never go hungry living in South Residence!
#5 Food Trucks
Don’t be alarmed when you see food trucks driving around campus Future Gryphons!
The Caffeine Canteen serves breakfast and lunch and is a great spot to grab our very own Gryphon Blend Fair Trade coffee.
The Gryph N’ Grille serves lunch and dinner and even shows up at special events and sporting events across campus! Be sure to follow them on Twitter to view their daily hours and location.
Several food trucks from around Guelph also pop onto campus during the warmer months so look out for them on your walk to class!
U of G also offers several dining options that are run separately from Hospitality Services that still deliver the high quality food and service you can expect anywhere on our campus. Bob's Dogs and The Bullring are two places completely unique to the U of G where you can grab some grub!
#6 Campus Bakery Co.
Located in the Brass Taps Pub in the UC, this bakery is dedicated to providing the freshest baked goods available for pick-up or eating in. Many of their baked treats can be prepared to accommodate vegan and gluten-free dietary considerations, so everyone can enjoy them.
#7 Bob’s Dogs
Bob’s Dogs is a University of Guelph staple. Picture the friendliest man on earth, serving up hot dogs, sausages and veggie dogs year round with a big smile and a side of guitar playing – this is Bob and you NEED to meet him!
#8 The Bullring
Run by the Central Student Association, The Bullring is your on-campus living room. Outfitted in the comfiest couches and chairs, it’s definitely the most unique spot on campus to grab a bite, read a book or catch up with friends. Everything on The Bullring menu is full of flavor and made-to-order. They also have some of the most extensive vegan and vegetarian meal options on campus.
In addition to delicious foods, The Bullring also hosts an open mic night every Wednesday and can be booked for special events!
#9 Off-Campus Eating
Did you know you can use your meal plan at off-campus restaurants AND have food delivered to your residence? We’re talking, pizza, burritos, Chinese food, wings, sushi, subs and more!
Visit the hospitality website for a complete list of off-campus eateries where U of G meal plans are accepted.
Believe it or not Future Gryphons these are just SOME of the incredible on and off-campus eateries at the U of G. Check out our YouTube channel for videos of students trying foods from all over campus.
Come tour Canada’s Food University and discover how you could be eating for the next four years of your life! Trust us, you’ve gotta eat here!
#tourguidethoughts: Renee
Posted: Monday, March 12, 2018 - 08:00
Name: Renée Benczik
Program: MSc Animal Nutrition
Tour Guide Year: 2
Coolest thing about your program?
I get to do hands-on research with animals! In my Masters, I’ve gotten to conduct my own nutritional trial with rainbow trout, and during my BSc. In Animal Biology at U of G prior to my Masters, I worked directly with horses, pigs, chickens, and cows.
What prompted you to become a tour guide?
I have a love for the U of G school community, the people, and the academic supports. Sharing the knowledge I’ve gained with visiting students is such a pleasure because I know exactly how nerve-racking it can be to find a university to call home for the next 4 years of your life!
What is the best thing you’ve experienced while being a tour guide? Or, what is your favourite thing about being a tour guide?
The best thing for me about being a tour guide is when families and students tell me how informative and helpful my tour has been. I especially love when I can add personal stories and tips that I think will help students looking into particular programs, clubs, and athletics. Providing a sense of ease and relief in the decision-making process is really rewarding.
BEST spot on campus? Why?
Pages Coffee House/Tim Hortons in the MacNaughton building is where I love to go grab a coffee and catch up on some homework. It’s central on campus so it’s very close to most lecture halls and the university centre. It’s also a really nice place to hang out with my friends in between classes during the week.
Why should students come for a tour?
Every tour guide goes through extensive training to be able to give you detailed information on so many things U of G has to offer, including residence, academic schedules, personal and academic support services, athletics, and much more. We all love adding personal stories about U of G to our tours as well, and we’re happy to answer any academic questions you have based on the programs we’re in.
Any advice to incoming students (or their families)?
Come on as many tours as you like and ask all the questions you have! Even if you’re not sure of what to ask on a tour, listening to the tour guide’s information and responses to other people’s questions can be immensely helpful.
Fact Fridays – Episode 13: Admission Offers Round Two
Posted: Friday, March 9, 2018 - 07:00
We are just beginning to send out our second round of offers Future Gryphons!
Wondering what this means for you? You’re in luck! Today we’re telling you what to expect in our second round of admission offers.
Fact #1: Round Two has officially begun
Our second round of offers typically begin going out in early March and continue going out until mid-April. The third and final round of offers will begin in late April.
NOTE: If you don’t receive an offer in this second round, MAKE SURE you complete a Student Profile Form by May 1, 2018.
Fact #2: We’re looking at Required Subjects
In this round we use your top six completed 4U or 4M courses, including required subjects to calculate your admission average. Where needed, we use a combination of the top six completed or in-progress 4U/M and completed 3U/M courses, including required subjects.
Estimated cut-off ranges are based on the admission averages from the previous three years of admitted students. They are a point of reference so you have an estimate of where your admission average needs to be to receive an offer. Exact cutoff’s for the current admission cycle are determined by the quantity and quality of applicants AND the number of spaces available in each program.
Fact #3: Check your OUAC account for an offer
We don’t send offers by email so be sure to check your OUAC account! Offers will show up there first, and then you can expect a congratulations package from us in the mail – yes, we still use snail mail.
Fact #4: You may receive an Alternate Offer
If you are not currently admissible to the major you applied to, there are a few programs where we will automatically consider you for an alternate program. We will reconsider you for your first choice program in the third and final round of offers so don’t get discouraged if you receive an alternate offer in this round.
You may receive an Alternate Offer if you applied to the following programs:
- Biomedical Science – your alternate offer will be to the Biological Science major
- Human Kinetics – your alternate offer will also be to the Biological Science major
- Criminal Justice and Public Policy – your alternate offer will be to our Bachelor of Arts, General major
- Co-op – your alternate offer will be to the non-co-op stream of the program you applied to
When you receive an alternate offer, you have the following choices:
- You can wait for the final round of offers and see if you get admitted to your first choice program.
- If you are not admitted to your first choice you can accept your alternate offer and then work with your program counsellor once you are a student here (in the fall) to switch to another major or apply to the co-op stream for the Winter Semester.
Note: Changing your major in the fall will not affect how you choose your courses (Course Selection begins in May). Most of our programs offer a common first-year, so you’d take similar courses regardless of your major within the program. That sums up our second round of offers Future Gryphons! Be sure to check your OUAC account over the next few weeks and get your SPF forms submitted by May 1st if you haven’t received an offer.
If you’re looking for something to do on March Break, check out our recent article to learn why you should join us for a tour!
Tips Tuesdays – Episode 6: Visit U of G on your March Break!
Posted: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 - 07:00
March Break is coming up quickly and we’re giving you a BIG tip on how to spend your holidays – visiting the U of G and exploring campus on a March Break Tour!
Tip #1: Experience the Atmosphere
We firmly believe that visiting a university campus is the best way to figure out if that school is a good fit for you. Many of our Gryphons say that after their campus visit, they knew that the U of G was the perfect fit for them.
Meet the people, eat the food, checkout the residences, visit some lecture halls and witness what U of G means to its students – we know you won’t be let down.
Tip #2: Check out the Athletic Centre
It’s here. It’s live. It’s ready for you to sweat in it… okay maybe save the sweat for September but the Athletic Centre is yours to explore on our March Break Tours. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on the tour to learn more about membership prices, what’s covered in your tuition, fitness classes and more.
Tip #3: Take advantage of small tour group sizes
Because there are quite a few of you who will be coming to campus on March Break, we’ve brought on extra tour guides.
What does this mean?
More tour guides = smaller groups and more interaction. You’ll have more one-on-one time with your guide, and have lots of time to get your questions answered.
Tip #4: Observe our Gryphons in their natural habitat
It’s awesome that March Break gives you the opportunity to tour campus during the week. You get to see U of G’s students in their natural habitat: attending class, studying in the library, running to hand in an assignment, enjoying coffee with friends and living the “typical” student life.
Stick around after your tour, grab some lunch at an on-campus eatery and picture yourself here!
Tip #5: Take it all in!
As with our regular tours, you’ll visit residence, lecture halls, the library, the University Centre, and other academic areas.
You’ll also interact with our passionate tour guides who are here to share their experiences and tell you a bit about what to expect in your years at U of G.
Our tours are your chance to step into a Gryphon’s shoes for a day, so come take it all in and use this experience to make the best decision for your future.
What are you waiting for Future Gryphons? Take the first step in making U of G part of your 2018 and register for a March Break Tour. See you soon!
#tourguidethoughts: Katie
Posted: Monday, March 5, 2018 - 15:14
Name: Katie Lewis
Program: Bachelor of Science, Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Minoring in Math
Tour Guide Year: 1st
Coolest thing about your program?
Coolest thing about my program is that in the winter of your third-year, you can spend one semester at Seneca College, taking lab focused courses in their laboratory technician program. It also offers co-op, which is awesome!
What prompted you to become a tour guide?
I just really love the vibe of this campus and wanted to share that with incoming students. The goal of this year is to influence at least one person to come to U of G.
What is the best thing you’ve experienced while being a tour guide? Or, what is your favourite thing about being a tour guide?
I love giving incoming students/athletes tours because I work in the athletics department, and I try to stay as involved with athletics as possible. I also love parents who try really hard to embarrass their kids while on the tour because it reminds me of when I did my campus tour with my own parents.
BEST spot on campus? Why?
Super nerdy, but there’s this one room in the Summerlee Science Complex that has a couple NMR’s in it (cool chemistry instruments) and it was really exciting when I was trained on them; so I hold that close to my heart. Or, the student lounge in the Athletic Centre!
Why should students come for a tour?
Students should come for a tour because you absolutely cannot understand the vibe and energy of U of G just from online. We have a campus that’s really special to be on and I find students always see that when they come for a tour!
Any advice to incoming students (or their families)?
Look at every school because you are going to have to live in that city/attend that school for the next four years and it’s important to find somewhere that really fits. Also, don’t be shy to ask questions on your tour! Good luck Future Gryphons!
Fact Fridays – Episode 12: Experiential Learning at U of G
Posted: Friday, March 2, 2018 - 08:41
We believe there is no single way to learn and not everything can be taught in a classroom. This is why U of G offers MANY experiential learning opportunities for you to apply your classroom knowledge, network within your industry, and be prepared to work in your field after graduation.
Today we’re breaking down the many experiential learning prospects offered here at U of G.
Fact #1: We offer Co-operative Education
Not only are co-ops a great way to gain work experience, they also introduce you to others in your industry and allow you to build your professional network.
Not sure if an industry is right for you? Completing a co-op placement can be a great way to see if you can picture yourself working in that field after graduation. If you try something that isn’t right for you, choose to do your next placement somewhere that may be a better fit.
At U of G, each co-op student will have exceptional support from co-op coordinators, advisors, peer helper students and a student advisory committee!
Fact #2: Learn Internationally
Did you know that you have the option to study almost anywhere in the world WHILE gaining credits to your degree?
U of G offers:
- 78 exchange programs
- 6 different semester abroad opportunities
- International co-op work terms
- International research opportunities
- Courses with international field trips
We believe the entire planet is your classroom, so if you’ve always wanted to see the world, take advantage of these opportunities Future Gryphons!
Fact #3: Internships, Practicums and Placements – we’ve got ‘em all
Some of our programs require students to complete an internship, practicum or placement – more great ways to gain industry experience and apply what you are learning in class to the real world.
Programs offering Practicums and Placements:
Programs offering Internships:
Fact #4: Learn outside the classroom in Field Courses
This is where you put classroom theories into practice; often in a natural setting. These courses typically involve collecting data using methods learned in class.
Select programs offer field courses including:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (offers trips to Costa Rica, Belize and Brazil)
- Bachelor of Science (offers Marine Biology, Oceanography, Field Ecology and Arctic Ecology courses)
- Bachelor of Arts (offers a Philosophy field course)
Fact #5: Design solutions to real life problems
In the Engineering and Computing programs, students have the chance to complete design projects where classroom lessons are put to the test.
Engineering at U of G is very design based, meaning many of the courses offered involve designing a solution to a problem.
Computing students will get the chance to compete in a 24 hour Hackathon where they are challenged to develop software solutions to contribute to a global issue.
Both programs give students the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively and engage in some friendly competition – sometimes with prizes up for grabs!
Fact #6: Top off your degree with Capstone Courses
These are typically completed during your final year. Most capstone courses involve long-term projects encouraging critical thinking and problem solving. These projects are meant to help you apply what you’ve learned throughout your degree and develop important skills like communication, planning and teamwork.
The skills you learn in a capstone course will help you succeed in the workplace, in grad school and life in general. Think of these courses as the cherry on top of your degree – not mandatory, but they make your experience a little sweeter.
Fact #7: We offer additional experiential learning opportunities
At the U of G, we view experiential learning as anything that enriches your undergraduate education. This includes anything from volunteering to work-study jobs to continuing your education through grad studies.
Learn how else you can Improve Life at U of G by checking out these opportunities:
