Welcome, #futuregryphons

Posted: Friday, June 2, 2017 - 10:41

We’re so excited that you’ve decided to become a Gryphon. We’re sure you’re wondering what that looks like and what your next steps are. Well, we got you!

Our 15-week Transition to a Gryphon campaign will introduce you to the U of G departments and services that you need to be familiar with. We’ll also remind you of upcoming important dates, give some first-year tips, and prep you for Orientation Week!

Step 1: Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook (if you don’t already). Most of the campaign’s tips and information will be pushed out on our platforms, along with directing you to other departments’ social accounts.

Step 2: Bookmark our Transition to a Gryphon webpage! This is where you can find all of the information you need for that week and what you might have missed.

If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to ask and we’ll show you where you can find the answers. See you soon, Gryphons!

15 Reasons You Might #BeAGryphon

Posted: Friday, May 26, 2017 - 09:39

1. You want to be in a program as unique as your interests.

Flexibility? It’s an art form at U of G. Customize your program with research and volunteer opportunities, Co-op placements, exchanges and study abroad options… the possibilities are endless.

2. You REALLY. LOVE. FOOD.

What better way to reward yourself for all of the hard (but fun) work you’ll put in as a Gryphon than with some of our epic food? 

3. You’re always willing to hold the door.

Or smile at someone holding one for you.

4. You like to take part in tradition.

5. Coffee is your friend. 

With stellar coffee shop options around every corner, you’ll never be lonely again.

6. You like to get involved.

Intramural sports? Check. A world of volunteer opportunities? Yep, we got that too. Student-run clubs and activities? You betcha! 

We are a community of volunteers.

7. You’re an active person.

Have you seen our AMAZING new athletic facilities? Being active on campus never looked so good.

8. You LOVE animals.

From squirrels, to puppies, to horses, we’ve got lots of furry friends waiting for you on campus. 

Oh and birds! We’ve got those, too!

9. You’re one to express your school spirit.

Homecoming ya’ll. Be there!

10. You enjoy open space.

Fresh air is in abundance on J-Green or as you stroll through the Arboretum.

11. You’re riding the sustainability train and NEVER want to get off.

BYO reusable water bottle or coffee mug and enjoy our water refill stations throughout campus. Also, get perks at many campus coffee shops for using your own mug. 

Now, pat yourself on the back for being an environmentally responsible Gryphon!

12. You catch yourself daydreaming about personalizing your res-room.

It’s your crib – jazz it up.

13. You have a GREAT sense of humour. 

We’re hilarious, we know. BUT, the campus squirrels get the last laugh as they surprise you at every turn. 

14. You’re always stoked about meeting new people. 

You’re in for a treat – U of G people are the BEST people!

15. You’re willing to accept that “once a gryphon, #foreveragryphon”.

Gryphon Speak

Posted: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 14:49

The University of Guelph is a special place. So, we thought there should be special words that Gryphons can use to sum up their experiences at U of G. These will definitely help every #futuregryphon fit right in come September.

Round 3 - Top 10 FAQ's

Posted: Thursday, May 18, 2017 - 12:09

1. When will I know if I’m getting an offer of admission or not? How will I find out?

We will continue to make decisions over the next 2-3 business days. All students will see their application status online at www.ouac.on.ca no later than Thursday, May 26. Students who are receiving an offer of admission will also receive an offer package in the mail.

2. Are you sending out offers for all programs yet?

Offers to all of our programs, including Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, have or will be going out in our third round, which is currently being processed.

3. What's the cut-off average for the program I applied to?

Cut-offs vary by program and are dependent on the quality and quantity of applications.  If your admission average meets the final cut-off for any of the programs you applied to at U of G, you will be receiving an offer from us.

4. I didn’t get an offer to the program I applied to, but rather to something else. Can you tell me why?

If you applied to a major but have received an offer to an alternate major, please rest assured that we considered your application carefully before making you this alternate offer.

Certain majors (such as Criminal Justice and Public Policy, Bio-Medical Science, Human Kinetics, and all Co-op programs) have a higher admission average than most majors within their respective program, and while you maybe didn’t quite meet that cut-off, your average met the cut-off for a similar major within the program, and your offer of admission will reflect that.

5. What about the Student Profile Form (SPF) I filled out? How will that be used?

Your SPF will be considered if your average falls within a discretionary range of the final cut-off (up to 5%). 

6. My average is above/within the cut off range. Why don't I have an offer?

Please realize that our published cut-off ranges are an estimate only, based on the admission averages from previous years, and are provided solely as a point of reference. 

7. How do I pay my deposit for residence?

Your $500 residence deposit can be paid in any of the following ways:

• Online or Telephone Banking (through your own bank)
• Money Order, Bank Draft or Certified Cheque (no personal cheques)
• Wire Transfer
• Cash or Interac (Debit Card) in person in our office.

For more information on deposit payment, visit the Student Housing Services website.

8. What about the deposit for tuition?

We require a minimum $200 deposit to be paid by August 11, 2017 to hold your place in your courses. This fee will be applied to your student account, which will be available to view as of July 26, 2017 on WebAdvisor.

Your deposit can be paid by internet or telephone banking, or in person. For a full list of methods of payment, please refer to Student Financial Services website.

9. I have accepted my offer to the U of G now what?

Woohoo – Congrats!! If you haven’t already, you should apply to residence (if you plan on living on campus) and pay the $500 deposit (see #5, above).

Once that’s out of the way, you should register for your Fall 2017 classes (exciting, right?!). The ‘add period’ for first year students is May 15 – July 5, and complete instructions can be found in the Registration Handbook for New Students.

10. I have accepted my offer, how long until I receive my registration package?

The registration handbooks are being sent out on an ongoing basis as students accept their admission offers, so if you’ve accepted your offer but haven’t received the registration handbook yet, keep an eye out for it too!

Five Reasons to Accept Your Offer to the U of G

Posted: Monday, May 15, 2017 - 11:39

1. Our Experiential Learning opportunities are off the hook

2. Our First-Year Seminars will expand your mind

First-Year Seminars, available to – you guessed it – only first-year students, are a unique and engaging highlight to your first year of post-secondary studies. We’ve got 22 weird and wonderful seminar subjects available for the Fall 2017 semester, and we’re sure you could see yourself in at least one of them. Check out some of these highlights:

• Exploring Expression through Graffiti,
• Feeding 9 Billions,
• Making Things Perfectly Queer,
• and Singing Sociologist.

3. Our food is, well, the BEST

We know we’re always raving about the food here, but it really is pretty incredible. Butter Chicken Poutine, anyone? Or maybe a hand-made burger with locally sourced goats cheese and caramelized onions? Those options barely scratch the surface of all of the yummy cuisine we offer, and highlight why we’ve been #1 for campus food for over 10 years! Check out some of our mouth-watering food videos to see what all the fuss is about!

4. Speaking of Rankings…

Food isn’t the only thing at U of G that consistently gets high marks. Did you know that we’re ranked #1 in Canada for overall learning, living and student support (Academic Ranking of World Universities – ARWU). The impressive rankings don’t stop there, though! Check out our complete list of world rankings!

5. Life at U of G is second to none

We could write a novel about all of the amazing things that make living in Guelph – and at U of G – so awesome (maybe we have…?). Seriously though, let’s break it down.

• Over 150 student-run clubs
• Inclusive on-campus residence facilities
• INCREDIBLE food (yeah, we already covered that, but it’s worth saying again)
• Caring and supportive staff, resources and programming to cover your learning, health, and personal needs from every angle
• A close-knit campus culture that will blow your mind
• Brand new, innovative athletic facilities designed to cater to top athletes and recreational participants alike
• All of this set in a vibrant and picturesque small city of 133,000

We could go on and on, but we'll let our students convince you: 

See you soon, #futuregryphon!

11 Ways U of G Can Make You Smile in a Day

Posted: Friday, May 12, 2017 - 10:15

1. When the Cannon (Old Jeremiah) spreads hope & love.

He feels what the world feels! From campus events to activist messages to Gryphon proposals, Old Jeremiah is a message board for expression and awareness. (picture)

2. When you ‘Take a Paws’ and smell the puppies!

Guide and therapy dogs just make life on campus better!

3. When a professor make a ridiculous, but absolutely necessary, course-related pun.

“A rule of grammar: double negatives are a no-no.”

HOW CAN YOU NOT LAUGH?

4. When the Library motivates you to study.

5. When the squirrels are simply part of the UofG family.

They’re everywhere; and they want to be friends…and eat your food.

6. When Hospitality Services just KNOWS.

The fellow students & staff will know your name, somehow schedule menu items that coordinate with your cravings, and well, they bake cookies. Cookies are 120% necessary.  

7. When the University Centre is the hot-spot.

8. When the ‘Gryphon’ spirit is thriving.

9. When you look around and witness, embrace and appreciate UofG’s diverse community.

UofG is thrilled to welcome students from around the globe with a range of backgrounds. Every day, you will be engaged in culture – you’re new best friend could be from Turkey.

TELL ME THAT’S NOT COOL.

10. When you stroll through the arboretum.

Fresh air. Trees. Silence. Animals. Water. Silence. Trails. Disc Golf. Did we say silence? Nature’s beauty is enough to brighten everyone’s day.

11.  When someone is always returning that smile.

Take a walk through campus and you'll find so many reasons to smile, including all of the Gryphons smiling back at you!

Last Chance to Chat

Posted: Monday, May 8, 2017 - 12:14

Of course, we’re always just a phone call, email or DM away, but our chats are a limited edition. Our last online chat - where you can chat with various U of G staff, students, and future students - was this past Thursday.

Which means, we know you're going to want to join us for our last rapid-fire Snapchat chat is this Thursday, May 11. 

Never “attended” one of our Snapchat chat's before? Now’s your chance! We’ll help to set your mind at ease by answering your burning questions about admission offers, residence applications, student life, and your next steps for success.

How do you make this "last chance chat" count? Add "uofgadmission" on Snapchat, and shoot us your Q's Thursday between 7:00 pm EST and 9:00 pm EST. 

“Chat” ya later!

Third Round Offers – What You Need To Know

Posted: Friday, May 5, 2017 - 14:15

It’s MAY! That means it’s almost time for U of G’s third round of offers!

For those who still haven’t received a big, shiny U of G envelope in the mail yet, we know the wait has been excruciating. But it will soon be over!

Once OUAC has forwarded us all of the mid-term grade data from this current semester, we’ll be all set to finally send out our third and final round of admission offers for September 2017!  You can expect to see offers show up through your OUAC account as early as the third week of May, with all students being notified of their status by May 26, or earlier.

During the next few weeks, we know there will be students – and parents – questioning U of G’s final admission averages. Please know that we will not be able to disclose exact cut-offs. Our estimated cut-off ranges, which are published on our website and in our admission handbook, are all that we’re able to publicize, and are based on the final admission cut-offs of the past several years.  

Other important things to keep in mind:

• Alternate offers will still be made in the third round of offers - and for those students who have already received an alternate offer, we will be reassessing you for your original program choice during this round;
• If you have applied to more than one program at U of G and are not admissible to your first choice, we will consider you for your second (and third, if applicable) choice during this round;
• All offers for the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program will be sent out during the third round;
• The deadline to accept any offer from the University of Guelph is June 1;
• June 1 is also the deadline by which admitted students must apply for residence (without your Central Login, you can apply using your student number, last name and date of birth).

Once you have accepted your offer of admission for September, 2017, we will send you a registration package in the mail with instructions on how to login to WebAdvisor and register for courses.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the coming weeks, and be sure to share you news with us and every other #futuregryphon out there by using the hashtag #iamafuturegryphon and following along on #tagboard!

Make the Most of Our City: Unique Ways to Enjoy Guelph

Posted: Tuesday, May 2, 2017 - 16:00

1. Enjoy the scenery

Guelph is home to two rivers – the Speed and the Eramosa. With accessible parks, trails and recreation areas, it’s easy to see why residents and visitors alike boast about Guelph’s beautiful scenery.

2. Shop local

Located in the heart of the city, the Guelph Farmer’s Market is a hive of activity every Saturday morning, year-round. Whether you’re looking for local produce, baked goods, flowers or a unique gift idea, you can be sure to find it at the Market! Want more? Guelph's downtown core is home to many unique shops, showcasing some amazing and unique clothing, jewellry and vintage finds!

3. Splash ‘n  Skate

Feel like having a little fun? Not far from the Guelph Farmer’s Market is Market Square, an outdoor skating rink and water feature. Bonus – this scenic spot is often the backdrop for festivals, concerts, community events and celebrations, and is a great place to meet up with friends in town.

4. Go to a show (or a game!)

Into the arts? The River Run Centre, a performing arts centre, is located downtown along the Speed River and is host to a variety of music, dance and theatrical performances. If hockey is your thing, you’ll love being able to catch the Guelph Storm at regular OHL games at the Sleeman Centre, also conveniently located downtown along the Speed River.

5. Learn about local history

Did you know that John McCrae, who wrote the famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, was born in Guelph? Visit the small limestone cottage where McCrae was born, and learn more about life and times of this Canadian icon. From the McCrae cottage, you’re just a hop, skip and a jump from the Guelph Civic Museum, which continuously highlights local and Canadian themes and artists.

6. Take in a movie

Sure, Guelph has two Galaxy Cinema locations (on in the north end of the city and one in the south). But did you know we’re also home to the Bookshelf, a cozy bookstore/restaurant/bar/cinema  which screens two films every night,  showcasing both foreign and art films as well as playing the best of Hollywood movies? Our cool-quotient doesn’t stop there – we’re also home to The Mustang Drive-In, a true vintage drive-in where you can catch a double-feature April through mid-October.

7. “You Gotta Eat Here!”

Yes, we boast about UofG’s food a lot, but the culinary delights don’t stop when you step off campus!  The down-town restaurant scene in Guelph is fierce, with a host of pubs, specialty cafes and dining facilities focused on providing high-end taste using locally sourced food – and beverages! The options are plentiful, and even The Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here!” has sung the praises of one of our favourites, Baker Street Station!

Tips Tuesday - Episode 7: First Year Bucket List

Posted: Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 12:45

Getting hyped about joining the student body at U of G? Here's our suggestions to add to your first-year bucket list as a Guelph Gryphon!

1. Attend the pep rally

Pep Rally is an O-Week Tradition. Get hyped.

2. Paint the cannon

You'll come to know that there are plenty of traditions on campus, and painting Ol' Jeremiah is another one. Get some inspo by following him on Twitter @OldJeremiah

3. Go to homecoming

YET another tradition. The Gryphon Football home opener happens every September. It is something you do. not. want. to. miss.

4. Take a selfie with Gryph at a sporting event

Gryph's a selfie kinda of guy.

5. Join and intramural team

U of G was given the award for "most outstanding" intramural program by the Canadian Intramural Recreation Association. We know how to "intramural".

6. Confuse all the building names like Mackinnon, Maclachlan, McNaughton, McLaughlin....

Self-explanatory. There's a lot of Mc's and Mac's on campus.

7. Fall asleep in warm memorial hall

It is just so cozy!

8. Explore "Off-Campus"

Pro-Tip: your meal plan works at a few dining facilities off-campus! All the more reason to check the City of Guelph out.

9. Go to the wrong class

It happens to the best of us. Roll with it.

10. Buy some Gryphon swag

Showcase your Gryphon pride the right way. Bonus: Swag is perfect for holiday gifting, too!

11. Attend an SLG

Student Learning Groups are amazing! There's usually one for each course and they really help you nail down what you're learning in class.

12. Join a club on campus

We've got over 200 of them, so you will definitely find something that suits you.

13. Get a gym membership

We have a brand new athletic centre just waiting for you!

14. Explore the Arboretum

Over 9km of trails for you to take a stroll through.

15. Eat at all of the dining facilities on campus - especially Creelman Hall

We've got some good food, it's as simple as that. Don't believe us? See what our current students have to say on our YouTube Channel.

16. Go to Sunday Cinema

A different move is shown every night in War Memorial Hall put on by your Central Student Association.

17. Pull an all nighter

Studying is FUN.

18. Develop a coffee addiction

Our students love coffee, and all of the coffee shops across campus.

19. Eat dessert for breakfast

Simply because, well... you can.

20. Hang out with a guide dog on campus

They’re everywhere!

21. Study on Johnston Green

There’s nothing better than a sunny day on Johnston. Grab some friends and soak it in!