Discover uOttawa events that suit your interests and fit your schedule. This straightforward guide offers you a snapshot of campus activities, with direct information on upcoming educational workshops, wellness initiatives, cultural celebrations, and more. Learn how to participate and enrich your campus experience with practical details on each event.
International Student Support: Q&A Sessions and Mentorship
uOttawa acknowledges the distinct obstacles international students encounter. That’s why we have dedicated resources to support these students, particularly through:
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Our weekly virtual ‘SOS Immigration’ Q&A sessions
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Mentorship programs
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Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and International Student Immigration Advisers (RISIAs), who offer guidance on study permit extensions, work authorization, and how immigration status affects tuition fees and health insurance
These sessions, along with recorded materials from past immigration sessions, are available on the uOttawa International YouTube channel for further reference.
Alongside the Q&A sessions, weekly virtual mentoring sessions are held for international students. These Monday and Friday sessions, scheduled during the Winter 2024 term, offer assistance with:
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Canadian culture
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University life
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On-campus support
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Social connection
We ensure that these mentorship programs at the Languages and Bilingualism Institute are accessible to a wide range of international students by offering them in both English and French.
Our international student advisers continue to offer their support for up to 90 days post-graduation, maintaining a supportive environment for students even after their departure from campus.
Faculty of Medicine Events: Grand Rounds and Wellness Program
The Faculty of Medicine at uOttawa is not just about academics; it’s also about promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness. One of the ways we do this is through our Family Medicine Grand Rounds, which are scheduled from January 25, 2024, to June 27, 2024. These sessions are available to:
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faculty
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students
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residents
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health care professionals
They provide a site for learning and collaboration, making it easy to get shareable link for your content.
We also facilitate the Faculty Wellness Program, a collaborative effort with the graduate student association. From February 13 to June 4, 2024, we will hold a series of wellness events, including Yoga at RGN and dog therapy sessions at Roger Guindon Hall. These sessions, scheduled on specific Tuesdays and Thursdays respectively, provide opportunities for students and staff to relax, rejuvenate, and refocus. We understand the importance of accessibility, and we invite participants to contact the event host for any necessary accommodations.
Open Education Week: Digital Learning Innovation
uOttawa champions open education and digital learning. Our Open Education Week showcases this commitment, featuring:
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An OER (Open Educational Resources) Showcase, that recognizes creators of open educational resources with a series of lightning talks
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Diverse events covering health communication, documentary video creation in biology, robotics foundations, and strategies for saving on textbooks
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A session on creating open educational resources using Pressbooks and H5P Studio
A collaboration with fabriqueREL encourages faculty members from both the faculty of engineering and the faculty of education to share their experiences with the use of open educational resources. To further recognize and promote this innovative approach to education, the faculty of education announces the winners of the OER Grants during Open Education Week, highlighting contributions to OER adoption, adaptation, or creation. By embracing digital learning innovation, we aim to make education more accessible, inclusive, and dynamic.
Esports Showcase Week at Brian Dickson Law Library
Who says gaming and education can’t mix? uOttawa merges the realms of gaming and education through our Esports Showcase Week, held at the Brian Dickson Law Library in collaboration with Professor Thomas Burelli and the uOttawa Esports club. This event is not just about playing games; it’s about building a community of gaming enthusiasts and providing insights into the Esports industry.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own gaming peripherals, including:
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keyboard
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mouse
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mouse mat
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headset
To take part in the Esports activities, ensure you are up-to-date with the latest gaming trends and techniques, so you don’t mar your performance.
Presentations from industry professionals, such as a professional Esports caster, are also hosted, professional Rocket League players, and representatives from Snowed In Studios, providing insights into the Esports industry. The Esports Showcase includes coaching sessions for both uOttawa Esports members and sessions open to all, culminating in a competitive tournament over the weekend.
Whether you’re an avid gamer or just interested in the world of Esports, our Esports Showcase Week offers a unique and exciting experience.
Career Week Workshops: Resilience, Government Jobs, and Bilingualism
Recognizing career development as a pivotal part of university life, uOttawa offers an array of workshops during Career Week to guide students through the job market. One such workshop is ‘Navigating the Job Hunt with Resilience: Strategies for Well-being and Support,’ which helps job seekers maintain a positive outlook and mental well-being during their job search.
Another key workshop focuses on government job competitions, providing insights into application structures, job postings comprehension, and tailored interview preparations, specific to Canadian public sector employment, including public and international affairs. And, recognizing the importance of official languages and bilingualism in the Canadian job market, we also highlight it during the ‘Francophonie Career Week’ events at uOttawa. These workshops are designed to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their career journey.
Campus Life Activities: Fitness Classes and DIY Salad Ba
Beyond academics, uOttawa’s campus life advocates for a healthy and active lifestyle. We offer a diverse array of group fitness classes, including High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Bootcamp, and Abs, Butt, and Thighs, all available at various times and campus locations to accommodate different student schedules.
But fitness isn’t just about working out; it’s also about eating right. That’s why we host the DIY Salad Bar event, which offers an interactive culinary experience that addresses food insecurity and skill-building. Participants learn:
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meal planning
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budget grocery shopping
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preparing their own mason jar salad to take home, with accommodations provided for those with special requirements.
Through these activities, we are committed to promoting health and wellness among our students.
Celebrating Diversity: Black History Month and Mois de la Francophonie
uOttawa honors diversity and inclusion through a range of events and programming. During Black History Month, we emphasize the recognition of the International Decade of People of African Descent (2015-2024). Our programming includes:
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The Afro Caribbean Mentorship Program
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The Black Excellence Gala
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Panels discussing unique challenges faced by Black people
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A curated list of podcasts, films, and DVDs focusing on Black experiences
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Local events celebrating Black culture
In addition to Black History Month, we also celebrate Mois de la Francophonie, during which we hold a roundtable discussion dedicated to the celebration and appreciation of French language and culture. Our ceremonies and events, such as ‘Francophonie excentrique: Un chassé-croisé artistique!’ and the premiere of ‘Le dernier Canadien français,’ a documentary by uOttawa alumni, further highlight our commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.
Applicant Receptions and Campus Tours
uOttawa extends an invitation to prospective students for applicant receptions and campus tours, offering a peek into life within the uOttawa community. These receptions are designed to be both fun and informative, with an emphasis on answering questions prospective students may have while showcasing what makes uOttawa an excellent choice. Plus, attending an applicant reception offers a chance to win a $500 uOttawa scholarship through a draw for registered participants.
In addition to applicant receptions, our campus tours for prospective students feature visits to core facilities, offering insights into the services and technologies available for research and academic activities. So, why not join us for a tour or an applicant reception? It’s a great way to get a feel for our vibrant campus life and to find out if uOttawa is the right fit for you.
Connect with Campus Resources: Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre, Telfer School of Management, and More
A plethora of resources are available at uOttawa to aid students in their academic pursuits. One such resource is the Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre (IRC), which was established in 1997 to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. The IRC provides a range of services, including:
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Academic guidance
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Peer help support
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Student mentoring
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Social and cultural events
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Employment services
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Legal referral services
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Technological resources
In addition to the IRC, we also have the Telfer School of Management, which provides students with various resources and services aimed to support them academically, further enhancing their learning experience at the University of Ottawa. By connecting with these resources, students can take full advantage of the opportunities available at uOttawa and enhance their academic experience. Some of the resources and services offered by the Telfer School of Management include:
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Academic advising
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Career services
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Study groups and tutoring
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Networking events and workshops
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Co-op and internship opportunities
By utilizing these resources, students can excel academically in sociological and anthropological studies, and prepare themselves for successful careers in the business world through career and experiential learning.
Get Involved: Student Clubs, Entrepreneurship Hub, and Varsity Sports
Active participation in campus activities significantly enriches the uOttawa experience. We offer a variety of student clubs, overseen by Faculty Student Associations, including the faculty of arts and the faculty of social sciences, that cater to a wide array of interests, such as:
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charity
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politics
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competitions
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hackathons
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religion
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arts
For students interested in Greek life, various sororities and fraternities at uOttawa have nationally recognized chapter organizations.
uOttawa also offers a vibrant sports scene. Our intramural sports teams create a community for recreational competition among students, contributing to a dynamic and enriching campus experience. Through these activities, students have the opportunity to build lasting friendships, develop new skills, and make their time at uOttawa truly memorable.
Summary
In conclusion, uOttawa is more than just a place of learning; it’s a vibrant community filled with diverse events, valuable resources, and numerous opportunities for involvement. Whether you’re an international student looking for support, a gaming enthusiast interested in Esports, or a prospective student exploring universities, uOttawa has something for everyone. So, why wait? Join us at uOttawa and become part of our vibrant and diverse community!
Frequently Asked Questions
What support does uOttawa provide for international students?
uOttawa provides support for international students through weekly virtual ‘SOS Immigration’ Q&A sessions and mentorship programs, available in both English and French.
What are some of the wellness programs offered by the Faculty of Medicine?
The Faculty of Medicine offers the Faculty Wellness Program, which includes yoga at RGN and dog therapy sessions at Roger Guindon Hall, providing opportunities for physical and mental well-being.
What is Open Education Week at uOttawa?
Open Education Week at uOttawa highlights digital learning innovation and offers diverse events on various subjects, including open educational resources. It presents an excellent opportunity to explore new approaches to education.
What is the Esports Showcase Week at Brian Dickson Law Library?
The Esports Showcase Week at Brian Dickson Law Library is a collaborative event offering open play, presentations, and a weekend tournament, organized by Professor Thomas Burelli and the uOttawa Esports club.
What resources are available at uOttawa for academic support?
At uOttawa, you can access academic support through resources like the Mashkawazìwogamig Indigenous Resource Centre and the Telfer School of Management. These can provide valuable assistance for your academic needs.
