GUIDE TO FIRST YEAR2 0 1 5 – 2 0 1 6

You’re in! Congratulations.

You’re joining a community ideally suited to growing and learning. We want you to make the most of your

time at Concordia, from the beginning. This guide will give you the information you need to jump right into

your first year.

You’ll also find ideas for making the most of the wonderful city of Montreal, rated one of the top 10 cities

to be a student on the planet. Concordia is itself a city within a city, with 46,000 students from around the

world. You’ll find our two campuses are infused with the same vibrant joie de vivre and creative energy that

make Montreal famous.

We believe it’s a small world and we’re all connected, with each of us playing a role in shaping the future.

At Concordia, you’ll connect with ideas and people that will challenge you to push your limits — and help

you build the world you want to live in.

We’re so glad you’ll be joining us.

WELCOME TO CONCORDIA

Discover your Concordia 15

Sir George Williams Campus 16

Loyola Campus 18

Tools for success 20

Getting around 22

Getting ahead 23

Get involved on campus 24

Connect to the world 25

Health and wellness 26

Recreation and athletics 27

Student services 28

YOUR CONCORDIA

TO DO CHECKLIST:

WELCOME TO CONCORDIA

Step 1: Accept Offer of Admission (p. 2)

Step 2: Send final transcripts (p. 4)

Step 3: Choose courses and register (p. 5)

Step 4: Get funding (p. 8)

Step 5: Pay tuition (p. 10)

Step 6: Get settled (p. 12)

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STEP 1: ACCEPT OFFER OF ADMISSION

YOUR FIRST STEP — ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF ADMISSION ONLINE.

1. Go to MyConcordia.ca and log in with your Netname.

2. Choose “My Student Centre.”

3. Under “Admissions “ section, select “Accept Offer” and follow

the prompts.

4. Pay the confirmation deposit of $100, which will be applied towards

your tuition fees. The deposit is non-refundable.

For help using MyConcordia, call 514-848-2424 extension 7613

or email portal@concordia.ca.

CONDITIONAL ADMISSIONYour Offer of Admission may be conditional on maintaining a certain average

or grade, successfully completing your last term or semester, sending in

supporting documents, or other criteria. Your Offer of Admission letter has

all the details. If you think you may not be in a position to meet the conditions

of your offer, please contact the person who signed your letter to discuss

your options.

PAY CONFIRMATION DEPOSIT!

$100

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ACCEPT OFFER OF ADMISSION

UPDATE CONTACT INFO• address• email• phone number

MyConcordia.ca

CONFIRMATION DEADLINECheck Offer of Admission to see if there is a deadline to confirm

DEADLINE FOR CONFIRMATION:Some programs, but not all, set a deadline for accepting the Offer

of Admission. Your offer may be cancelled if you miss the deadline.

Please check to see if your letter indicates a confirmation deadline.

Deferral of admission: admission may not be deferred unless

specifically indicated in your letter.

GLOSSARY OF TERMSPlease don’t hesitate to contact the person who signed your

Offer of Admission if you have any questions about your offer.

DEFICIENCIES: A deficiency is a course required for admission

to your chosen program that you have not completed. Courses

identified as “deficiencies” must be completed as early in your

studies as possible. You may have two options for making up those

deficiencies as indicated by the letters “A” or “B.” Engineering and

Computer Science students must complete any deficiencies before

registering for classes.

EXEMPTIONS: Concordia grants you an exemption when you

successfully complete a specific course and meet any indicated

minimum grade. An exemption does not count as credit towards a

degree, so it will not decrease the number of courses you need to

complete your degree — but an exemption will let you skip ahead

to a more advanced course. If Concordia gives you an exemption

from a course, you may not take that course for credit. If you

received an exemption from a required course, you must take

another course in the same department, to be determined in

consultation with a departmental advisor.

EXTENDED CREDIT PROGRAM (ECP): Students who have not

successfully completed a two-year pre-university program may be

admitted to the Extended Credit Program, which requires them to

take a minimum of 30 additional credits. This ensures the time to

complete a program at Concordia is the same as it would be at any

other university outside Quebec, about four years of full-time study.

The Undergraduate Calendar lists ECP requirements for each faculty.

MATURE ENTRY PROGRAM (MEP): Canadians and permanent

residents 21 years of age and older who lack the required pre-

university schooling may be considered for admission to the Mature

Entry Program. The MEP requires you to complete at least 18

additional credits.

TRANSFER CREDIT: You may earn transfer credits through your

studies at another post-secondary institution or in another degree

program at Concordia. These credits are applied towards your degree,

meaning you’ll have fewer courses left to complete.

UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATIONKeep your address, email and phone number up to date so we can send

you important information like emergency alerts. Log into MyConcordia

and choose “My Student Centre”. You can update your contact

information under the “Personal Information” section.

REMEMBER — MyConcordia is a key tool for accessing important

information:

Academic: Class and exam schedules, booklists, grades

and student records

Financial: Account balance, tuition tax receipt and information on

financial aid and awards

Registration: Important dates and links to the

Undergraduate Calendar

Another useful resource is the student hub at

concordia.ca/students.

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STEP 2: SEND FINAL TRANSCRIPTS

If your Offer of Admission is conditional on your final marks, Concordia

will need an official copy of your final transcripts before the start of term.

To check your file, log into MyConcordia and choose “My Student Centre”

under “Student Information System.” To see if we’ve received an official

copy of your final marks, check the “To Do List” on the right-hand side.

QUEBEC CEGEP STUDENTSFor the majority of students: your CEGEP will send us your official final

transcripts automatically. We’ll notify you if we need you to arrange the

submission of your transcripts yourself.

ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

• Fallterm:Yourschoolwillsendusyourfinaltranscriptsautomatically

if you included your OUAC number in your application to Concordia.

• Winterterm:Youmustarrangeforyourschooltosendusyour

official final transcripts before the beginning of term indicating that

your diploma has been awarded.

ALL OTHER APPLICANTSYour school must send an official copy of your final transcripts to Concordia’s

Admissions Application Centre by mail.

Concordia University Admissions Application Centre

P.O. Box 2900

Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 2S2

SEALED ENVELOPE METHODWe accept transcripts from institutions within North America if the

document meets the following conditions:

• Thetranscriptarrivesinanenvelopewiththenameandaddressofyour

school, and the school’s logo if one exists, plus a notice on the envelope

stating it contains official transcripts.

• Theenvelopeissealedwithasignature,signaturestamporlabelacross

the seal.

Official transcripts and accompanying documents in a language other than

English or French must include a translation by a certified translator. The

transcript must detail the subjects taken and grades achieved or

be accompanied by a certified statement from an authorized official

of the school.

We automatically consider transcripts official if they come directly

from your educational institution to Concordia’s Admissions

Application Centre.

Official transcripts must be received before the start

of the term. If you think you’ll have trouble meeting that

deadline, please contact the person who signed your

Offer of Admission letter.

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• Makeappointmenttospeakwithacademicadvisor

• Gotoorientationsessionbeforeregistering

• CheckoutUndergraduateCalendaratMyConcordia

• Alsocheckundergraduateclassscheduleforcoursetimesandlocations

Register for fall and winter classes at the same time!

SEND FINAL TRANSCRIPTS

CHOOSE COURSESAND REGISTER

STEP 3:

Concordia runs a free shuttle bus between Sir George Williams and Loyola! Allow at least an hour between classes on different campuses.

REGISTER FOR COURSES STARTING

APRIL 20, 2015

REGISTER FOR COURSES This is when your first year really begins to take shape. Can you

see yourself at work in a classroom, lab or studio or in the field?

Registration for the fall term (September 2015) begins on April 20,

2015. Register early to get the most choice. Here’s how it works:

ACADEMIC ADVISINGMost programs require you to meet with an academic advisor or

attend an orientation session before registering for classes. Your

Offer of Admission has the details.

GENERAL GUIDELINESFACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

You must meet with an academic advisor before registering. Sign up

early for an appointment at concordia.ca/artsci-advising. Students

who are not available to meet with an advisor in person should

contact their department to make other arrangements as soon as

possible. For additional faculty-specific information, check out the

Academic Advising Guide at concordia.ca/artsci-advising.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

AND COMPUTER SCIENCE (ENCS)

You are not required to meet one-on-one with an academic

advisor, but you are strongly encouraged to attend an advising

session for newly admitted students to learn more about your

program and course options. For a summary of program-specific

course requirements for first-year ENCS students, see

concordia.ca/encs-sequences.

FACULTY OF FINE ARTS

Advising procedures vary by program. Find the Fine Arts

registration guide for your specific program at concordia.ca/

finearts-advising. If your program does not require you to meet

with an academic advisor, register for courses as soon as possible,

according to the first-year recommended course list.

JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

You’ll be best prepared for registration by watching JMSB advising

videos, found at concordia.ca/jmsbvideos. Follow the prompts at the

end to receive permission to register for your first year classes.

PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULETwo key resources will help you plan your schedule: the

Undergraduate Calendar and the undergraduate class schedule.

You can access both through MyConcordia under the “Registration

Guides” section.

The Undergraduate Calendar has course descriptions, information

about your program requirements and the academic standards you

need to meet to complete your degree.

It’s a good idea to identify your preferred courses plus your second

and third choices, just in case your first choice isn’t available. The

undergraduate class schedule lists course times and locations.

Concordia runs a free shuttle bus between the Sir George Williams

and Loyola campuses. The trip usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. To be

on the safe side, allow at least an hour between classes if you will be

travelling from one campus to another.

REGISTER ONLINELog into MyConcordia, and choose “My Student Centre”. Under

“Academics” section, choose “Enroll” to add your classes. Your best

bet is to register for fall and winter classes at the same time. If you

wait until January to register for the winter session, you may find

many classes are already full.

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How to register at

concordia.ca/students/registration

How to register at

concordia.ca/students/registration

Shuttle bus schedule available at

concordia.ca/shuttle

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For help, contact your faculty:

Arts and Science: 514-848-2424, ext. 2104,

or sasreg.fas@concordia.ca

Engineering and Computer Science: 514-848-2424, ext. 3055,

or webreghelp@encs.concordia.ca

Fine Arts: 514-848-2424, ext. 4612,

or finearts.sas@concordia.ca

John Molson School of Business:

webreghelp@jmsb.concordia.ca

You can add or drop classes, view your schedule and check your grades

using your smartphone or tablet.

WITHDRAWING FROM COURSESSometimes things don’t go quite as planned and you may wish to drop

a course.

IMPORTANT:

Withdraw from your class through MyConcordia before the deadline

each term. Emailing, verbally informing a Concordia representative or

not attending class do not constitute officially withdrawing from

a course.

There are two key deadlines each term:

1. DNE deadline: The Did Not Enter (DNE) deadline allows you

to withdraw from classes with no academic penalty and receive

a full tuition refund. The DNE deadline for the fall term, including

year-long courses, is September 21, 2015, and January 19, 2016,

for the winter term. Dropped courses will not appear on your

transcript and will not affect your Grade Point Average (GPA).

2. DISC deadline: The Discontinued (DISC) deadline allows you

to withdraw from classes with no academic penalty, but you’ll

still have to pay all tuition and fees associated with the course,

including winter-term tuition for year-long classes. The DISC

deadline for the fall term is November 8, 2015, and March 13,

2016, for the winter term and two-term classes. Dropped courses

will be noted on your transcript as DISC for “discontinued.” After

the DISC deadline, courses cannot be dropped.

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STEP 4: GET FUNDING * loans, bursaries and scholarships available

We know that a university education is a significant investment of time and

money. A good budget will help you identify and plan for the expenses you’ll

have during your studies. Concordia’s Financial Aid and Awards Office offers

personalized, in-depth advice about the many ways to organize your finances

so you can focus on your studies! Visit them at faao.concordia.ca.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIESConcordia Entrance Scholarships: Your application to Concordia is also your

application for an entrance scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.

These scholarships are offered by the faculties during admission processing.

They are based on academic achievement, along with other criteria in some

cases. If you’ve been offered a scholarship, you’ll find those details in your

Offer of Admission, or your faculty may contact you directly.

Concordia Entrance Bursaries: Incoming students who are in financial

need may be eligible for an entrance bursary. Applications are accepted

starting in March each year. To apply, log into MyConcordia and choose

“My Student Centre.” Under “Finance” section, click on “Apply for

Bursaries or Scholarships.”

EXTERNAL FINANCIAL AWARDSThe Financial Aid and Awards web page lists privately funded scholarships

and bursaries sponsored by external associations, companies, foundations,

societies and clubs. See concordia.ca/external-awards.

GOVERNMENT STUDENT FINANCIAL AIDConcordia participates in all Canadian government student financial aid

programs as well as the United States Federal Student Aid program.

Application procedures and requirements vary by program. As a general

rule, students should apply to the financial aid program in effect where they

currently live. It is always a good idea to apply early to make sure you receive

your funds on time.

Visit the Financial Aid and Awards Office for more information

WORK-STUDYThe work-study program is a great way to get involved in the Concordia

community, build your resumé and acquire valuable job skills. Eligible

students can work up to 20 hours a week at Concordia for a maximum of

200 hours a term. Apply through the Financial Aid and Awards Office.

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Apply for funding

faao.concordia.ca

Check out WORK-STUDYto get experience while studying

PAYMENT OPTIONSThe easiest way to pay your tuition is online by debit. Log into

MyConcordia. Choose “My Student Centre.” Under “Finances” section,

select “Make a payment.” This option is open to students who bank with

Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank or TD Canada Trust.

Anyone who banks with a Canadian chartered bank can pay his or her tuition

by telephone banking, online, at the bank or by ATM.

You can pay your tuition in person at the Birks Student Service Centre

by personal or certified cheque, money order, bank draft or debit.

Concordia does not accept cash for tuition payment.

You can pay your tuition by MasterCard through MyConcordia, but you

will be charged a 1.95 per cent non-refundable convenience fee by Moneris

Solutions Corporation. We recommend you first consider forms of payment

that don’t involve paying interest charges and convenience fees.

For a complete list of payment methods, see

concordia.ca/methods-of-payment.

CHECK FOR POSSIBLE FEE EXEMPTIONSAnyone who is not a resident of Quebec pays an additional fee per credit.

This fee is collected by Quebec universities on behalf of the province’s

Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de la Science.

If you’re a resident of Quebec, it’s a good idea to make sure Concordia is

aware of your residency status before the fee payment deadline to avoid

being charged the non-resident rate. Even students at a Quebec CEGEP

need to verify we have properly recorded your residency status.

OBTAINING QUEBEC RESIDENCY STATUS

In certain situations, non-residents of Quebec may be eligible for the

Quebec tuition rate. You can apply for status as a resident of Quebec

through MyConcordia, if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident,

and you meet the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur criteria. In “My

Student Centre,” under “Personal Information” section, select “Quebec

Residency Application.”

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Quebec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur allows some international

students to pay the provincial tuition rate. Consult registrar.concordia.ca/

internationalfee.

FRENCH COURSES

Out-of-province Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are full-time

undergraduate students may be allowed to pay the provincial rate for French

language and French literature courses. International students may also

qualify. See frenchprogramexemption.concordia.ca.

AVOID THE “PERMANENT CODE” SURCHARGEQuebec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur issues all students a

“permanent code” to identify you as a student in the Quebec education

system. Universities need your permanent code to receive funds to help

pay for your education. You will pay more tuition if you do not provide

Concordia with your permanent code. In “My Student Centre”, under

“Personal Information” section, select “Code Permanent Data Form.” If you

don’t have a permanent code, filling out this form will allow Concordia to

issue you one directly.

GOVERNMENT STUDENT FINANCIAL AIDEach government student aid program has its own procedures for disbursing

funds to students. If your program requires you to pick up or drop off

documents, or have student loan documents certified, you can do that at

the Financial Aid and Awards Office (make sure you bring your student ID).

View your Financial Aid information at MyConcordia. Choose “My Student

Centre”. In the “Finances” section, select “Financial Aid.”

IMPORTANTPay your tuition and fees on time to avoid late-payment fees. Fall 2015 term

fee payment deadline is September 30, 2015. Winter 2016 term (January –

April 2016) fee payment deadline is January 31, 2016.

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PAY TUITIONSTEP 5:on time to avoid late fees!

BUDGET for 2015-2016EXPENSES• Tuitionandfees:$3,315/term• Books:$500/term• Rent:$300/month• Electricity:$40/month• Groceries:$75/week• Cell:$40/month

INCOMEPart-timejobsalary

BUDGET! Get organized and keep

track of expenses + income!

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• Livingoncampus

• Off-campushousing

• Health-carecoverage

On-campus housing available at: Grey Nuns ResidenceJesuit ResidenceHingston Hall

concordia.ca/residence

STEP 6: GET SETTLED

ON-CAMPUS HOUSINGThe Grey Nuns Residence, just steps away from our Sir George

Williams Campus, is a calm, welcoming place for you to call home

in first year.

Our historic, tree-lined Loyola Campus in Montreal’s west end also

offers housing in two residences: Hingston Hall and the Jesuit Residence.

You’ll find floor plans, information about furnishings and rates at

concordia.ca/residence.

Students who live in residence are required to purchase a meal plan

through our food service provider. If you have strict dietary restrictions

or food sensitivities, contact us to see if living in residence will work

for you.

SECURITYOur residences are secure facilities. Students use access cards to come

and go, and we have staff on site 24 hours a day. For more information

on residence security, call us at 514-848-2424, extension 4755. You can

email, too: residenceinfo@concordia.ca.

HOW TO APPLYYou can apply to live in residence through MyConcordia beginning

in March. Log into “MyConcordia.” Choose “My Student Centre.”

Under “Admissions” section, you’ll find the residence application. You’ll

need to fill out an application form and pay a $100 non-refundable

application fee by credit card. Take time to consider the answers on

your application so we can assign you the place that best matches your

budget and lifestyle. Find more about living in residence at concordia.ca/

residence.

HELPFUL TIPIf you would like to live with a friend, the Residence Life team will

do its best to place you together. Make sure you both indicate on

your application that you’d like to live together.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSINGMontreal has the highest concentration of people living in rental units

of any Canadian city, and rental prices are relatively low. Montreal’s

transit system makes most neighbourhoods an easy commute to

Concordia. Each neighbourhood has its own unique flavour; part of

the fun of moving to Montreal is finding a spot that captures your

imagination and fits with your budget.

Montrealers have their own way of describing the size of an apartment.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

1 ½: studio apartment, i.e., one large room with a bathroom

and kitchenette

3 ½: kitchen, living room, one bedroom, bathroom

4 ½: kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, bathroom

5 ½: kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, bathroom

For many apartments, rent does not include the cost of heating

and hot water. Some apartments are rented without appliances

(stove, refrigerator, etc.) with the expectation you will bring or buy

your own. July 1 is traditionally the most popular day to move in

Quebec, meaning you may be competing with a lot of other

apartment-seekers to find a place.

CHECK OUT HOJO

The Concordia Student Union runs a great off-campus housing bank

called Hojo, which offers information on navigating Montreal’s rental

market and protecting your rights as a tenant. HOJO.CSU.QC.CA

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Life as a student is busy and intense. That’s why maintaining your energy and

good health is a priority. Concordia has excellent resources to promote your

health and well-being.

PROVINCIAL HEALTH-CARE COVERAGEMost students in Canada will already have health-care coverage through

their home province. If you’re a student from outside Quebec, you’ll need

to notify your provincial health authority that you are studying in Quebec to

retain health-care coverage through your home province.

If you’re a Canadian student who’s never resided in Canada, you’ll need to

make sure you have insurance coverage through your parents or purchase

insurance through Concordia. You will not be covered by the provincial

health plan without residency. Please visit the Health Services website at

concordia.ca/health for more information.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE THROUGH THE CONCORDIA STUDENT UNIONAll Quebec and out-of-province students registered for more than three

credits are automatically enrolled in the Concordia Student Union (CSU)

Health and Dental Plan. The plan provides coverage for services not covered

by provincial health care, such as vision, dental and travel insurance.

If you are already covered under another health-care plan, such as your

parents’ plan, you may opt out of the CSU plan during a specified time

period. Before you opt out, make sure your insurance will cover items such

as medications. Your private insurance does not replace your provincial plan.

See ihaveaplan.ca.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSConcordia has a compulsory health insurance plan with Blue Cross. For more

information, see concordia.ca/iso-health-insurance.

SET UP HEALTH-CARE COVERAGE

Find Health Services clinics on both campuses

concordia.ca/health

Take in breathtaking views of the city and the

St. Lawrence River from the 11th floor of the

Engineering, Computer Science and Visual

Arts Complex.

Snack on a samosa and fill up your mug with

coffee at the student-run Café X.

Hop on board the free shuttle bus from the

Sir George Williams Campus to the Loyola

Campus for a beautiful change of scene.

Get stung by Stingers fever and watch the

women’s rugby team dominate their rivals.

Climb up to the Hall Building rooftop

greenhouse and study in the peaceful,

sunlit space.

Take in the quiet beauty of the Loyola Chapel.

Shop for organic groceries — and pick up

a slice of baklava — at the Frigo Vert, the

student-run grocery and health-food store.

Check out every “secret” study spot on

campus and find your favourite.

Led by a Multi-faith Chaplaincy guide, visit

sacred sites throughout Montreal and increase

your knowledge and awareness of faith

communities across the city.

Screen an independent political film through

the media arts network Cinema Politica.

Appreciate the artistic masterpieces of your

fellow Concordians on display at the Faculty

of Fine Arts’ FOFA Gallery.

Learn to speak French or improve your fluency

at Jazz-ons!

Meet people from around the world.

HOW WILL YOU DISCOVER YOUR CONCORDIA?

TYSON HOUSEMANFaculty of Fine ArtsSpecialization in Theatre Performance

When Tyson Houseman decided to move to Montreal for the theatre performance program, he’d already carved out a career as an actor in one of the biggest box office smashes of all time, the Twilight saga. (Houseman plays wolf-pack member Quil Ateara.) But Houseman wanted something more. “Hollywood doesn’t always hold to the idea that actors are also artists,” he says. “When I came to Concordia, my goal was to develop a vision of myself as an artist too.”

Houseman, who’s originally from Edmonton, also had another goal in mind: regaining his Cree culture. “It was such a wonderful experience, to come here with a goal like that and be able to achieve it,” says Houseman. Theatre professor Ursula Neuerburg-Denzer invited him to help with the research and creation of an original play called Attawapiskat Is No Exception, conceived as a reaction to a housing crisis on the First Nations reserve in northern Ontario. Houseman got the chance to learn first-hand about First Nations dramaturgy from the play’s author, Cree playwright Floyd Favel.

His advice for students in first year: “Take advantage of the vibrant arts scene as much as you can. You don’t have to go off to New York or L.A. It’s all happening right here in Montreal.”

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The Sir George Williams Campus is located in the heart of downtown

Montreal, in a neighbourhood known as Quartier Concordia. The campus

is made up of nearly 40 buildings, from centuries-old row houses to steel-

and-glass high-rises.

THE ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX (EV BUILDING)

• Createdforinterdisciplinaryexperimentation—greatmindsminglein

the shared home of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

and Faculty of Fine Arts.

• TheFOFA (Faculty of Fine Arts) Gallery is on the main level.

• Atthemetro(subway)level,you’llfindLe Gym, our fully-equipped

fitness centre.

• Students,facultyandalumnifromalldisciplinescollaborateatDistrict 3,

which provides an environment that stimulates exceptional innovation,

creativity and entrepreneurship to bring the next big idea to life.

• TheTopological Media Lab brings artists, performers and media

together to experiment, research and create.

• Technoculture, Art and Games (TAG) is an interdisciplinary centre

for research/creation in game studies and design, digital culture and

interactive art.

• WalkintotheBlack Box to witness the live process of creation in an

atelier setting, combining features of a rehearsal studio, technology lab

and seminar discussion.

THE MOLSON (MB) BUILDING• The15-storeyhomeoftheJohn Molson School of Business was

awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Silver-level certification by the Canada Green Building Council.

• TheDavid O’Brien Centre for Sustainable Enterprise mentors

business students and business leaders on how to improve their social

and environmental impact.

• TheFormula Growth Trading Lab provides access to state-of-the-

art industry tools and live financial software, giving students a

competitive advantage.

• TheMBBuildinghousestheworld’sfirstsolar wall, which generates

both heat and electricity from the sun.

• You’llalsofindperformingspacefortheatre, contemporary dance

and music.

SIR GEORGE WILLIAMS CAMPUS

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THE GUY-METRO (GM) BUILDING is situated above the

Guy-Concordia metro station:

• TheHealth Services Clinic is located on the second floor.

• NextdooronthesecondflooristheFinancial Aid and

Awards Office.

• TheSexual Assault Resource Centre is located on the third floor.

THE J.W. MCCONNELL (LB) BUILDING is an essential stop

for students:

• GetyourstudentIDattheBirks Student Service Centre.

• TheR. Howard Webster Library occupies three whole floors.

• It’shometotheBookstore.

• ContemplatecontemporaryCanadianandinternationalartatthe

Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery on the main floor.

THE HENRY F. HALL (H) BUILDING is where many of your

student services are located:

•HometotheHojo Off-Campus Housing and Job Bank,

the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities, the Dean

of Students Office, the International Students Office, IITS

(Instructional and Information Technology Services) and the

Aboriginal Student Resource Centre.

• Needhelpwithaclass?Lookingforcareeradvice?VisittheStudent

Success Centre on the fourth floor.

• Counselling and Development Services is located here — offering

personal, educational and career counselling, as well as a variety

of workshops.

• You’llfindtherooftopGreenhouse, an all-organic space that grows

food and tea year-round.

• Hopontheshuttle bus to the Loyola Campus in front of the

Hall Building.

Underground tunnels link most buildings on campus to each other and

to the Guy-Concordia metro station.

THE VISUAL ARTS (VA) BUILDING is home to studio arts

facilities and the VAV Gallery, a democratically run student

exhibition space.

THE GREY NUNS (GN) RESIDENCE houses hundreds

of students in a beautiful historic building, the former motherhouse

of the Grey Nuns religious order.

• Theformerchapelhasbeentransformedintoamagnificent

Reading Room for 240 students.

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LOYOLA CAMPUSThe Loyola Campus blends cutting edge facilities with gothic-style buildings

in the beautiful west-end neighbourhood of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, about

seven kilometres from the Sir George Williams Campus.

THE ADMINISTRATION (AD) BUILDING is the place to visit

if you’re an arts and science student looking for an academic advisor.

• Counselling and Development services is also here, offering personal,

educational and career counselling, as well as a variety of workshops.

• Forcareerexplorationandstudyingandlearningstrategies,cometo

the Student Success Centre on the basement level.

• You’llfindtheLoyola Health Services Clinic here too.

• TheLoyola College for Diversity and Sustainability brings together

the arts and sciences to understand the complex relationship of humans

and the natural world.

• Explorefaith,religion,valuesandethicswiththeMulti-faith Chaplaincy.

THE RECREATION AND ATHLETICS COMPLEX (RA) is where the Stingers compete in football, basketball, hockey, rugby, soccer

and wrestling.

• Bepartoftheswarm!Cheeronourvarsityteamsatthe

Concordia Stadium.

• JoininagameofUltimateorsocceronthesecondfield.

• KeepplayingduringthewinterundertheimpressiveStinger Dome.

• TheStingershockeyteamscompeteinthe Ed Meagher Arena, a newly

renovated rink that conforms to national hockey league specifications.

THE PERFORM CENTRE (PC) is a preventative health research centre

focused on promoting healthy living.

• The Le Centre program provides an opportunity to get fit on its

conditioning floor.

THE GEORGES P. VANIER (VL) LIBRARY is open 24 hours in the

fall and winter terms. Take advantage of the many study spaces.

Pray and meditate in the Loyola Chapel, situated in the F.C. SMITH (FC)

BUILDING. The chapel is an inclusive space available to people of all faiths,

which also plays host to numerous events and concerts.

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THE COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND JOURNALISM (CJ) BUILDING has media and computer labs, and video production

and editing suites.

• You’llalsofindtheBookstore.

THE RICHARD J. RENAUD SCIENCE (SP) PAVILION is home

to biology, chemistry and biochemistry, physics and exercise science students.

THE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS (GE) BUILDING houses

a world-leading, multidisciplinary research facility focused on

researching bioinformatics.

THE QUAD is an expansive green space where students relax and

socialize between classes on warm days.

• Frosh activities, barbecues and outdoor concerts take

place here.

THE OSCAR PETERSON CONCERT HALL (PT) is a 570-seat

performance space named after the legendary jazz pianist.

THE CENTRAL (CC) BUILDING is where you’ll find CJLO 1690 AM,

the award-winning, student-run radio station.

HINGSTON HALL (HA, HB) AND THE JESUIT RESIDENCE ( JR) are home-away-from-home for hundreds of Concordians.

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TINA ALIFaculty of Engineering and Computer ScienceMajor in Software Engineering

For her graduating project, Tina Ali is developing medical imaging software with six fellow students for a Montreal start-up. The whole team is working from the on-campus offices of District 3, which helps student entrepreneurs incubate ideas in collaboration with alumni, industry leaders and experts.

Ali says it’s a fantastic environment. “If, as a group, we have a question about what we should be doing to best serve this client, we have people to ask,” says Ali. “Everyone’s working on their own projects and trying to find success.”

As for how she defines success for herself, Ali says good grades are one measurement. “But if you feel encouraged to apply yourself, that’s definitely another sign of success,” she says.

Ali has benefited from resumé-building workshops and mock interview sessions offered by Concordia. “They’re really good at helping you identify the qualities of yourself to highlight and the ones to work on.”

Her advice for students in first year: “It’s important that you meet people who can help you, and vice versa. You need people who are going to encourage you. What I like about Concordia is that there’s a lot of opportunity to do that.”

PICK UP YOUR STUDENT CARDYou’ll need your student card to use the libraries, ride the shuttle bus and

write exams. In other words, it’s key. Here’s how to get yours. Register for

your courses. Wait at least 24 hours. Come to the Birks Student Service

Centre and bring photo ID, plus your student number. Your student card will

cost $11.50, charged to your account. Replacement cards are $15.

BUY YOUR BOOKSAt the Concordia Bookstore, you can buy new and used textbooks, or rent

them, and pick up all your school supplies — including a Concordia hoodie!

HELPFUL TIPS • Dprintlets you send print jobs from home and pick them up on the

way to class.

• TheConcordia Computer Store offers student pricing on software

and hardware.

• TheConcordia Bookstore charges roughly 40 per cent of the textbook

retail price to rent it for the full term.

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TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Both Webster (SGW) and Vanier (Loyola) libraries are open 24/7 during the fall and winter terms.

GET TO KNOW THE LIBRARY Both the Webster (Sir George Williams Campus) and the Vanier

(Loyola Campus) libraries are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during

the fall and winter terms. Concordia’s librarians are dedicated to helping you

navigate the impressive wealth of information found in the libraries’ databases

and holdings.

HELPFUL TIPS Need a computer? The library has many laptop and tablet

computers for you to borrow.

ATTEND ORIENTATIONLearn about your new campus, meet new people, make new friends, and find

out what it takes to be a successful student at Concordia’s Orientation. Enjoy

lots of free events, guided tours and win prizes! Highlights include:

• Discover Concordia: Get acquainted with some of the other brand-

new Concordians who’ll be your peers in the fall. You’ll also meet key

people from your faculty who’ll be there to support you throughout

your academic journey.

• StartRight:Start your university career off right, equipped with a

range of tools for academic success. Give us two days, and we’ll give you

strategies for note-taking, reading to remember and smart studying.

• NewStudentTours:Our Student Success Mentors will take you on a

tour of the campus, tailored to address any and all of your questions.

We’ll give you an insider’s view of what you need to know to be ready

for your first term and beyond.

See concordia.ca/new-students for more.

ACHIEVE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALSConcordia has a lot of resources to help you take your grades to the next

level. We can help you become the academic high-achiever you want to be.

• Mentoring for New Students: Receive ongoing support from a

trained Student Success Mentor, connect with other students and

develop a personal support network, and learn effective strategies

for academic success.

• Mathematics: If mathematics is your passion, we’ll help you discover

new frontiers. Connect with study groups, workshops, media and

software. If math is your biggest challenge, we’ll have a solution

for you too.

• Sciences: If you want to be a science star, our learning specialists, science

tutors, study groups, and workshops can strengthen your discipline,

hone your creativity and put your scientific method to the test.

• Writing: Whether you’re studying English literature or learning English

as a second language, boost your written word power by meeting with

writing assistants, attending workshops, consulting grammar or style

guides, and taking writing-focused courses.

See concordia.ca/success-centre for more.

The Access Centre for Students with Disabilities offers orientation sessions

on the services available to Concordians with disabilities, ensuring success,

integration and skills development.

If you’re an international student, the staff at the International Student

Office can help you make Montreal feel like home. They can also provide you

with resources to excel in school, and you’ll meet other international students

through activities all year long. See concordia.ca/iso.

LEARN FRENCHMany Concordia students are looking for the chance to either learn or

perfect their French.

• Oui Can Help! connects students with French-language learning

resources on campus and throughout the city.

• Forbeginnersandintermediate,Jazz-ons! is a conversation group

facilitated by fluent French-speakers. Explorons! (Let’s Explore!) helps

intermediate-level speakers practise their French while discovering

Montreal. The group meets each week at different landmark locations

around the city.

• YoucanalsotakeaFrenchclassforcreditwithConcordia’s

Département d’études françaises, the department of French language,

literature and translation.

• Volunteeringisagreatwaytopractiseyourlanguageskills.Visitthe

LIVE Centre to connect with volunteer opportunities.

GET TO KNOW THE STUDENT HUBVisit concordia.ca/students to stay on top of the latest news and take

advantage of all the services for students at Concordia.

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$500 French-language bursary available to 50 out-of-province students

GETTING AROUND METRO OR BUSConcordia runs a free shuttle between the Sir George Williams and Loyola

campuses. Catch the shuttle bus in front of the Hall Building (Sir George

Williams) or in front of the Vanier Library (Loyola). The trip, which usually

takes 20-30 minutes, is faster than public transit. Buses are wheelchair

accessible. For schedules and to track the shuttle bus in real time, go to

concordia.ca/shuttle.

The STM (Sociéte de transport de Montréal) is one of the most-used public

transit systems in North America. Concordia students 26 and under pay

a reduced fare. To get the cheaper rate, you’ll need a letter verifying your

student status, which you can get through MyConcordia or at the Birks

Student Service Centre.

The Guy-Concordia metro station is located under the GM Building

on the Sir George Williams Campus.

BICYCLEBiking is by far the most efficient and fun way to get to school. You won’t

be alone — Montreal has a very vibrant bicycle culture — 53 per cent of

Montrealers report using a bike for transportation. One of the city’s main

bike paths runs through Concordia’s Sir George Williams Campus on De

Maisonneuve Boulevard.

As a member of Concordia’s Allégo Secure Bike Parking Facility, you can

keep your bike safe indoors and get access to Le Gym or Le Centre’s

shower facilities to freshen up before class. The cost is $30 per term plus

a $15 deposit for the key.

Right to Move/La Voie Libre is a co-operatively run, not-for-profit, do-it-

yourself bike workshop located directly behind the mezzanine

of the Hall Building.

Bixi is a public bike-sharing system designed in Montreal that’s been adopted

by cities around the world and embraced by Montrealers. There are Bixi

stands across both campuses.

Le Petit Vélo Rouge is a bike co-op on Loyola Campus that sells reliable,

safe and affordable used bikes.

CARConcordia has two indoor parking garages downtown. Loyola Campus has

two outdoor lots. The maximum daily fee is $5 for students, or you may

buy a monthly parking pass. The City of Montreal offers on-street

metered parking.

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Bike stands located all over both campuses

JASON AZZOPARDEFaculty of Arts and ScienceSpecialization in Actuarial Mathematics / Finance

Jason Azzoparde has gone a long way towards putting in place the building blocks of a very promising professional future. He’s earned top marks in his program, excellent reviews from his work-term supervisors and the Bourse Gilles Joncas for the top Co-op student in Quebec. Azzoparde is also passing, at an astonishing rate, a series of actuarial exams on the way to attaining an important and coveted professional designation: associate of the Society of Actuaries.

Add to that a strong commitment to training and athletics — Azzoparde played football for the Stingers for two years — and you have one busy Concordian.

A hunger to never stop learning is what keeps him moving forward, says Azzoparde. Each of the teams he’s worked on at consultancy firm Towers Watson over three Co-op terms has offered something different. Azzoparde is now versed in consulting on retirement, health and group benefits, and investment.

His advice for first-year students: “The best way to stay motivated is to always have a long-term goal that justifies your current efforts. The projected success should be enough to keep you focused!”

GETTING AHEADCAREER AND PLANNING SERVICES (CAPS) can help you prepare

a job-search strategy, get your resumé in good shape and practise answering

common interview questions. Search the CAPS online Job Bank to find

full-time and part-time jobs. See more at concordia.ca/career-planning.

THE INSTITUTE FOR CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP) bridges university life and the working world. Alternating study and work

terms gives you practical work experience, the chance to test what you’ve

learned in school, and a glimpse of your future career opportunities.

Read more about Co-op at concordia.ca/co-op.

Paid internships: earn money and gain work experience while you study through Co-op

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JESSE CARMICHAELJohn Molson School of Business ( JMSB)Major in Finance, double Minor in Financial Reporting and Marketing

As president of the John Molson Competition Committee, Jesse Carmichael leads a team of 15 students responsible for managing the largest undergraduate case competition program in the world.

Carmichael’s job is to help select and prepare JMSB students to go up against student groups from other universities internationally. The goal: see who can come up with the most effective solutions to real-life business problems in the eyes of a judging panel that includes professors and corporate executives.

“It’s excellent training for a future in business”, says Carmichael, who’s competed for JMSB in Singapore and New Zealand. But the real benefit

of getting involved is the chance to grow. “It really allowed me to break out of my shell,” she says. “Being able to guide students through that same transforming phase that I went through is amazing.”

Her advice for first-year students: “Get involved from day one! Look into it and find something that fits you. You’re guaranteed to make deep connections with people who share the same passion and level of dedication. It’ll definitely shape your university experience.”

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GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUSFROSHThe Concordia Student Union and the four faculties hold Frosh events at the

start of the fall term to welcome new and returning students. Frosh events

are a great way to meet people before school is in full swing. Check with

your faculty.

STUDENT GROUPSConcordia students are socially aware, connected and know how to make

things happen in the world and on campus. That’s why we have such a rich

collection of student groups and clubs, from the Improv Club to Space

Concordia, currently working on launching a satellite. Find something that

captures your imagination at concordia.ca/student-groups.

The Dean of Students Office makes funds available to support student

projects that enhance or contribute to the quality of student life. You can

pitch your ideas for social, political, educational or cultural initiatives twice a

year through the Concordia Council of Student Life.

See concordia.ca/offices/dean-students.

Watch for the NOW e-newsletter sent by email every second Thursday. Students are automatically on the list!

The campus news you need to know:concordia.ca/news

Large and small, Concordia’s community engagement initiatives reach into

local neighbourhoods and extend across borders to help people around the

world. Find out about programs like Five Days for the Homeless and Art

Matters at concordia.ca/community-initiatives.

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK is your chance to do something

meaningful during February’s reading week. You’ll get the chance to learn

about different cultures, communities and social issues through volunteer

work. You’ll return to Concordia ready for self-reflection and an increased

sense of civic engagement.

THE CONCORDIA VOLUNTEER ABROAD PROGRAM (CVAP) lets students from Montreal and Uganda gain first-hand experience in

the field of international community development. Every year, around 40

Concordia students travel to Gulu, Uganda, to work on projects ranging

from health care to athletics. CVAP is supported by a fee levy of Concordia

undergraduate students, an expression of the Concordia community’s

commitment to global civic responsibility and hands-on learning.

CONCORDIA INTERNATIONAL manages student exchanges,

internships and study abroad programs to provide every interested

Concordia student the opportunity to gain international experience.

Make your student experience outstanding by finding a volunteer placement

at the LEADERSHIP, INITIATIVE AND VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT

(LIVE) CENTRE, and get credit for your extracurricular efforts through the

Co-curricular Record. Paired with your transcript, the record will give you an

advantage as you apply for bursaries, grants and graduate schools. It also gives

future employers a picture of your involvement outside the classroom.

CONNECT TO THE WORLD

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CVAP: About 40 Concordia students travel to Uganda every year to work on joint projects

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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We have services and supports available to foster your physical, mental

and spiritual health.

HEALTH SERVICES is your on-campus clinic and health promotion

centre, where you can see a physician, nurse, psychiatrist, psychologist or

health-promotion specialist. We can help you set and achieve your health

goals, including stress management, healthy eating and fitness. See

concordia.ca/health for a complete list of resources.

Health Services has got you covered on both campuses. Find us on

the Sir George Williams Campus in the Guy-Metro Building, and in the

Administration Building on Loyola Campus. Just bring your student ID and

your valid insurance coverage.

LE GYM, on the Sir George Williams Campus, is a state-of-the-art fitness

centre that offers the latest and best in exercise equipment and a friendly

environment with trained and helpful staff. You can sign up for aerobics,

spinning, yoga, personal training and more.

THE PERFORM CENTRE on the Loyola Campus is a preventative health

research centre focused on promoting healthy living. Its Le Centre program

provides an opportunity to get fit on its conditioning floor.

COUNSELLING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES offers

personal counselling when you need it. Professional counsellors, accredited

psychotherapists and psychologists can help you find effective ways to deal

with any obstacles to your growth and success.

Explore your spirituality or deepen your spiritual practice through the

MULTI-FAITH CHAPLAINCY, whose staff can help you find prayer rooms

and meditation spaces on campus, or connect you with a spiritual advisor.

The Loyola Chapel on the Loyola Campus is a beautiful sanctuary of peace

to escape the hustle of everyday.

PERFORM Centre: a clinical research facility focused on promoting healthy living

Get fit at the gym! concordia.ca/gym

RECREATION AND ATHLETICS

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Whether you want to cheer on the Concordia Stingers or have fun

keeping fit and active, Recreation and Athletics has something for everyone.

Sign up for friendly recreational competition in anything from hockey to

Ultimate. Take classes in martial arts or modern dance. Get in shape with

our aerobics programs or workout in the fitness facility at Le Gym.

Check out the Stinger Dome— an air-supported structure covering an entire

field, allowing you to play all year long.

Visit the Ed Meagher Arena, a recently renovated rink that conforms to

National Hockey League standards. There are opportunities for recreational

hockey, free skating and more.

THE STINGERSThe Stingers are Concordia’s varsity sports teams in football, basketball,

hockey, rugby, soccer and wrestling. Find the scoreboard and schedules

at stingers.ca.

Join the Swarm! The Swarm is made up of sports-mad Concordians —

get decked out in the school’s colours and cheer on the Stingers.

@ConcordiaSwarm /ConcordiaSwarm

Volunteer concordia.ca/volunteer

concordia.ca/stu

dent-budgeting

Manage your finances

STUDENT SERVICES Your student fees support a wide variety of programs. concordia.ca/student-services

Plan your career concordia.ca/career-planning

Talk to a counsellorconcordia.ca/counselling

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Talk to a counsellorconcordia.ca/counselling

Get support tailored for you

concordia.ca/support-services

Explore spirituality concordia.ca/spirituality

Get fit at the gymconcordia.ca/gym

Connect with a

student mentor

concordia.ca/student-mentor

Play recreational sports

concordia.ca/recreational-sports

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Join a clubconcordia.ca/join-a-club

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

@CUFutureStudent

/CUFutureStudents

@ConcordiaUniversity

/ConcordiaUni

/photos/ConcordiaUniversity

/Concordia

CONCORDIA.CA1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.

Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8514-848-2424

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

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/company/concordia-university /concordiauni

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1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.Montreal, QuebecH3G 1M8

514-848-2424

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