How to student — Fall 2021 edition
Whether you’re a new student or a returning student who never got the chance to have on-campus labs last year, Fall 2021 is bound to be a different experience. Be it distance, face-to-face or blended classes you’ll be attending this year, here are some things to remember to help you make the most of it.
Start the year off right with in-person Orientation Wednesday, Sept. 1 and Thursday, Sept. 2 from 11 am to 2 pm. There will be food, fun and entertainment. Both new and returning students are welcome. Register now for:
- the Info Fair and campus tours
- music and outdoor games
- Tex-Mex poutine, popcorn and Timbits
- Coca-Cola and Monster Energy on site
- $2,500 in prizes from SAIT Alumni and Development
- an Aboriginal hoop dancer and craft sale.
If you’re heading into the classroom for the first time in a long time, don’t forget your mask. Until further notice, SAIT is mandating the use of masks in all indoor spaces, classrooms and labs on all campuses.
Masks are not required to be worn on campus under the following circumstances:
- when outdoors
- when eating or drinking indoors
- when working or studying alone indoors and there is a minimum of two metres between people
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) both formally recommend mask use indoors. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw also recommends mask usage to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
If you’re taking classes online, make sure you have all your online tools and software in place for the first day.
Even before your first day, you can get a feel for online learning through prep courses specifically designed for new students. Learn more about discussion boards, online communication, submitting assignments online and more by completing Prep 100 – The SAIT Experience or Prep 145 – Orientation for Apprentices.
- computers and laptops
- email and logins
- network access
- SAIT apps
- printing services
- SAIT backgrounds for Teams and Zoom
There are lots of tools and tech available for online learning. Your instructors will aim to use common tools/platforms as much as possible for consistency within your program and will address program or course-specific requirements on or before your first day.
- Take a tech tour of Brightspace, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams.
- Learn about remote network access.
- Explore accessibility tools designed to support online learning.
Coming to campus?
Make sure you know how you’re going to get there! Eligible students can activate their UPass, which provides unlimited access to Calgary Transit while it’s valid. Starting Fall 2021, access your UPass directly through Calgary Transit’s My Fare app. Drivers can purchase a SAIT parking pass and check out lots and rates online.
If you’re studying from home, you’ve probably got a pretty sweet commute of a few feet, but don’t forget to drive your own health in the right direction.
Try to incorporate breaks into your daily schedule to get up from your computer and move around.
Looking after yourself is key to achieving academic and personal success. The Wellness Check lets you check in on your personal and academic well-being, create a plan for success and find out about the people and resources available on campus to help you succeed.
It's anonymous, only takes a few minutes to complete and can be done more than once to enhance your well-being.
For both on-campus and distance learners, SAIT has increased mental health resources — including counselling accessible both online and on campus, and self-help resources like the headversity app.
Mental health screenings are also a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about may need to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional for an evaluation. They are educational, not diagnostic. Completing a quick screening test will help you determine if your recent thoughts or behaviours may be associated with a common, treatable issue.
Our screenings are anonymous and only take a few minutes to complete. When you're finished, you will get information and next steps.