Ag Diploma Orientation

All new diploma students are required to attend the Ag Diploma Orientation, takes place at the beginning of each Fall term.

During Ag Diploma Orientation you will:

• Meet your new classmates, instructors and School of Agriculture staff
• Have fun, meet new friends, and get to know your faculty and school!
• Review the Diploma Program
• Review the many campus resources that are available to you as a student
• Have student photos taken

By late June all new diploma students will receive a registration package from the School of Agriculture which will provide you with valuable information detailing the scheduling of your upcoming school year and your Ag Diploma Orientation.

If you have not already done so, you will want to ensure that you have paid your fees for the upcoming school term (2008-2009) at this time. In addition you will want to acquire your UMnetID (computer account) and your student ID card.

The different start dates for both the Diploma and Degree programs have different revision period deadlines. During the Revision Period, you will not be charged financially or academically for changes made to your schedule.

It is very important to check the deadlines for adding and dropping (VW-ing) a course in the Undergraduate Calendar

If you want to drop a course after the revision period, you can voluntarily withdraw from it. Voluntary withdrawals will show up on your student transcript as a VW.

The only way to drop, or VW, a class is to use the Aurora Student Registration System. If you just stop attending a class, you will end up with an ‘F’ on your transcript. You have to let the system know that you are dropping a course.

The VW deadlines are listed in the Undergraduate calendar. Make sure to take note of the VW dates that apply to your Degree or Diploma program!

In the Regular Session, the voluntary withdrawal deadline is usually 3 weeks before the end of classes for the term. You can't get out of a class after the final VW date!

The U of M repeat policy is that if you have taken a course previously and received a final grade in it, you must get permission from your faculty Academic Advisor to take the course again.

The U of M's repeat policy allows students to repeat a course in which they have previously received a final grade, only once. A student's transcript will reflect each attempt, however only the most recent attempt will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average.

The Final Exam period is listed in the Undergraduate Calendar. When your course starts, make sure to confirm with your instructor the date, time and location of your final exams.

Do not make any travel arrangements before knowing when your exams will be. Travel is not an excuse to miss an exam.

If you miss an exam, you will have to provide supportive documentation of circumstances beyond your control (medical or compassionate grounds).

If you find that you are not doing well in your classes, or if you are having a tough time understanding all of the concepts – here are some suggestions:

• First of all, talk to your instructor – that’s what they’re there for! They won’t seek you out – they wait for you to go to them for help. And don’t be afraid to ask a question in class – chances are that other students have the same question.

• Ask other students in your class or form study groups. Learn from each other.
• Check out the other parts of the Virtual Learning Commons site for resources that can help you.
• If you want a tutor, look up the Tutor Registry that is set up by the U1 Student Help Centre at 205 Tier Building.
• The Learning Assistance Centre has a variety of tools to assist students.
• Finally, speak with an Academic Advisor. We are located in Room 160, in the Student Services Office, Agriculture Bldg. – if we can’t help you, we’ll direct you to someone who can.

Academic Advisors and the Student Services Office

Academic Advisors are an excellent source of help. Whatever your concerns - issues with courses, instructors, personal issues, program requirements – speaking with an Academic Advisor ensures you get correct and up to date information. We are located at:

Student Services Office
Room 160
Agriculture Building

Walk-in sessions accepted Monday-Friday:
9:30-10:30am and 2:00-3:00pm
Student appointments accepted Monday-Friday
11:00am-12:00pm

The Learning Assistance Centre (LAC)

The Learning Assistance Centre (LAC) is located in 201 Tier Building (right across the hall from the U1 Student Help Centre) and is another great place that offers lots of services that can help you tap into learning. For example:

• workshops – free 1 hour sessions focusing on study skills and writing topics;
• one to one meetings – call to make an appointment or just drop in for a half hour meeting;
• website resources – use the online writing tutor service, print out some useful handouts, use helpful links, check out the LAC Blog;
• writing tutors – one to one help with writing from trained students. Writing tutors are located in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library during the year.

You now have some information to get you started on your University career. Throughout the year you will continue to get updated information; so make sure the University has your current address on file. Use the Aurora Student Registration System to easily update your address. Expect to receive:

• emails to keep you up to date with deadlines, updates on programs and other events that new Diploma or Degree students may be interested in. (Every student at the U of M can claim a free email account. With this account you: can keep in contact with U of M profs, receive regular updates on U of M happenings etc.)

For updated news and events, bookmark the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences website.

Other things to do

• get a parking pass;
• get an ID card (needed to take books out of the library, used as your gym pass, to write final exams, used as a declining balance card for food, etc.);
• buy your textbooks (from the U of M Bookstore or the "Archives" used Bookstore); and
• claim your U of M Computer Account.

Congratulations! You are now done the Ag Tutorial.

Please feel free to return and review the tutorial at any time if you need tips on selecting and registering for your Degree or Diploma classes.