This information is a brief summary of the many services the University offers, for more information, please view the University's site at www.ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary is located in the northwest section of the city and is accessible by car or by public transport (light rail or bus) from all parts of the city. Enrolment is approximately 30,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
The University is organized into 12 faculties: Continuing Education, Education, Engineering, Environmental Design, Fine Arts, Graduate Studies, Law, Haskayne School of Business, Medicine, Nursing, Kinesiology, Science, and Social Welfare. The Department of Archaeology is part of the Faculty of Arts.
The University became an autonomous institution on May 1, 1965. Some facilities, such as the residences and the student centre, were expanded when the University served as the Olympic Village during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Expansion is on-going.
GRADUATE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
http://www.ucalgary.ca/GSA/
All full time graduate students are automatically members of the Graduate Students Association (GSA). The GSA represents graduate students on university committees, including Graduate Faculties Council, General Faculties Council, Senate, Faculty Committees, etc. In addition, the GSA operates the Grad Centre, a lounge/pub open to all members of the GSA and guests, run intramural sports leagues, administer the health, dental and disability insurance programs for graduate students, and provide general support to graduate population.
Each year the graduate students elect two of their members to serve as representatives on the GSA executive.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking on University property is allowed only in designated "smoking permitted" areas.
ACCOMMODATION
http://www.ucalgary.ca/residence/
Limited student family housing and student residences are available on campus. By preference or necessity, many students find accommodation elsewhere (it should be noted that the University is located in an area consisting mainly of single family housing and available apartments tend to be more expensive than those less conveniently situated). Three types of housing services are available:
1. Residence Complex (Single Student Housing). Two co-ed dormitory residences and five apartment complexes can accommodate 1150 students.
2. Family Housing. "Varsity Courts" is a complex consisting of 250 townhouses for student families. There is a waiting list of approximately one year.
3. Off-campus Housing Registry. The Students' Union manages this service which offers updated listings of available accommodation for students. In addition, the local daily newspapers, particularly the Calgary Herald, contain listings of available suites and rooms. Also many bulletin boards around the Campus have notices of apartments for rent; sublets; rooms available, etc.
Full details on residence services may be obtained by contacting:
Residence Services
Dining Centre 018
2500 University Drive N.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
Phone: (403) 220-3210
Fax: (403) 282-8443
Email: rezserv@ucalgary.ca
TRANSIT PASS (U-pass)
The u-pass is a U of C student transit pass for buses and the c-train at any time of day on any day. The pass will be effective September 1 to April 30. U-passes are not available May-August. The u-pass fee ($192) is a mandatory fee for all full-time graduate and undergraduate students.
THE STUDENTS' UNION BUILDING
Operated by the Students' Union, the MacEwan Student Centre (MacEwan Hall or MSC) contains a number of services and facilities including: the University Bookstore, travel office, drugstore, ticket kiosk, postal outlet, Student Union Offices, the campus radio station, optical store, hairstylist and even a florist. A food court caters to all tastes with ten kiosks offering food ranging from A & W hamburgers to Lebanese baklava. The Graduate Student Centre (the Grad Centre) is open to all graduate students registered in program and to alumni of the graduate program. Student support services, such as Medical, Counselling, Native Student Centre, etc. are also located in Mac Hall. An expansion of MacEwan Hall was recently completed.
HEALTH CARE
http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/departments/UHS/
The University Health Services Clinic, located in the MacEwan Student Centre, is staffed by family physicians and registered nurses and other associated health professionals, including counsellors, who are available to all students and, in an emergency, to students' families. Appointments are recommended except in the case of emergencies.
Students must obtain Alberta Health Care Insurance if they don't already have other provincial coverage. Non-Canadian students should apply for coverage under Alberta Health Care Insurance as soon as they can. Details may be obtained from the receptionist at the Clinic.
The general fees charged by the Faculty of Graduate Studies include an extended health care and dental plan. This does not, however, replace the Alberta Health care plan which covers all doctors and hospital costs as well as some ancillary costs (eye exams, physiotherapy etc.). Drug costs are covered under the GSA health plan.
DAY CARE CENTRE
http://www.ucalgary.ca/uccc/
The University Day Care Centre is located on the east side of campus in its new building. While the children of staff and students are cared for at this facility, mainly it is for student use.
CAMPUS RECREATION
http://www.ucalgaryrecreation.ca/
Catering to a wide range of physical activities, the Campus Recreation Program is open to all members of the University Community. Details of facilities, opening hours, courses and so on are contained in various publications available at pick-up points around Campus or from the front desk in the Physical Education building.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Nickle Arts Museum offers continuing and visiting shows covering painting, sculpture, photography and other media. The museum also houses the Nickle Numismatic Collection, one of the largest coin collections in North America.
There are two on-campus theatres offering a wide variety of plays, concerts and other events during the year.
The Den, the Student Union pub, offers live entertainment in the evenings, usually country rock or country and western music. Occasionally well-known groups present concerts in the ballroom. The Graduate Centre is a popular hang-out particularly on Friday afternoons. It’s licensed and also serves meals.
Many other events take place throughout the year and a full listing is contained in the weekly University newspapers The Gazette, The Gauntlet and on the University’s Events Web Page http://www.ucalgary.ca/podcasts/campusevents/