New Student Orientation Schedule
Welcome to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP)!
We’re thrilled to have you join our vibrant community. Get ready to participate in a variety of sessions designed to help you make your first connections on campus. Your RDP journey starts here!
Parking is complimentary on September 3. Our friendly staff and faculty are excited to welcome you and will be available to answer any questions you may have. Drop by our welcome table by the Main Doors anytime between 8:30 am and 1:30 pm for wayfinding assistance and more.
New Student Orientation (NSO) Schedule
| Activity/Session | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| International Student Orientation* | Red Deer Polytechnic Arts Centre | 9:00 - 10:30 am |
RDP Welcome New Student Orientation for all new students (domestic and international) | Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm |
| Lunch sponsored by the Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic | Far Side Bar & Grill | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (or until supplies last) |
| Athletics Try-a-Sport | Main Gym (Room 1002) on Main Campus | 12:00 - 1:00 pm |
| Indigenous Student Welcome Smudge and Centre Open House** | Room 1010 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm |
| Program-Specific Orientation Sessions | Varies by Program (see schedule below) | 1:30 pm and onwards*** |
*The International Student Orientation is a mandatory session for all new international students. Registration is required.
** Indigenous Student Welcome Smudge at 1 pm
***Health Care Aide Certificate program-orientation session is located in Downtown Campus. Life and Employment Skills for Independence Certificate (LESI), Medical Office Assistant Certificate and Unit Clerk Extension Certificate is scheduled in the morning. See Program-Specific Orientation Session for details.
If you cannot attend the in-person orientation, an online presentation highlighting some of the information covered will be available online (stay tuned for the link).
Program-Specific Orientation Sessions
Continuing Education & Corporate Training
| Program | Room | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care Aide Certificate | MILLC 408 (Downtown Campus) | 2:00 pm |
| Life and Employment Skills for Independence Certificate (LESI) | 2913 | 10:30 am |
| Medical Office Assistant Certificate Unit Clerk Extension Certificate | Online | 11:00 am |
Donald School of Business, Science & Computing
| Program | Room | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Professional Certificate Human Resources Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Legal Assistant Diploma | 2901AB | 2:30 pm |
| Aviation Certificate Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor of Commerce Business Certificate Business Diploma Executive Assistant Diploma | 2901AB | 1:30 pm |
| Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences | 1400 | 1:30 pm |
| Bachelor of Science in Engineering – University Transfer | 2501 | 1:30 pm |
| Computer Programming Diploma | 1400 | 2:30 pm |
School of Arts & Education
| Program | Room | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Upgrading | 2301 | 1:30 pm |
| Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects | 2403 | 1:30 pm |
| Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production | Studio A | 1:45 pm |
| Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Bachelor of Science in Psychology University Arts Diploma | 2600 | 1:30 pm |
| Bachelor of Education (First Year) | 2601 | 1:30 pm |
| Bachelor of Education (Second Year) | 2601 | 2:30 pm |
| Early Learning and Child Care Certificate & Diploma | 1600 | 1:30 pm |
| Educational Assistant Certificate | 2305 | 1:30 pm |
| Justice Studies Diploma | 2304 | 1:30 pm |
| Visual Art Diploma | 954 | 2:00 pm |
School of Health & Wellness
| Program | Room | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Kinesiology & Sport Studies Kinesiology & Sport Studies Diploma | 1002 Gym | 1:30 pm |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing – collaboration with University of Alberta | 2602 | 1:30 pm |
| Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate | 1503 | 1:15 pm |
| Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma | CS2178 | 1:30 pm |
| Pharmacy Technician Diploma | 2601 | 1:30 pm |
| Practical Nurse Diploma | 2505 | 1:30 pm |
| Pre-Health Sciences Certificate | GWH 161 (Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre) | 1:30 pm |
| Social Work Diploma | 1303 | 1:30 pm |
School of Trades & Technology
| Program | Room | Time |
| Culinary Arts Diploma | 1502 | 1:30 pm |
| Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma | 960C | 1:30 pm |
What to Do and What to Know for Your First Week
Participate in Welcome Week activities
Ensure your tuition and fees are paid. Note: Tuition fees for Fall term and full-year courses are due on August 27.
Parking at RDP is limited and purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply for parking.
Log into MyRDP (previously TheLoop) - your RDP student portal.
Buy textbooks, course materials and additional supplies. Visit the Campus Store in person on RDP's main campus or avoid line-ups and order your textbooks online.
Books and other materials for Fall 2024 are now available at the Campus Store.
Hours Below:
July 25 – August 23 | 9 am – 3 pm
August 26 – 30 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
September 2 – 13 | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Regular hours will resume starting September 16 | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Get your lockers, check out the used textbook inventory, purchase transit passes, learn about your student health & dental plan and other services offered by your Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic.
Get your iCard - your multi-purpose student ID card. Once your photo has been approved, you will receive a confirmation email and can pick it up at the Cashier’s Office (must present a valid government-issued photo ID).
Check important dates from the academic schedule.
Get connected to RDP's student services to learn more about the many services that are available to assist you throughout your entire time as a student at the Polytechnic