FAQs

Graduates can have formal photos taken leading up to Convocation - or even on Convocation Day. Please see Graduation Photographs for complete details on these sessions and how to receive your free ceremony photo.

Red Deer Polytechnic supports the choice of all those attending our Convocation ceremonies to wear a face covering – or not – as it works for your personal situation. We ask that everyone respects the choices of one another as we celebrate Convocation together.

If you complete your program of studies before the end of August 2022, you can attend Red Deer Polytechnic's Convocation Ceremonies on Friday, June 3, 2022.  

If your program is still in progress at the end of August, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance at Convocation. Your actual certificate or diploma will be mailed once all courses are complete. Students who complete their programs after August 2022 will be eligible to attend the Convocation Ceremonies in June 2023.    

If you are in an Apprenticeship Program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Red Deer Polytechnic. Your journeyman certificate is provided by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.  

To attend Convocation 2022, you must apply online.  

On April 8, all eligible graduates were sent communications with a link to apply to attend Convocation. These communications were sent through a student personal announcement on TheLoop and by email.  

You must apply to attend Convocation by May 11, 2022. 

For additional details, see Applying to Attend Convocation. 

We are sorry, but requests from graduates to participate in Convocation Ceremonies cannot be accommodated within two weeks of the Convocation date. Individual requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis after the official deadline, but graduates cannot be guaranteed the opportunity to attend.      

For more information, email convocation [at] rdpolytechnic [dot] ca (convocation[at]rdpolytechnic[dot]ca).  

Graduates wear Convocation gowns, as described in the Convocation Gowns section. The gown rental is $50.

Graduates are permitted to bring a maximum of three guests to Convocation. Invitations are not required, and tickets do not need to be purchased. Please see Guest Information for complete details on parking and accommodation options.

Most graduates choose to wear dress clothes to attend their Convocation Ceremony. Students are also invited to wear their traditional Indigenous regalia, such as a ribbon shirt, ribbon skirt or Metis sash, in celebration of their Convocation Day.   

Graduates will don Convocation gowns over their own clothes for their ceremony, as described in the Convocation Gowns information. Please note that Indigenous graduates who choose to wear traditional regalia to celebrate Convocation will have the choice of whether or not to wear a gown over their regalia.  

Formal Portraits

Graduates are encouraged to wear whatever dress clothes feel most appropriate for them. Please remember that you will be wearing a gown over your personal clothes for the formal portrait.

Traditionally, women have worn a white collared blouse in the portrait or simply a bare neck. Both styles work well. Men traditionally wear a white shirt and tie with dress pants for their sitting session.

All graduate portraits will be taken with and without the grad cap. Head/shoulder and close-ups will be part of your sitting session.

Informal Portraits

These portraits are an expression of your individual personality. You can bring a change of clothing for these portraits and have them taken with personal props that express your talents and interests to capture your personal creativity and style. We want you to have fun and feel special at your sitting!

Yes. You are a Red Deer Polytechnic alum once you have:

• Completed 30 credits at Red Deer Polytechnic, even when we were RDC (typically 10 classes per year)
• Finished a trades program or completed a portion of it at Red Deer Polytechnic
• Started your degree at Red Deer Polytechnic (even if you finished it by transferring)

Typically, the RDP Alumni Association present new grads with a Welcome note and the opportunity to sign up for an Alumni Benefits Card at Convocation.

If you’d like to sign up for your alumni benefits now, please visit rdpolytech.ca/keepintouch. 

We will, of course, respect the wishes of those donors who prefer to give to RDC without recognition. At your request, we will keep your donation anonymous.

We would love to hear from you and explore what event ideas you have in mind. Please contact:

Joanna Watson

403.342.3175
Joanna [dot] Watson [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Joanna[dot]Watson[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca)

Revenue Canada Registered Charity Number 89051 5570 RR0001

If you have a Canadian taxable income, your tax credits may be applied to offset tax on that income as if you were a resident of Canada.

If you are a US resident, but are also a graduate of RDC and/or a qualifying relation to a RDC alumnus (i.e. spouse, parent, sibling or child), your gift to RDC achieves full charitable deduction on your IRS Income Tax return.

If you are US resident but have a different relationship to RDC than mentioned above, your gift may still achieve full IRS Deduction status.

Tax credits may be applied up to 75 per cent of your annual net taxable income. Unused credits may be carried over for use, in whole or part, in any of up to five subsequent tax years. Tax credits for an estate gift may be applied up to 100 per cent of the net taxable income reported of a final tax return, plus unused credits may be carried back and applied up to 100 per cent of the net taxable income reported in the prior year.

We apologize for any delay or inconvenience you may be experiencing. Please contact RDC's Foundation:

Constance Gallant

403.343.4016
constance [dot] gallant [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (constance[dot]gallant[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca)

All cheques for student awards should be payable to RDC Foundation and  mailed to:

RDC Foundation
100 College Blvd.
PO Box 5005
Red Deer AB  T4N 5H5

Yes it does. The RDC Foundation is a fully qualified and duly registered Canadian Charity, recognized in all Provinces and Territories.

For general middle income earners, your combined (Federal + Alberta) charitable credits result in tax savings approximately equal to 31% of your total annual donations (to ALL sources) over the first $200. Those earning $66,000 or more experience tax savings of 43%, and the highest earners save taxes equal to more than 46% of their gift. Please feel free to speak with us in confidence about how much tax savings will result from your charitable giving.

If you are unable to find answers to your questions on Red Deer Polytechnic’s website or Current Employment Opportunities webpage, or if you experience any technical issues as you submit your resume, please email PeopleandCulture [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (PeopleandCulture[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca) 

Red Deer Polytechnic may reimburse new employees who have been offered permanent employment for reasonable moving expenses they incurred, to assist in reducing the financial impact of relocating. Reimbursement of relocation expenses must be discussed prior to an individual accepting an offer of employment, and is offered in accordance with Polytechnic's policy. The employment contract will indicate an employee’s eligibility for reimbursement. Please submit original receipts, and appropriate documents must support all reimbursement claims.

You must apply online. Red Deer Polytechnic does not accept resumes submitted by email, fax or in-person.

Once you have submitted your application online, you will receive an automated confirmation email which indicates your application has been successfully submitted. As well, you can check the status of your application online by logging into RDP’s Current Employment Opportunities webpage and clicking “Your Applications” on the right-hand side menu.

The Educational History section is used by Red Deer Polytechnic for statistical purposes only. It is not used as a decision-making feature during the shortlisting process.

Yes, the system requires a document be uploaded for each requested document. It is best practice to separate your documents into separate files and then to upload them individually. Please upload your documents as PDFs.

Yes, in fact you can return to any screen in the application section by selecting the drop down at the top of the page, then clicking “Go". Don’t forget to save your changes before moving to another screen.

You will not be able to make changes to your application once you’ve certified and submitted it.

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will normally be contacted between one and three weeks of the position closing date, to conduct a phone screen or to arrange an interview.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to visit rdc.ab.ca/covid and to stay tuned to RDC’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for up-to-date information. 

Yes, services on main campus have moved to online delivery. For full details, please see RDC's Service Updates and the Temporary Facility Closures section of these FAQs. 

Yes. Parking refunds will be processed automatically. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue this work. 

Effective April 1, 2020: RDC has decided to suspend employee parking fees for all parking on RDC’s main or downtown campuses, until further notice.

For employees whose fees for reserved stalls are paid by payroll deductions, they will first notice that no parking fees will be deducted from their payroll/direct deposit on the April 24, 2020 pay date (for the April 1 – 15, 2020 pay period).

For employees who pay fees online for scramble parking lots, they will not be required to pay for parking on RDC’s campuses in April, and until further notice. 

Upon direction provided by the Government of Alberta on March 15, 2020, Red Deer College cancelled all in-person classes. Students will complete their courses through online or alternate delivery, and they will learn these details from their instructors. 

See Service Updates and Contact Information for details on connecting with Schools and service areas.

Please note the following changes to RDC’s campuses and facilities:

Main Campus:

• Any students, employees, visitors or guests attending RDC’s main campus for work or courses must complete mandatory COVID-19 training and complete the questionnaire on the SAFE RDC App before arriving. A variety of health and safety protocols have also been implemented at RDC's main campus. Learn more about what actions will be required of you. 
  
   

Downtown Campus:

• RDC’s downtown campus is temporarily closed, until further notice. No public access will be accommodated, and all instructors and staff will be working from home and responding virtually to student or other inquiries.

Employees:

• To further encourage faculty and staff to work from home, starting Monday, April 20, all employees who need to work from, or access main campus for any other reasons, will be required to obtain the written pre-approval of the Dean or Director of their School or Division prior to arriving at main campus. View details about this Check-In Procedure.
• This written pre-approval should include the date(s) in which the employee is approved to be at RDC’s main campus.
• Deans and Directors should please email approval to the employee and cc to SecurityCentre [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (SecurityCentre[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) and Dan [dot] Sarrasin [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Dan[dot]Sarrasin[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) to ensure the Campus Security team is aware of who has been pre-approved to be on campus.

Please stay connected with rdc.ab.ca/covid for up-to-date information.  

Apprentice students in RDC’s School of Trades and Technologies who were enrolled in the March to April and May to June Apprenticeship programs have had their programs cancelled at this time as per information on Apprenticeship and Industry Training website. These students will have tuition refunds processed automatically in the next four to six weeks.

Students who have requested and been approved for a late drop due to medical or domestic affliction reasons will also receive a tuition refund. 

Students and members of the public are encouraged to visit rdc.ab.ca/covid for the most up-to-date information on RDC’s response to COVID-19. There is also a Contact Information page, which has specific contact information for RDC’s Schools and service areas.

A limited number of courses, labs and seminars have been approved to take place in-person on RDC's main campus during the Fall 2020 Term. The majority of courses will be delivered online for the fall semester.  

Yes. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, until September 2020 all in-person courses at Red Deer College have been cancelled. For the Fall 2020 semester, a limited number of in-person courses, labs and workshops have been approved to take place, while the majority of courses will continue online for the term.

Students who can’t complete their courses as a result of illness should discuss the situation with your instructor. You may also contact RDC's Office of the Registrar for further details. Email admissions [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (admissions[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca). 

All students can still withdraw from courses up until the last day of classes April 8, 2020. A course withdrawal will result in a WD on your transcript.  Students may apply for a late withdrawal after the last day of classes if there are extenuating circumstances.

Questions? Email admissions [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (admissions[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca). 

Red Deer College is working with our practicum partners, following guidelines established by the Government of Alberta and health agencies, to determine the most appropriate path for students in each course.

Students who are in practicums have and will continue to be contacted by their practicum instructors to discuss the requirements for their practicums. 

Learn more about RDC's continued response to COVID-19.

View information about life at RDC this fall, as we all continue to adapt to the changing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Plans have been identified for all Apprenticeship programs at RDC, along with all other Alberta post-secondary institutions that offer Apprenticeship programs. 

March to April and May to June Apprenticeship programs are cancelled. Students who started classes on or after March 2, 2020 will receive tuition refunds, which will automatically be processed within the next four to six weeks. 

• Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training will post information about 2020-21 registration dates as soon as possible. AIT is working with all the training institutions to develop a process for students who were registered in recently cancelled intakes to receive priority for next year’s classes, when those open. Please stay connected to TradeSecrets for details. 

Online classes in the Locksmith and Parts Technician programs will continue as per their current structure and schedule.

Instructors for intakes of 1st Period Automotive Service Technician (Feb. 3, 2020 start date), Cook Apprentice, 4th Period Electrician, and 3rd Period Instrumentation & Control Technician (all of which are more than 50 per cent completed at this time) will post information in RDC’s Blackboard about online learning opportunities for Apprentices to complete their training Period.

RDC's Apprentice students are encouraged to connect with their instructors if they have questions about their specific programs. Additional information is also available at Alberta Apprenticeship & Training’s website and at RDC’s COVID-19 webpages. 

Yes. You can Apply Now. RDC continues to accept applications for some programs to start classes in Winter (January) 2021. You can also apply now to attend one of RDC's programs starting in Fall (September) 2021.

The Tuition Deposit deadline has been extended for new domestic students to June 1, 2020. For international students, the tuition deposit deadine has been extended to June 15, 2020.

Continuing Student Registration has been delayed to June 9, 2020.

New Student Registration has been delayed to June 23, 2020.

For students transferring post-secondary courses, graded as pass or credit, RDC will accept these courses for transfer credit and for meeting course pre-requisites.

Testing for admission purposes is currently unavailable due to COVID-19. Applicants required to complete testing will be notified when alternative testing options become available. 

The GPA calculations were completed in March; therefore, there has been no change to the admission process for students admitted to Fall 2020 as a result of COVID-19.

For future applicants with post-secondary credits, RDC will use the best grades from the previous term if the most recent term provided includes only pass/credit grades.

For future applicants with high-school credits, RDC will use the course mark when no diploma mark is available for applicants affected by COVID-19 in 2020. In the case where both marks are available RDC will use the highest mark.

Upon direction provided by the Government of Alberta on March 15, 2020, Red Deer College cancelled all in-person classes.  

RDC will accept Duolingo as equivalent to other testing for admission into Fall, 2020 and Winter 2021. Please contact admissions [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (admissions[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca). 

College leaders and instructors are working extensively to establish an appropriate plan for each course and program. RDC will offer online and alternate delivery of courses to support students in completing their terms. Students have and will continue to be contacted by their instructors to learn the details of each specific course or program.  

The Final Examination Schedule has been updated March 25, 2020 with changes noted in yellow highlighting. Please go to the Loop, Home Channel, and scroll down to the bottom to find the link to the Timetable View – Winter 2020 Final Exam Schedule. 

Spring term courses will be offered through online delivery. Students will receive additional information closer to the start of Spring term.  

Yes. Continuing Student Registration will open, online through The Loop, June 9, 2020. If you have additional questions or encounter problems, please contact admissions [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (admissions[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca). 

No. Final exams are scheduled to be delivered online unless your instructor has cancelled the exam. 

The Final Examination Schedule has been updated March 25, 2020 with changes noted in Yellow highlighting. Please go to the Loop, Home Channel, and scroll down to the bottom to find the link to the Timetable View – Winter 2020 Final Exam Schedule. 

Yes. Red Deer College has reimagined our summer offerings, and we will have a blend of online and in-person programming for Summer Camps and Series Arts School. Learn more about RDC's Camps and Workshops.

Following directives from Alberta Health Services and governments, with the health and safety of our community members in mind, RDC will postpone all events hosted by, or at, the College until further notice.

For RDC, this includes: Convocation, Athletics Awards Night, Community Awards Celebration, Annual Fine Wine and Food Tasting Event and all other small and large in-person events. 

Anyone who previously purchased tickets for RDC events will automatically receive refunds as quickly as they can be processed in the next four to six weeks.

RDC is communicating this decision with community partners who have rented our facilities for upcoming events in this time period, and those organizations will then inform their guests of this decision. 

Thank you for your understanding and patience in this situation. 

Yes. People who have purchased tickets through Red Deer College’s Ticketing Services will receive an email detailing their refund. 

All individuals should park in the two parking lots immediately north of the main entrance (Lots C and Public West). This will facilitate easy access to the main door. Access to other parking lots will be closed. View RDC's parking map if you require directions. 

As a public institution, Red Deer College is doing our part to encourage physical distancing. With this in mind, and with the greatly reduced in-person traffic at RDC’s campuses due to COVID-19, the College has restricted access on our main campus and temporarily closed our downtown campus and RDC's Welikoklad Event Centre. 

Please see the questions below for additional details.  

Learn more about the areas of RDC's main campus that are open, as well as other details you'll need to know before attending any of the limited in-person shops or labs this fall.  

RDC’s downtown campus and the Welikoklad Event Centre are both temporarily closed, until further notice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Please see Service Updates and Contact Information for additional details. 

Yes. A limited number of in-person courses, labs and shops are being held during the Fall 2020 semester. Additionally, some limited student services are available on RDC's main campus, such as through the Library.  

Please see Service Updates and Contact Information for additional details. 

To further encourage faculty and staff to work from home, starting Monday, April 20, all employees who need to work from, or access main campus for any other reasons, will be required to obtain the written pre-approval of the Dean or Director of their School or Division prior to arriving at main campus.

This written pre-approval should include the date(s) in which the employee is approved to be at RDC’s main campus.

Deans and Directors should please email approval to the employee and cc to SecurityCentre [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (SecurityCentre[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) and Dan [dot] Sarrasin [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Dan[dot]Sarrasin[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) to ensure the Campus Security team is aware of who has been pre-approved to be on campus.  

View additional details of this Check-in Procedure for Employees.

Parking enforcement on RDC's main campus has been temporarily suspended until further notice to help accommodate these parking changes. 

When multi-jurisdictional research or multi-investigator research is minimal risk research and has already been approved by another TCPS-bound institution, it may be eligible for a modified review process.  Please refer to the information on “Research Involving Multiple Institutions (Multiple Jurisdiction Research)” on the Application Process page for details. 

If you are recruiting from the RDP community (students, faculty, staff), your research is minimal risk only, and your research has been approved by another TCPS-bound institution, a modified review process may apply. Please refer to the information on “Research Involving Multiple Institutions (Multiple Jurisdiction Research)” on the Application Process page for details. 

The Annual Status Report is due by June 30 of the academic year in which your project was approved. You may submit your Report as soon as your project is complete if it earlier than this date.  The REB Chair will send out the first reminder near the end of April; second reminder end of May; third and final reminder near the end of June.  If an Annual Status Report is not submitted, the REB is mandated to report cases of failure to comply with the provisions of the RDP ethics policy to the President (or designate) at RDP.  Disciplinary action may be requested: e.g., a cease order on any data collection, holds placed on any new ethics application, etc.  In the case of external researchers, a letter will be sent to the researcher’s institution’s research office alerting them of the non-compliance with RDP policy.

If you indicate that your project is still ongoing and will continue into the next academic year, you will receive a request to submit a new Annual Status Report the following year.

Instructors with approved Course-Based Student Projects do not have submit an Annual Status Report to the REB.

When any recorded information about an identifiable individual is collected and/or maintained by a member of RDP, certain guidelines must be adhered to above those specified by the REB Policy. This FOIPP (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) legislation governs all provincial departments, agencies and public bodies.

Further information about FOIP, as well necessary forms, can be obtained from Mareen Redies (Records Information - FOIP Coordinator) at 403-356-4987.

Useful websites, dealing with FOIP, can be found at:

• FOIP Home Page
• Commissioner's Home Page

In most cases, applications are reviewed as they come in. The RDP REB does not have designated meeting times.  Please try to submit your application at least two weeks prior to the start date of your research project.  Ethics application reviews typically take 10 business days to complete; a review may take longer if modifications or clarifications are requested. 

The REB is rarely able to accommodate “rush” or “last minute” reviews.  The majority of REB reviewers are faculty members; as such, they are subject to the same press on their time as other faculty, which makes some times during the year a bit more difficult to accommodate expedited review requests.   

The REB is able to review applications September through June.  We can still accept applications in July and August, though due to vacation schedules of the reviewers. The ten day turnaround time is not always guaranteed.  If received by August 20, Course-Based Student Research application reviews for the Fall term will be completed by the start of classes.

A resounding YES.  One or two errors are inevitable and thus forgivable.  Errors throughout one’s application form, however, will detract from the professionalism expected of researchers.

An Incentive is “anything offered to [research] participants, monetary or otherwise, to encourage participation in research” (TCPS 2 ). For example, gift cards, cash, prizes, coupons, goods and services, etc., may all be used by researchers to incentivize potential research participants to participate in research related activities. In order to ensure that consent is given voluntary, it is imperative that (a) all incentives, reimbursements, and compensation are conducted in a transparent manner, and (b) that steps be taken to ensure that the use of incentives, reimbursements, and compensation do not create an undue influence on potential research participants to participate in research related activities.  In order to ensure that incentives do not create an undue influence, it is imperative that the type of incentive is proportional, contextual, and not so large as to provide a compelling reason for individuals to partake in research related activities.

You are required to complete a brief Annual Status Report regarding your study. This Annual Status Report may be submitted any time after your research is complete and is due June 30 of the academic year in which your project was approved.  Ethical Approval is active for three years after the approval date, so if your project is a multi-year endeavor you will be responsible for submitting an Annual Status Report for every year your project is active.  If your project will go on longer than three years, you must submit a new ethics application and submit to a new ethics review.

Consult with the Chair of the REB as soon as possible regarding any changes to your research protocol.  If the changes affect ethical standards, you will have to reapply for ethical approval.

If the changes are not so significant as to impact on the ethical protocol, you may only need to submit documentation of the changes made; if the changes are significant enough to require not previously outlined ethical protocols, you will be required to submit a new ethics application.  It is best to consult with the REB prior to any changes.  

Examples of changes that typically do not warrant a new application could include: revising the wording of questions in a survey; adding questions of generally the same focus to an interview guide; expanding the number of participants to recruit; or deleting questions from the research instrument.

Examples of changes that might not warrant a new application, but which might require an addendum to your original application to account for some new procedures, could include: adding an online delivery component; expanding participant recruitment to include people/groups not previously described; or adding questions of a very different focus to an interview guide.

Examples of changes that will necessitate a new application could include: introducing a new research instrument; or expanding participant recruitment to include people or groups who were not in the original research design and for which specific protocols  exist for inclusion in research [e.g. Indigenous persons, children, people who cannot voluntarily consent, people with whom the researcher has a relationship (e.g. teacher-student)].

The REB considers this an Adverse Event as it could potentially cause harm or increase the level of risk to your participants. You will need to notify the Chair of the REB immediately and fill out the Adverse Events Report.  The more detailed process for reporting an Adverse Event can be found on the Ongoing Review / Annual Status Report page.

Ethics application reviews typically take 15 business days to complete; a review may take longer if modifications or clarifications are requested.  If a Full Board Review is required, it will take longer to conduct the review.

The REB is rarely able to accommodate “rush” or “last minute” reviews.  The majority of REB Reviewers are faculty members; as such, they are subject to the same press on their time as other faculty, which makes some times during the year a bit more difficult to accommodate expedited review requests.

How long data should be stored depends on the data, its format, and discipline-specific guidelines. The secure safeguarding of your research participants’ data is crucial to respecting their privacy and it helps you fulfill your confidentiality obligations.  You should follow disciplinary standards and practices for the collection, protection, retention or destruction of data.

It is the REB’s mandate to determine whether or not an ethics review is required. While researchers are responsible for ethical conduct in their research endeavors, they always have the support of the REB. When in doubt, please present any project to the REB for determination on whether or not ethics review is required. This consultation may be done via email, phone or in person, and typically with the Chair of the REB, although all REB members are always able to consult as well.

No – as the instructor, you would be responsible for completing a Course-Based Student Project application form for the entire class (available through the Forms Index or "Forms & Templates" tab here on the REB site).  The REB strongly recommends that you then serve as a de facto REB – at the very least, this should involve students submitting proposals for their projects to you for approval; the REB can provide you with a sample Ethics Checklist that you can use.  While these are course-based projects, students should still be conducting research according to the accepted standards for ethical research. This should include ensuring that all their participants give voluntary consent prior to participation. You may provide templates for students to adapt or you can refer them to the RDC REB website.

If your students encounter any problems while conducting this research, you should be their first contact and you should notify the REB at the earliest opportunity.  Examples of problems that students might encounter could include: losing data, causing a participant to become distressed, or breaching anonymity or confidentiality of a participant.

If you plan to do naturalistic observation in a public place that does not allow for the identification of the participants, where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, nothing is staged by the researcher and the observation is non-intrusive, ethics review is not normally required.  Consulting with the REB is the best way to work out the particular details of your study.

If you plan to do data collection that involves information posted by people on the internet, an ethics review is not normally required if all of the following criteria are met: the site is publicly accessible (e.g. it’s not password protected and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy), presentation of the data will not allow for the identification of any particular individuals, the research is not staged by the researcher and is non-intrusive.  Consulting with the REB is the best way to work out the particular details of your study.

• Some of the repercussions of not obtaining ethical approval for academic research include, but are not limited to:
• Many peer reviewed journals will not publish research that has not been approved by a research ethics board
• If something happens during a study that affects participant welfare, the researcher will not have the protection of their institution*
• The researcher’s eligibility for access to participant pools, funding, promotion may be negatively limited or denied
• Participants may file a complaint against the researcher with the institution; and depending on the severity of the situation, with local authorities
• Damage to the reputation of one’s institution and of one’s colleagues

*For a fascinating example, refer to the case of Dr. Collette Parent and Dr. Christine Bruckert, University of Ottawa.

No. Research involving human participants must not start until REB Ethical Approval has been received.  Pilot studies require research ethics approval. If approval is received for a pilot study, researchers may not have to submit a new application for the “full” study so long as there have not been significant alterations to the research protocol as a result of the pilot study. If the modifications informed by the pilot study are not significant in nature, providing the REB with any updated forms, instruments, and plans may be sufficient. Please consult with REB Chair to determine what is most appropriate in any given case.

On May 4, 2021, the Honourable Minister of Advanced Education, Demetrios Nicolaides, announced that RDC would become Alberta's newest polytechnic.

Learn more in the media release.  

It is important to note that the transition to a university will take place over three to five years. Once granted the new status, very little will change in the short term. 

We will begin the process to offer degrees that have an established history of successful enrolment, delivery and graduate employment, including:

• Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science, with a major in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science, with a major in Biological Sciences
• Bachelor of Business Administration

Over time, we will grow to offer additional baccalaureate level degrees that make sense for central Alberta and our learners. 

Under the polytechnic university model we would continue to offer a full spectrum of credentials including apprenticeship, trades and technology, certificates and diplomas, academic upgrading, and continuing education programs, as well as degrees that make sense for our region. Simply, we would do everything we do now plus grant our own degrees.  

RDC wanted to evolve in to a polytechnic university because it would allow us to continue offering a full spectrum of credentials including apprenticeships, certificates and diplomas, collaborative degrees with our partner institutions, as well as our own degrees that meet the demand in our region. This university model best serves the educational needs of central Alberta learners. Simply, we will do everything we do now, plus grant our own degrees. 

Central Alberta is currently the most populated region in our province without reasonable access to a university. The title “university” in Alberta is an indication of the quality of the institution, and the credibility of its degrees, in part because of the extensive quality standards that are set by the Government of Alberta and its Campus Alberta Quality Council. 

Please call the Office of the President at 403.342.3233.

On March 1, 2018, Premier Rachel Notley and Minister of Advanced Education, Marlin Schmidt, announced that Red Deer College has been given approval to offer our own degrees and begin the journey to become a university. The transition is expected to take three to five years.

RDC has excellent teaching and learning facilities, along with expanded living spaces, that are continually being upgraded to enhance our learner-centered environment. The RDC Library already supports collaborative degrees through learning resources available on campus and accessible through RDC’s membership in the NEOS library consortium. 

The state-of-the-art Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre officially opened on August 22, 2018, providing additional teaching and learning spaces, and much needed athletic facilities. RDC reached another important milestone on February 7, 2019, with the grand opening of the Alternative Energy Lab. This dynamic lab is a flexible learning and research space with a range of technology to support the latest in alternative energy innovation.

On May 9, 2019, RDC's new five-story Residence officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Its 145 studio suite design combines the privacy of independent living with socializing and collaboration of a Residence environment. Contributing to RDC's Alternative Energy Initiative, 545 solar panels were installed on the roof. 

RDC has ample land for eventual expansion of degree programs but in the short term, RDC will require no significant additional infrastructure to deliver the initial degree programs. 

RDC’s faculty complement is strong. RDC faculty teaching in the degree programs in Nursing, Education and Business Administration have significant professional experience as well as graduate degrees, including some doctoral degrees. There will be a need to increase the number of doctoral degrees among our faculty in our degree programs. 

RDC has a well-resourced faculty professional development program aimed at growing the capacity of faculty in all dimensions including teaching skills, research and scholarship, and the acquisition of higher credentials. 

With respect to scholarly activity at RDC, both policy and culture are guided by the Boyer model which is in alignment with the expectations of the Campus Alberta Quality Council.

RDC is already active in research and scholarship, and university status will expand this activity, with emphasis in the areas supporting curriculum and the economic, cultural and social development of Red Deer and central Alberta.

Community consultation has been an important and ongoing aspect of RDC’s work to become Red Deer University (RDU). Through those consultations, we consistently heard that we must be able to offer more of our own degrees, tailored to meet the needs of our region and our learners, along with what we currently offer, including certificates, diplomas, skilled trades programs, collaborative degrees and degrees.

The following organizations are among those who have formalized their support for RDC to become RDU:

• The City of Red Deer
• Red Deer County
• Village of Alix
• Village of Elnora
• Town of Bentley
• Red Deer Public Schools
• Town of Eckville
• Town of Carstairs
• Clearwater County
• Studon Electric & Controls Inc.
• Town of Penhold
• Red Deer Alberta Health Services
• Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce
• Town of Innisfail
• Town of Stettler
• Village of Big Valley • Students’ Association of Red Deer College
• Ron Orr, MLA Lacombe Ponoka
• Camrose County
• Wolf Creek Public Schools
• Visual Arts Alberta – CARFAC Board
• Town of Trochu
• Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools
• Chinook’s Edge School Division
• Lacombe County
• Red Deer Catholic & Regional School Division
• Westerner Exposition Park Board
• Red Deer Primary Care Network
• Town of Bashaw
• RDC Alumni Board

On March 5, 2019, Red Deer College reached another important milestone. The Government of Alberta accepted the recommendation from RDC's Board of Governors and announced that Red Deer University (RDU) would be the post-secondary school's name of the future. We are so proud of the support of our community in helping us gain approval to transition to a university. Our name is one key milestone, and once we have completed the remaining transition requirements, we will officially become Red Deer University. As we stated in 2018, it is expected that the transition journey will be three to five years.

Students were encouraged to provide input by contacting the RDC Students’ Association at 403.342.3200 or by dropping in to the SA office in room 2010 (next to the Train Station). RDC students, faculty, staff, and members of the surrounding communities were able to offer feedback and partake in public sessions that were valuable in many areas, including to help shape the new name and branding process. 

The credibility of degrees offered in Alberta is assured through the normal process of accreditation provided by the Ministry of Advanced Education and by the Campus Alberta Quality Council. 

Each degree offered by our institution will require the same scrutiny as all other Campus Alberta institutions through the Quality Council. 

Transfer programs will continue to be offered as not every degree will become available. We will also work to maximize transferability between our degree programs and those at other Alberta post-secondary institutions, in keeping with the Campus Alberta philosophy of maximizing mobility and pathways for Alberta students. 

Collaboration has definitely had advantages for our students, most notably access to degrees. Nevertheless, degree content and outcomes are set by the degree granting partner and RDC has not been unable to tailor these university programs to respond more specifically to our regional needs. In addition, we have no meaningful influence over the future direction of these programs or even if the programs will still be offered. We also lack the autonomy to increase the number of degree completion opportunities in central Alberta. 

So while the current collaboration degrees are excellent options for many of our students, we have consistently heard from our communities that RDC needs to be able to offer our own degrees, tailored to meet the needs of central Alberta and our learners. 

Because of the value our students place on class sizes, our intention is to keep them small. In the event that class sizes must change as a result of the transition, we can guarantee our focus will remain on creating and maintaining a high quality teaching and learning environment.  

While there are additional costs associated with both providing and obtaining a four year degree, it is expected that tuition will remain comparable to what students are paying in the current collaborative degree offerings, as well as remaining comparable and competitive with other institutions.  

The change to university status will mean that RDU will continue offering everything we do now, plus granting our own degrees. 

As an example, if you were enrolled in one of the collaborative degree programs, such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the time of the change in status, you would continue to complete your studies at Red Deer University without any disruptions. 

If you were studying one of our trades or diploma programs at the time of the change in status, you would continue to complete your studies at RDU without any disruptions. The only difference would come at the completion of your program, as your certificate or diploma would be issued under Red Deer University instead of Red Deer College. Your instructors, class offerings, schedule and entry requirements would all remain unchanged.  

3D printing costs can vary quite a bit depending on your needs or requirements.  RDC charges an hourly rate for 3D printing.  Please contact the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing to discuss your needs further. 

RDC's Applied Research and Innovation team is not interested in rights to your intellectual property (IP).  We assist you in the development of your ideas or prototypes but any intellectual property that exists, or is generated, during the project remains with you. 

Applied Research and Innovation has a Confidentiality Agreement available for you to sign to help protect your information.

Generally, RDC's Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing is accessible Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.  Access to the Centre is not available weekends, evenings, or holidays.

Yes.  If you’re interested in seeing our facilities and learning more about the Centre, please email angela [dot] menzel [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Angela[dot]Menzel[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) to arrange a tour.

Admission and transfer information for RDC University transfer programs can be found on the applicable Academic Planning Guide for your program or see an Academic Advisor to discuss your courses. It is also recommended you seek information from the post-secondary institution which you are planning to attend.

There is equipment available to rent in RDC's Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing. Please complete and submit this form to identify what equipment you wish to rent, and to receive further details from us.

After designing a model in a CAD program, you can save the file in an STL (STereoLithography) format.  This makes it readable by the 3D printer.  Once your file is received by our staff, it will be reviewed.  You will need to confirm some requirements in order to proceed with printing, such as print material, density, and resolution.  Our staff can assist you with this.

Yes, ARI works with all types of people.  Whether you’re an inventor working out of your basement, an engineer looking to solve a design issue, an artist wanting to explore a new technology, or a manufacturing organization looking to streamline process flow, we are here to help.  Please contact our Project Coordinator at Alicia [dot] Cafferata [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Alicia[dot]Cafferata[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) to get the conversation started.  We look forward to collaborating with you!

CARIN in the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network which supports small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs by providing access to services and resources to help them succeed. CARIN can help SMEs and entrepreneurs develop new innovations and technologies and can connect them to industry networking opportunities. If you would like to be added to the CARIN list, please email Angela [dot] Menzel [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (subject: CARIN%20List, body: Name%3A%0ACompany%3A%0AEmail%20address%3A%0A%0APlease%20add%20me%20to%20the%20CARIN%20list%21%0A%0A) (Angela[dot]Menzel[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) and provide your name, your company name if applicable and your email address.

Depending on your needs and the type of project you are presenting, there are different paths that can be taken.  Generally, a good place to start the conversation is to send an email to our Project Coordinator at Alicia [dot] Cafferata [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Alicia[dot]Cafferata[at]rdc[dot]ab[dot]ca) with a brief introduction to yourself and your project.

To learn more about the registration process, please visit our guide.

• ADD / ADHD 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Blind, Visual Impairment
• Brain Injury / Cognitive Impairment
• Chronic Health Condition 
• Deaf, Hard of Hearing 
• Learning disabilities 
• Mental health disabilities 
• Mobility / Agility Impairment
• Temporary disabilities due to accident or illness 

Accommodations and resources are determined on an individual basis and designed to provide students with equal access to the educational process by reducing barriers.

Accommodations can include: 

• Exam accommodations (e.g., extra time, quiet or alone space) 
• Recording lectures
• Sign language interpreters or CART
• Alternate format texts 
• Assistive technology 
• Memory aids 
• Physical modifications to a classroom 
• Reduced course load 

Accommodations are NOT meant to: 

• Lower the College’s or the instructor’s academic standards 
• Alter essential competencies of a course or program
• Give a student with a disability an advantage over other students 

Students that are currently living in RDP's Residences who want to return for the next academic year must apply on or after October 1 each year. The Residence staff do not assume you are coming back! It is your responsibility to reapply every year.

Yes, but space is very limited, and you will most likely be asked to move from your current location to one that is set aside for summer residents.

We start accepting applications for summer Residence on February 1 of that year.

For more information, phone or come visit us at the Residence Office.

Most definitely! We have, in previous years, accepted students to live on campus from a waitlist of up to 300 people.

Throughout the summer, applicants drop from the waitlist due to lack of funding, choosing a different institution or a number of other personal reasons.

So hang in there. Phone back throughout the summer to confirm your waitlist position, and if by the middle of July you are still far back in the waitlist, it may be time to consider off-campus housing.

The best thing you can do is apply as early as possible...we start accepting applications for the next academic year (September) on October 1 of the previous year.

You have the privilege of hosting guests ONLY if you have the permission of all of your roommates. A resident's right to privacy takes precedent over a roommate's right to host a guest.

Each resident may only have overnight guests for a maximum of five nights per month...again, only if all roommates agree.

Your guests are your responsibility, and if they should do anything that warrants disciplinary action or a fine, you are personally responsible and will receive the fine or discipline.

Finally, guests can NEVER stay in the unit unattended by the resident/host. This will result in disciplinary action.

No. Throughout the academic year, only full-time students are accepted into Residence. If your status drops below a full-time status, you will be asked to leave Residence.

Yes, but it must remain outside at all times (and at least 10 feet front your unit). Your BBQ must be a propane BBQ only. Charcoal BBQs are not permitted at RDC's Residences.

We appreciate your help leaving furniture as it has been arranged upon your initial arrival. The furniture has been strategically located within the bedrooms.

If you do move any furniture and your actions result in any damage to the bedroom, or furniture, you will be held financially responsible for the repairs.

Additionally, all RDC Residence furniture must remain inside of the unit at all times. Please do not remove any furniture from the unit.

The College recognizes the student's need for privacy and will only enter a unit in specific situations:

• to perform maintenance work following a work order
• when a Residence Staff member has reason to believe that a Residence rule or regulation has been breached
• to conduct house checks of the main apartment area
• to assess the unit for cleaning and maintenance requirements when another student has moved out
• to deliver urgent notices or information

If access is required to a unit for other reasons, the Residence Office will make every attempt to provide appropriate advanced notice before entering your suite or room.

Drop-in to the Residence Administration Office, rdc [dot] residence [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (email us) or phone us at 403.342.3257.

Yes we allow candles, but please use common sense when using them. Someone MUST be present at all times when a candle is burning in your unit. Also, all candles must be in non-combustible containers and away from flammable material. Candles MUST be firmly placed in a non-tip container designed to catch all wax drippings. Unsafe use of candles, incense, etc. will result in disciplinary action.

YES! Just remember to meet new people and have fun. This may be the only time you will ever live so close to so many of your friends!!

If you clearly write on your application who you would like to live with, and if that person(s) does the same for you, chances are very high that we can make your living arrangement possible. Yet we can never guarantee that you will get to live with whom you choose.

If a tenant has a maintenance request there are multiple avenues to bring this to our attention. We ask that all issues are brought to a Residence Staff member's attention as soon as possible so that we may deal with the issue before it gets worse. We also request that you do not do your own maintenance in your unit.

 Maintenance requests can occur by:

o   Residence Portal (Non-Emergency):

• Log into your Residence Portal account using your LOOP credentials and click on Room Maintenance.
• Next, click on New Job.
• Under Room Description, click your room space (your unit).
• Select the appropriate category and item for your maintenance issue. If your item does not exist, use Other.
• Add a description of the repair needed. Example: Light bulb in kitchen is burnt out. Needs replacement.
• Click the appropriate check box.
• Click on Save Job

The Residence Portal is the preferred method for non-emergency maintenance as the information directly goes to our maintenance team. Maintenance requests will be completed by a priority scale from highest to lowest and a case by case basis.

o   Phoning the Residence Office at 403.342.3257

o   Visiting the Residence Administration Office in-person during office hours.

Campus Security is on-duty 24 hours per day, available to support students, staff and visitors. Inquiries can be made by telephone, email or in-person around the clock. RDP's Security Centre desk is located at the main entrance of main campus.

t:  403.342.3445 (Non-Emergency) | 403.343.4000 (Emergency)

All security personnel are trained in First Aid and CPR and are recognized as first responders for minor medical aid.   Security also provides a first point of contact for a number of campus functions including:

• Campus directions and way-finding
• Lost and found
• 24-hour Safewalk
• Building access (key issues)
• Personal safety & security
• Emergency Preparedness
• Parking enforcement
• Providing our tenants with assistance such as when you accidentally lock yourself out of your unit, noise complaints, dealing with other violations of the Residence Behavioural Standards, and more

Welcome to Red Deer Polytechnic Residences! These FAQs has been created for the friends and family of our students.

Please don’t be afraid to residence [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (contact us) in the Residence Administration offices, if you have any questions that our online resources cannot answer.

Students living in Residences at Red Deer Polytechnic deserve every support possible on their journey. Our students are everything to us, and as much as we ‘have their back’, we appreciate that their family and friends do, as well. Thank you!

- Amanda Bouteiller, Residence Operations Coordinator

Residence Administration

Residence Staff are here to make living in Residence a breeze for our tenants. Located in the Residence Administration Building the RDP Residence Staff are here to provide top level service to all current and future tenants! Residence Staff can help with a variety of services including: package pick-up, Residence payments, roommate conflict mediation, and maintenance requests.

Resident Attendants (RAs)

Resident Attendants are student-staff members who currently live in Residence. They are here to act as a point-of-contact and support person for all the tenants currently in Residence. RAs are each responsible for tenants that live in their area. The Residence Life program is here to help make the transition to college life an easy one. With weekly events, bi-monthly grocery runs, and a variety of other incentives the tenant will have a ton to do and pick from during their stay in Residence. RAs are also able to help with any potential roommate conflicts, noise complaints, lockouts, or general questions about campus resources.

Residence Life Lead Attendant (RLLA)

The RLLA is responsible for community engagement, supervision of the RAs and to help tenants with any issues they may have here on campus. The RLLA is able to provide assistance to help facilitate conflict resolutions, provide guidance throughout the year on a variety of matters within the RDP Community. 

RDP's Residences are proud of the diversity that we have within our community. We offer a variety of unit styles to meet our students' needs while living on our main campus. 

Our Residence units are comprised mostly of four- bedroom units with a variety of floor plans. We also have bachelor and studio suites, two-bedroom units, and including units for families. We're pleased to welcome students with disabilities to live at Red Deer Polytechnic in barrier-free units, too.

View Our Residences online for pictures, virtual walkthroughs and more information.

• 4-Bedroom Blocks
• 4-Bedroom Clusters
• 4-Bedroom Towers
• 2-Bedroom Clusters
• Bachelor Units
• 2-Bedroom Barrier-Free Units
• Studio Units
• Family Units

At RDP, almost every utility is included in the rental rates for each student. Once living in Residence, each tenant will receive  wireless internet in each bedroom on-campus. Cable television is available in our Residence common spaces such as Towers Common or Blocks Common. There is no additional charge for the internet. If a student wishes to have a landline installed in their personal room, they may do so after contacting the Residence Administration Team. 

Throughout the year, we expect that all tenants will keep their unit/bedroom in a clean and livable condition. We maintain a housekeeping staff to clean our common buildings throughout the year. If a unit is found to be constantly in a state below our standards during our House Checks which occur twice a semester housekeeping may be brought into the unit to bring it up to Residence standards.

In each unit, we do provide a vacuum cleaner for the tenants use during their stay. 

While all of the units are fully furnished you will still need to bring any personal items that you may want or need. This includes:

Bedroom

• towels, linens and bedding (the mattresses are single - 39” wide x 80” long)
• hangers
• extension cords
• television/computer and accessories
• alarm clock
• garbage can and bags

Unit (you may want to coordinate with your roommates before move-in)

• dishes, cookware and utensils
• microwave and other small appliances
• cleaning supplies, mop, bucket and broom
• garbage bags and garbage cans (garbage can provided in the kitchen)
• television (for the living room)
• toilet paper

Students are strongly advised to obtain a tenants and general liability insurance during their stay at RDP Residence. This insurance would protect against loss or damage due to fire, flood, theft and other perils. Red Deer Polytechnic assumes no responsibility for any damages to property or injury of person whatever the cause. Your home insurance policy may cover the student already under your plan. 

Students in their move-in packages will receive a link to an online viewable sample Rental Agreement. This actual Rental Agreement will be completed and signed in-person during the Residence Move-In. 

• Students will receive detailed payment information in their summer Move-In packages.
   
• Students will be able to pay their rent and fees through an online Residence Portal or in person. Rent is based on term fees and due prior to check-in. First term (Fall) is due by move-in and Winter is due by the first day of Winter Term classes. 

Ensure that you have specific contact information for your child before you leave on Move-In Day, as you will not be able to contact them through Residence. If you are coming to visit your child, please ensure that you know how to contact them before you arrive, as we will not be able to contact your child for you. We recommend setting up a communication routine or schedule with them. Try using email or texting to touch base as your child may be too busy to respond to telephone calls.

Student mail will be sorted at Residence Administration and placed in each student's personal mailbox on RDP's main campus. Please note that we are not able to release unit or bedroom numbers for any students on-campus for their privacy and protection. 

Student Mailing Address

Student Name
UNIT # & BEDROOM LETTER/NUMBER
Box 5111
Red Deer AB  T4N 6P6

Residence staff can provide you with general information on policies, procedures and operations here at RDP Residence throughout the year. We are not able to provide information about the students or tenants within our Residence. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP) applies to all college operations.

Residence Staff are unable to provide any information on any student file or account to third parties (parents or guardians) for students/tenants that are of the age of majority. This includes information on unit or room numbers, account balances, phone numbers, conduct history, etc… This information is all considered private and cannot be released without the tenants written permission.

We value the relationship that we have with the family and friends of any tenant here on campus. While we may be limited in what information we can share or discuss we want to help you as much as possible to ensure that your student has a great year!

Notice to Vacate

•  As per the Rental Agreement a Notice to Vacate must be completed if a tenant wishes to terminate their Rental Agreement before their agreed upon end date.
• Notice to Vacate forms must be completed in the Residence Administration building with a Residence Staff member.
• There will be a $150 early termination penalty applied to the student account as per the Rental Agreement.
• Notice must be received (1) calendar month prior to termination. This is on or before noon on the first of the month prior. 

o   All tenants will receive a move-out package when they provide their notice to vacate or at the end of the Rental Agreement. This usually occurs in the month of April. This move out package will include a cleaning responsibilities sheet, quick tips for cleaning, and a permanent address and reference form.

o   Tenants are not required to give notice if they move out at any point in the month of April. Rent will not be prorated or refunded for early move-outs.

o   All tenants are expected to clean an equal share of the unit upon move-out even if there are tenants still in the unit.

o   If a tenant does not sign up for an equal share of the unit they will be assigned to a share of the unit by Residence Staff. 

Academic Year (Sept-April)

October 1: Applications open for the following academic year. All current tenants that want to live here the year after must reapply at this point.

November 1: Winter Term Applications Open. This application is for tenants who are only interested in living in Residence for the Winter Term. All current tenants living in Residence for the Academic Year (Sept-April) do not need to apply.

January: First Round of Acceptances for the following year term. All current tenants that have applied will receive a link in their email to transfer deposit to the next academic year.

February 1: Spring/Summer Applications Open. All current tenants that want to stay over the spring/summer terms must apply for Residence at this point.

March: Second Round of Acceptances

April 30: Last day of Rental Agreement

Please see the Academic Calendar for more information about the admission requirements for each program:

• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Instrumentation Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology

It is strongly recommended that students entering these programs have Math 31 and Physics 30 or their equivalents.  These courses will help prepare you to take on the content within the Engineering Technology programs

 In addition to the program admission requirements, applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency.

RDC offers a Technology Math Preparation class for Engineering Technology bound students.  This will help sharpen your skills and prepare you for this high demand program.  More information is available from RDC's School of Continuing Education.

This program is fast-paced and has a heavy course load.   Your courses will cover a lot of content in a short period of time. Combining class and lab time, homework, assignments and study, you should expect to spend up to 50 to 60 hours a week on the program.  It is important that you prepare yourself for the time commitment of entering this program. 

RDC has designed a summer preparation program for Engineering Technology bound students. This will help prepare you by polishing your Math skills as well as your time management and study skills. If you have any questions or concerns about the workload in the program, please contact the tradesandtechnologies [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Advising and Recruiting Specialist) to discuss your concerns before you enter the program.

The programs and equipment that we use in the Engineering Technology programs are designed to be compatible with Windows.  Using a Mac will require the use of additional software, emulators, drivers, etc. which may come at an additional cost.  Because work is completed in a Windows environment, our instructors may not be equipped to handle any technical issues that you may have or help you troubleshoot.  Macintosh laptops are not recommended.

This program requires all students to have their own laptop for use in class and labs.  This computer must use Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 10 with a 64 bit OS Intel I3 CPU or better and have 8 GB RAM or more.

Engineering Technology is an excellent option for Journeypersons who are looking to further their education.  A dual credential (Engineering Technology Diploma and related Journeyperson ticket) can make you a valuable employee with a wide variety of skills and the flexibility to perform in many areas.  Journeypersons who are interested in this program should consult with their Advising and Recruiting Specialist for more information about potential recognition of their prior learning.

It is a good idea to do your research before you enter the program in order to fully understand the different fields and chose the right program for your goals.  We understand some people may change their minds after learning more about other fields, though.  The first term of all Engineering Technology programs at RDC is common.  This means that if you change your mind in your first fall term, we can move you to another field.  This is dependant on space and you may end up on a waitlist.  There is no guarantee that a space will be available for you to change to a different program in the Winter term.

Approach your co-worker / student in a positive manner and share your concerns about the scented product being worn or used in your area. Express how their wearing or using scented products is affecting your health. Cooperation and understanding will be the solution and the problem will be resolved.

It is also recommended that you contact your personal physician and have them determine whether or not the symptoms you are experiencing are related to an allergic reaction of this nature or from some other cause. A medical diagnosis, with the identification of specific substances to which you may be allergic will help you manage the problem. The physician may also offer you some options for management of the condition if it can be confirmed that scented products are the cause.

Yes you can get training and obtain a kit through either RDC Counselling Services or the Health, Safety and Wellness Centre.

The Department Manager or Director will respond to each situation individually, based on the specific circumstances involved. The Department, through the supervisor of the area should endeavour to resolve the issue in a way that is respectful of the feelings and dignity of all people concerned. However, the Department's response will be guided by its responsibility to provide employees and students with a safe work / study environment, which does not compromise their health or well-being of any person. Unfortunately, there is no specific regulatory requirement (e.g. WCB Regulation) governing this topic, however, where necessary your supervisor may direct that a scented product not be worn or used in the area.

Your supervisor should ask you questions about how exactly the scented product affects you. Be as specific as you can regarding the symptoms, (e.g. headache, runny eyes / runny nose, etc.). Explain what you are doing to relieve the symptoms, what works and what does not and when do the symptoms clear up.

Your supervisor should make notes about what you have said and about your concerns. An Incident Report may be submitted to the Health, Safety & Wellness Centre if the problem persists. Upon receipt of the Incident Report, you will be contacted by a member of the Occupational Health & Safety Committee to obtained additional information and provide some suggestions in managing the problem.

Your supervisor should then discuss your concerns in a non-confrontational / non-threatening manner with the person(s) involved, and explain the health concerns that have arisen regarding wearing or using the scented product in the area. Your supervisor should suggest that the scented product not be worn or used in the area because of the negative effects that are occurring on the health of others.

Talk to your supervisor about your concerns. Explain to your supervisor what you have tried to do in an attempt to resolve the issue. You may also wish to contact the Health, Safety  & Wellness Centre to discuss the matter and obtain additional information.

It is okay to feel surprised and taken aback. Listen to your co-worker / student in a non-defensive way. Listen to the problems / impact that the fragrance is producing on their health. Discuss openly about the scented product and ask questions. Is it the amount? Is it the type? Be willing to reach a compromise and resolve the situation in a cooperative manner.

Yes Red Deer College promotes a culturally rich environment where Indigenous culture, history, and wisdom are integrated into your post-secondary learning experience. Please contact Indigenous Student Services.

Alcohol consumption is permitted in licensed areas of the College and College residences when in use as a dwelling. Alcohol at College Events and Facilities Policy

RDC provides a procedure document to regulate and control animals on the Red Deer College property. Please refer to the Animals on Campus Procedure for more information.

While cannabis has been legal in Canada since October 17, 2018, Red Deer College is cannabis free across our campuses, including all Residence units. Consumption and ingestion of cannabis in all forms (including edibles, drinkables, topical, etc.) is prohibited on RDC’s campuses. Additional details are available in the Cannabis on Campus Policy.

Yes the use of smoking products including vaping is allowed in designated areas only. Please see the Smoking Tobacco Use Policy for more information, Designated Smoking Areas on campus.

The amount of time required for Red Deer Polytechnic to process an international student application depends on many factors such as time of the year and the completeness of the application received. Typically, if a complete international application is received, including all supporting documentation, the application will be processed in 10-12 business days.   

If an international applicant’s study permit is denied by IRCC (Government of Canada), a refund of the tuition fee deposit may be requested by emailing proof of denial to international [dot] admissions [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (international[dot]admissions[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca). For a refund to be approved, the applicant must provide an official communication from IRCC confirming the denial prior to the term's add/drop date. In such instances, a $400 cancellation fee will be charged.  

If you are working with an Authorized Red Deer Polytechnic Agent, you may complete a Consent for Authorized Agent form to formally request that the agent be included in all communications from the Office of the Registrar throughout the application and admission process. All Authorized Red Deer Polytechnic Agents have access to the Consent for Authorized Agent form. If you would like someone other than an Authorized Red Deer Polytechnic Agent (non-authorized agent, family member, friend) to be included in all communications from the Office of the Registrar, you may complete and submit a Consent to Release Student Personal Information form to admissions [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (admissions[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca). 

You may request verification if the agent you are working with is authorized by Red Deer Polytechnic by emailing agents [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (agents[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca).  

If circumstances arise and you are unable to attend Red Deer Polytechnic, you can request an admission deferral to a different term in the same academic year. Email the Office of the Registrar at international [dot] admissions [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (international[dot]admissions[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca) with rationale to request the deferral. You are unable to defer your admission to the next academic year.

If you would like to change the program you have applied for, please email international [dot] admissions [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (international[dot]admissions[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca). The application fee you pay is valid for one academic year (July-June).  

Red Deer Polytechnic assesses and may recognize your prior learning through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Once accepted into a Red Deer Polytechnic program, international applicants with international documents may apply for a Prior Learning Assessment, including transfer credit, by providing course outlines/syllabi (in English).  If course outlines/syllabi are not in English, the applicant must provide translated copies from an approved translation service provider. 

*You must be accepted into a Red Deer Polytechnic program before you are able to apply for a Prior Learning Assessment. 
 

You should begin the process of applying for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance. For Study Permit processing times by country see the official information on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. 

Everyone who applies for the program has the same chance of getting in; however, taking courses through Open Studies can help on the interview scaling. 

Graduates from the Red Deer College Social Work Diploma program are eligible to apply to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Registration is under the jurisdiction of each province, and not all of the provinces have Social Work Diploma programs or the same type of registration. It is best to check with the province where you plan to live to gather specific information about registration.

Red Deer College Social Work Diploma graduates have an 84% employment rate.

These preferences can be discussed with our Field Placement Coordinator during the program.

The minimum 100 volunteer hours must be from one human/social service organization. Please keep in mind that a minimum of 100 volunteers hours from one organization are required for entry into the program, but obtaining 100 volunteer hours from more than one organization is beneficial to you and your experience in the program.

The volunteer hours must be completed in order to obtain an interview for entry into the program.

Work-related experience can be used in lieu of the volunteer hours if it is with a human/social service organization and is a minimum of three months of full-time work (based on 35 to 40 hours/week).

You can gain entry in to the program with ENGL 30-2 but those intending to transfer to a university program are advised to complete ENGL 30-1 before entering the program. This will enable you to take university transferable English courses in your first year.

Everyone who applies for the program has the same changes of getting in, however this can help on the interview scaling.

As the Social Work Diploma is a competitive program, it is advised to have your package in as soon as you can. The program starts entry interviews end of January/beginning of February and the packages and volunteer hours have to be completed to obtain an interview.

The school must mail or email the TOR directly to Red Deer Polytechnic, or the student can bring a copy that has been sealed by the school and has not been opened with them in person or mail it to our office themselves.

You can take the required courses at Red Deer Polytechnic through either Academic Upgrading (high school level courses only) or Open Studies.

Some programs allow students to write an Entrance Test in lieu of presenting the required courses for admission. This includes: Administrative Professional, Educational Assistant, Early Learning and Childcare, Healthcare Aide, Management Certificate, Legal Assistant, Social Work and Visual Art.

Consent to Release Personal Information form (required for students applying with an agent or if you want someone to be able to inquire on your behalf)

Post-Secondary TORs

High School transcripts, if the graduation date was in 2018 or later

Philippines applicants will meet English Language Proficiency through Method 3 (3 years of full-time education in English at the Secondary or Post-Secondary level, except for Health Science programs, which require IELTS or TOEFL from ALL students whose first language is not English.

For more information, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements webpage.

Documents will be assessed for the admission requirements only after the application has been submitted. You can use this link to get a general idea of equivalents for your country and compare to the admission requirements listed on the specific program page.

Secondary transcripts are required for students who graduated in 2018 or later. Students who graduated prior to 2018 will be assessed based on post-secondary transcripts.

Even though transfer credit may be posted to the student’s final post-secondary institution’s transcripts, if it does not include the grading scale for the earlier institutions, we will require copies of the TOR for ALL institutions.

We can verify WAEC and NECO results online. Please provide scratch card/token numbers and required exam year/type and number, in lieu of having official results mailed to Red Deer Polytechnic.

You can take the required courses at Red Deer Polytechnic through either Academic Upgrading (high school level courses only) or Open Studies.

Some programs allow students to write an Entrance Test in lieu of presenting the required courses for admission. This includes: Administrative Professional, Educational Assistant, Early Learning and Childcare, Healthcare Aide, Management Certificate, Legal Assistant, Social Work and Visual Art.

WAEC and NECO English is equivalent to English Language Arts (ELA) 30-2. The student will not qualify for any program that requires ELA 30-1. Students can take the ELA 30-1 equivalent at Red Deer Polytechnic in advance of their goal program through either Academic Upgrading (high school level courses only) or Open Studies (which requires a C or C6 in English but allows students to take College level courses along with their required English course).

We cannot assess international post-secondary documents for admission requirements (except Philippines post-secondary). If the student believes they have taken the required courses in University/College, they may get an assessment for educational purposes through IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) completed. Note that this is an additional cost and typically takes several months to complete.

For more information, visit the International Course Equivalencies webpage.

Consent to Release Personal Information form (required for students applying with an agent or if you want someone to be able to inquire on your behalf)

WAEC or NECO results and/or scratch card/token

All applicants with WEAC or NECO results will meet English Language Proficiency through Method 3 (3 years of full-time education in English at the Secondary or Post-Secondary level), except for Health Science programs, which require IELTS or TOEFL from ALL students whose first language is not English.

For more information, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements webpage.

There is no age limit to attend Red Deer Polytechnic and we happily accept students who have been out of school for any length of time.

You can take the required courses at Red Deer Polytechnic through either Academic Upgrading (high school level courses only) or Open Studies.

Some programs allow students to write an Entrance Test in lieu of presenting the required courses for admission. This includes: Administrative Professional, Educational Assistant, Early Learning and Childcare, Healthcare Aide, Management Certificate, Legal Assistant, Social Work and Visual Art.

Business Administration also permits Entrance Testing for students who have taken Economics, Accountancy or Statistics at the XII level.

Consent to Release Personal Information form (required for students applying with an agent or if you want someone to be able to inquire on your behalf)

XII results

Medium of Instruction letter if required (see below)

IELTS or other English proficiency test, if available

Info required to verify XII results online, if available

Documents will be assessed for the admission requirements only after the application has been submitted. You can use this link to get a general idea of equivalents for your country and compare to the admission requirements listed on the specific program page.

If the XII results are from a school board other than CBSE or CISCE, we will need a letter from the school, confirming the medium of instruction in order to assess the documents. Please provide this at the time of application, if possible.

If the school board offers the option to access results through their website, we will consider these results official if you provide the correct information for us to access the results (admit card, roll number, exam number etc). We will not accept results retrieved from a website other than the school board. If the results are not available online, we will require official copies mailed or emailed from the issuing institution.

If the student has completed XII English with a grade of C (45%) or higher AND provides proof that they attended an English Medium school (CBSE and CISCE are acknowledged as English Medium school boards), they will meet English Language Proficiency through Method 2, completion of English Language Arts 30-1 or equivalent with a minimum percentage grade of 60%. The exception is for Health Science programs, which require IELTS or TOEFL from ALL students whose first language is not English.

For more information, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements webpage.

Consent to Release Personal Information form (required for students applying with an agent or if you want someone to be able to inquire on your behalf)

GCSE, GCE AS, A-level and O-level results, or equivalent

Any program that requires English Language Arts 30-1 will require A-level English. If the student does not meet this requirement, they can take the ELA 30-1 equivalent at Red Deer Polytechnic in advance of their goal program through either Academic Upgrading (high school level courses only) or Open Studies (which requires a B or higher in O-level English but allows students to take College level courses along with their required English course).

Documents will be assessed for the admission requirements only after the application has been submitted. You can use this link to get a general idea of equivalents for your country and compare to the admission requirements listed on the specific program page.

All applicants with UK system exam results will meet English Language Proficiency through Method 3 (3 years of full-time education in English at the Secondary or Post-Secondary level), except for Health Science programs, which require IELTS or TOEFL from ALL students whose first language is not English. The exception to this is students from Sri Lanka, who will need to provide a letter from their school confirming their education was taught in English.

For more information, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements webpage.