New Student Orientation (NSO)
Welcome to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP)!
We’re thrilled to have you join our vibrant community. We know that starting school is a big deal—exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and full of possibilities! New Student Orientation Day is here to set you up for success.
It’s your backstage pass to all things campus life: discovering essential services, connecting with new friends, and getting the inside scoop on finding your classrooms. (Don't worry, everyone gets a little lost in their first week!)
For questions about course registration, email RDP’s Student Connect Centre or complete this contact form.
Follow us on social for event reminders and to share your experiences by using #MyRDP
Schedule of Activities
Parking is free on January 6!
Drop by the welcome table at the Main Doors between 8 - 10:00 AM for wayfinding assistance and more. Our friendly staff and faculty are excited to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
9 AM | International Student Orientation
Cenovus Energy Learning Common
9 am– 10 am
The International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students.
Registration is required.
10:15 AM | RDP Welcome (All New Students)
Cenovus Energy Learning Common
10:15 am – 11:15 am
New Student Orientation for all new students (domestic and international)
11:30 am | FREE Lunch
Far Side Bar & Grill
11:30 am – 12:30 pm (while supplies last)
Offered by the Students Association at RDP
11:30 AM | Campus Tours
Meet at the Student Connect Centre (Room 1102)
11:30 am – 1 pm
and
2 – 4 pm
11:30 AM | City Bus Tours
Meet at the Arts Centre Entrance
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
and
12:30 – 1:30 pm
3 PM | Online NSO
If you are unable to attend the in-person orientation, an online presentation highlighting some of the information covered will be available online.
The session will take place over RDP’s virtual classroom software, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Clicking on the link will load the classroom in your browser. When prompted, you can type your name to enter the session.
You will be able to access the session early starting January 6th. We recommend logging in at least 10 minutes before the session start time to handle any technical glitches that may pop up.
Drop-In Sessions
9 AM – 12 PM | Room 1002
- Get to Know Our Fitness Programs
10 AM - 3 PM | Students’ Association Stairwell Entrance
- Get to Know Your Students’ Association
- Extended and International Health & Dental Info
10 AM - 3 PM | Rec Hub (Rooms 1010A & 1000)
- Student Life Programs & Activities Intro
11:30 AM - 1 PM | Library Lab 1006 R
- Tech 101
2 – 4 PM | Library Lab 1006 R
- Tech 101
Program Specific Orientations: Donald School of Business, Science & Computing
All sessions run from 1:00 – 2:30 PM.
Human Resources Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Room 2901 B
Business Certificate | Business Diploma
Room 2901 A
Legal Assistant Diploma
Room 2905
Computer Programming Diploma
Room 2906
Program Specific Orientations: School of Arts & Education
All sessions run from 1:00 – 2:30 PM.
Academic Upgrading
Room 2505
Bachelor of Arts
- University Transfer (All Majors)
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
University Arts Diploma
and Open Studies
Room 1400 (Margaret Parson Theatre)
Program Specific Orientations: School of Health & Wellness
All sessions run from 1:00 – 2:30 PM.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Room 2600
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
Room 1503
Medical Device Reprocessing Certificate
Room 2503
Did you miss NSO or want to revisit the presentation? Click the link below to download the slides and map for all the key details and information covered during the session.
What to Do and What to Know for Your First Week
Participate in Welcome Week activities
Apply for parking - Parking at RDP is limited and purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis, so apply early
Log into MyRDP (previously TheLoop) - your RDP student portal.
Get your lockers, purchase used books & transit passes, learn about your student health & dental plan and other services offered by your Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic
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 Winter 2025 are already available at the Campus Store
Campus Bookstore Hours:
January 6 to 17 | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Regular Store Hours Starting January 20 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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
Questions?
If you have any questions about your course registration, please email Red Deer Polytechnic’s Student Connect Centre at studentconnect@rdpolytech.ca or complete this contact form.
For questions about NSO and/or Welcome Week, please email Mary Dallas, Associate Dean, Student Success, at mary.dallas@rdpolytech.ca.