Getting Ready for College

Red River Ready

Red River College Polytechnic’s Academic Success Centre staff plan a variety of sessions that help prepare new students for post-secondary success. Students have the opportunity to meet other new students and learn about parking, ordering textbooks, student support services, studying in Canada, study skills, tech skills, finding balance at college, and more!

Information about RRC Polytech’s next Red River Ready student orientation will be posted here closer to the Fall term.

Get Red River Ready

Missed our live student orientation? Red River College Polytechnic’s Academic Success Centre has developed a new online site that students can access 24/7. In this site, students can find video recordings of the orientation sessions, as well as additional session resources that will help them get oriented and ready for their studies. Get Red River Ready – On-Demand Orientation for New Students.

Start Strong

Starting a new college program can be an exciting and also challenging time. To encourage a strong start, we are offering a free preparatory program called START STRONG for incoming students identifying with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

HUB

HUB is home to all your College resources. It’s the first point of contact for Red River College Polytechnic students and provides a central location for all your College needs.

• New Student Computer Systems & Accounts – Introduction (0:57)
• Video 1: What is HUB? (12:08)
• Video 2: Changing your College password (4:27)
• Video 3: Getting help with your College IT resources (6:12)

LEARN

LEARN is the College’s learning management system and is used by both distance education as well as on-campus programs.

Introduction to LEARN Tutorial ›

College Readiness

Learn more about College Readiness supports in the following areas:

• Foundational math – refresh your foundational skills using a combination of assessment and interactive, topic-based upgrading modules so you can confidently engage with the math related to your program.
• Study and learning strategies – discover and practice using evidence-based study skills to help you do your best in your program using the Learning Attitude Study Skills Inventory.

Academic Success Centre

The Academic Success Centre offers a variety of free services to help students understand and study new material, prepare for tests, and develop study skills and intercultural competence. Our services include Tutoring and Academic Coaching, Study Groups and Review Workshops, Study Skills and Diversity Workshops, and EAL Supports.

Library and Academic Services

With locations at both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campus, the Library has even more to offer through its website. Here you will learn about Library events, workshops, and services. This is also your gateway to thousands of online resources. At the centre of it all is our OneSearch tool. Use this to find books, articles, and videos. The Articles and Databases tab leads you to a variety of specialized online databases from trade standards to nursing supports. Whether through the Ask Us chat service, by email, phone, or in-person staff are ready to assist you with your research or other needs. For 24/7 support check out the online Guides.​

Maps

Find your way around our campuses with our online maps.

360º Tours

Explore RRC Polytech classrooms and spaces based on your interests. Check out the 360º tours today!

Student Bus Passes and Peggo

A post-secondary Student peggo card must be purchased at the educational institution where you are enrolled. After your initial purchase you are free to load your card online, at one of our retail sales agents, or by calling 311.

The reloadable electronic peggo card can be purchased for $5, either online, in person at The Ox (NDC, Building D, Mall Level), or The Mercantile (EDC, William Street Building), or by calling 311. Monthly bus passes are still currently available. Passes are usually available about 1-2 weeks prior to the next month.

Students are required to show their valid post-secondary student ID to the bus operator when tapping your peggo card. A validation sticker for the school year will be affixed to your student ID.

Learn more about peggo ›

Student Parking

Students requiring parking at the Notre Dame Campus between 7:00am and midnight Monday to Thursday and 7:00am and 5:00pm Fridays are encouraged to purchase either a monthly permit or casual parking. To purchase a monthly permit login to HUB, click on Parking. You will be directed to the Parking Portal.

Notre Dame and Stevenson Aviation Campuses

Commuting and Parking has transitioned to a new online, self-serve parking system. The new parking system allows students to purchase monthly parking online, pay for tickets, appeal tickets and manage registered license plates. We have also transitioned to virtual permits, meaning physical hangtags are no longer used. We normally encourage students to register for our carpool program, however, due to COVID-19 guidelines, we have suspended this program until further notice.

Learn more about parking services ›

Exchange District and PGI Campuses

Commuting & Parking does not manage parking lots in the Exchange District. For contact information, and to learn more about downtown parking visit Commuting and Parking.

Safety & Security

We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors. To accomplish this, Security Services continues to raise the professionalism of our staff through training and education.

Some of the services we provide are:

• Foot patrols & mobile patrols
• Access/key control
• SafeWalk and SafeRide
• Crime prevention
• Emergency first aid and CPR
• Incident reporting and investigation as well as Lost and found.

Booklists

Booklists are available from the Campus Store approximately three weeks before classes start.

Locker Rentals

Rent either a full or half locker online through RRC Polytech HUB.

LGBTT*

We’re equally committed to fostering a safe campus environment by ensuring everyone has the chance to work, learn and access services in an inclusive and welcoming manner. We provide educational opportunities and resources to help build communication, understanding and respect throughout our campuses.

RRC Polytech Students’ Association

Haunted House! Carnival Days! Movie Marathons! RRC Polytech’s Students’ Association makes campus life more interesting, keeping your calendar filled with fun events and activities — everything from block parties and gaming nights to petting puppies to relieve stress. The SA also provides a number of student-centred supports and services, including scholarships, health and dental plans, on-campus food banks and RRC Polytech’s annual Career Fair. They’re always looking for students to get involved and stay engaged — visit their website or stop into their office to find out how you can get involved!​

Campus Living

Mixing comfort and convenience, our student residence is housed in the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, close to many of the city’s best shops, restaurants and nightclubs. With space for 100 students, the residence is an exciting addition to Winnipeg’s downtown — allowing you to work, dine and play in the heart of the historic Exchange District.

Healthy Minds Healthy College

RRC Polytech is a health-promoting college. Through our Healthy Minds Healthy College strategy, we offer many mental health-promoting activities and events throughout the year to encourage well-being, reduce stigma about mental illness, and build positive relationships. Subscribe to our Blog to keep up-to-date, receive event invitations, mental health advice, and volunteer opportunities conveniently in your inbox.

Health Services

Located at both the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses, our Health Service Centres are staffed by professional nurses who can respond to emergency medical situations and provide healthy lifestyle information and tips for avoiding illness. If you’re feeling under the weather, they can help get you back on your feet as soon as possible!

Well Being and Recreation

Looking to get active, connect with friends, have some fun or meet new people? From esports to yoga, working out to basketball Recreation Services provides opportunities for students to nurture mind, body and spirit. Well-being is crucial to a students’ academic and personal success and we are here to support you on this journey.

RRC Polytech Students’ Association Health and Dental plan

You may be eligible to opt out of the RRC Polytech Students’ Association Health and Dental plan if confirmation of alternate coverage and completed opt-out waiver form is submitted to the RRC PolytechSA Student Benefits Plan Office within 30 calendar days after the start date of the program. For further coverage information, please visit My Student Plan.

Resource and Resolution Advisor

Red River College Polytechnic is committed to preventing sexual violence, harassment and discrimination in all its forms, and to creating a safe and inclusive working, learning and living environment for everyone. If you experience any of the above as a student, know that it is not your fault. Also, know that supports are available. The College’s Resource and Resolution Advisor acts as a central point of contact for any concerns or complaints, and can provide referrals to on- and off-campus supports.

RRC Polytech is also a partner with REES (Respect Educate Empower Survivors), a trauma-informed, secure online tool for reporting sexual violence on campus and connecting individuals to supports.

Transfer Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning

Transfer Credit provides recognition for courses or programs completed at another recognized post-secondary institution or in a different RRC Polytech program.

Work and life experiences may also be used to gain credit for courses in your RRC Polytech program through our Recognition of Prior Learning processes.

Learn more about Transfer Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning.

Dates

See important academic dates and holiday closures at the College.

Forms

Access a wide variety of forms that you’ll need during your time at RRC Polytech.

Photo ID Cards

Photo ID cards are available at Student Service Centres and are required for identification purposes, accessing College services such as fitness centres or computer labs, borrowing materials and writing exams.

Payment of Tuition & Fees

Paying for your tuition and student fees can be done online through RRC Polytech HUB or at one of our Student Service Centres. 

Program fees and Students’ Association fees are payable on or before the academic term start date.

Sponsored Students

If your program or student fees are billed to a third party, you must submit and complete a Sponsorship Authorization Form. 

Manitoba Student Aid

You can learn more about student financial assistance and apply online at manitobastudentaid.ca. With the interactive online application, you will receive an estimate within two weeks of submitting your application. You can follow the progress of your application online by logging in to your online account. Manitoba Student Loans and Canada Student Loans are interest-free and payment-free while you are in full-time studies. 

Employment and Training Services Manitoba-Assisted Students

You are responsible for paying your portion of program and student fees by the payment due date. Employment Manitoba will send their portion of the program and student fees directly to the College.

If the College does not receive the Employment and Training Services Manitoba approval form by the program start date, you are responsible for the entire payment. 

Awards and Financial Aid

RRC Polytech’s Student Awards and Financial Aid Office provides a number of support services for Red River College Polytechnic students, including information on financial assistance programs available to Manitoba students. See our complete list of awards, bursaries, and scholarships. 

Student Accessibility Services

If you have a diagnosed disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations such as exam accommodations, ASL-English interpreting, transcribing, note-taking assistance or assistive technology.

Counselling Services

Personal wellbeing is critical to academic success and RRC Polytech has professionally trained counsellors to provide you with confidential counselling for personal/relational challenges, managing mental wellness, and to receive support through times of crisis.

Student Employment Services

Student Employment Services provides a full range of employment services and supports targeted at students, recent graduates and employers. We’re committed to ensuring Red River College Polytechnic students are provided with the employment supports they require to be able to build a career, enhance their quality of life, and contribute to both economic and social prosperity.

Indigenous Supports

The Indigenous Student Supports team provides the tools and resources to help Indigenous students succeed, from community to classroom to career. We believe that to reach your personal potential, the mind, body, spirit and heart must work together. From academic to cultural, we provide holistic supports that help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Whether you need help studying for your next test, working through an application or process, accessing technology, finding childcare or housing, or just someone to talk to, we are here to help.

Our Indigenous Support Centres provide a home away from home where you can smudge, participate in events and ceremonies, or spend time with friends. Our facilities include a computer lab, kitchen, study area and lounge.
Supports include Elders-in-Residence, prospective student and enrolment supports, academic and resource coaches, navigation coaches, advisors, financial aid officers, and transition to employment coaches. Stay tuned for monthly online events including special guest speakers, discussions, workshops, cultural teachings, our annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, among other opportunities to connect, share, build community and learn.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RRCIndigenous to stay up to date on Indigenous news and events.

International Student Support

Our Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships can help you make a smooth transition to your new life in Canada.
Check out the following pages for information and upcoming events to help you prepare for a successful start to your program.

• Get Oriented – Information for International Students
• Arrival and Quarantine Procedures
• Pre-Arrival & Post-Arrival Guides
• International Student Work and Immigration Information

If you have any questions about preparing for your program as an international student, please email us at iesupport@rrc.ca.