Concordia university-guide firstyear

1. GUIDE TO FIRST YEAR
2 0 15 – 2 0 16

2. You’re in! Congratulations.
You’re joining a community ideally suited to growing and learning. We want you to make the most of your
time at Concordia, from the beginning. This guide will give you the information you need to jump right into
your first year.
You’ll also find ideas for making the most of the wonderful city of Montreal, rated one of the top 10 cities
to be a student on the planet. Concordia is itself a city within a city, with 46,000 students from around the
world. You’ll find our two campuses are infused with the same vibrant joie de vivre and creative energy that
make Montreal famous.
We believe it’s a small world and we’re all connected, with each of us playing a role in shaping the future.
At Concordia, you’ll connect with ideas and people that will challenge you to push your limits — and help
you build the world you want to live in.
We’re so glad you’ll be joining us.
WELCOME TO CONCORDIA

3. Discover your Concordia 15
Sir George Williams Campus 16
Loyola Campus 18
Tools for success 20
Getting around 22
Getting ahead 23
Get involved on campus 24
Connect to the world 25
Health and wellness 26
Recreation and athletics 27
Student services 28
YOUR CONCORDIA
TO DO CHECKLIST:
Step 1: Accept Offer of Admission (p. 2)
Step 2: Send final transcripts (p. 4)
Step 3: Choose courses and register (p. 5)
Step 4: Get funding (p. 8)
Step 5: Pay tuition (p. 10)
Step 6: Get settled (p. 12)

4. 2
STEP 1: ACCEPT OFFER
OF ADMISSION
YOUR FIRST STEP —
ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF ADMISSION ONLINE.
1. Go to MyConcordia.ca and log in with your Netname.
2. Choose “My Student Centre.”
3. Under “Admissions “ section, select “Accept Offer” and follow
the prompts.
4. Pay the confirmation deposit of $100, which will be applied towards
your tuition fees. The deposit is non-refundable.
For help using MyConcordia, call 514-848-2424 extension 7613
or email portal@concordia.ca.
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Your Offer of Admission may be conditional on maintaining a certain average
or grade, successfully completing your last term or semester, sending in
supporting documents, or other criteria. Your Offer of Admission letter has
all the details. If you think you may not be in a position to meet the conditions
of your offer, please contact the person who signed your letter to discuss
your options.
PAY CONFIRMATION DEPOSIT!
$100
2

5. 3
UPDATE CONTACT INFO
• address
• email
• phone number
MyConcordia.ca
CONFIRMATION DEADLINE
Check Offer of Admission to see
if there is a deadline to confirm
DEADLINE FOR CONFIRMATION:
Some programs, but not all, set a deadline for accepting the Offer
of Admission. Your offer may be cancelled if you miss the deadline.
Please check to see if your letter indicates a confirmation deadline.
Deferral of admission: admission may not be deferred unless
specifically indicated in your letter.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Please don’t hesitate to contact the person who signed your
Offer of Admission if you have any questions about your offer.
DEFICIENCIES: A deficiency is a course required for admission
to your chosen program that you have not completed. Courses
identified as “deficiencies” must be completed as early in your
studies as possible. You may have two options for making up those
deficiencies as indicated by the letters “A” or “B.” Engineering and
Computer Science students must complete any deficiencies before
registering for classes.
EXEMPTIONS: Concordia grants you an exemption when you
successfully complete a specific course and meet any indicated
minimum grade. An exemption does not count as credit towards a
degree, so it will not decrease the number of courses you need to
complete your degree — but an exemption will let you skip ahead
to a more advanced course. If Concordia gives you an exemption
from a course, you may not take that course for credit. If you
received an exemption from a required course, you must take
another course in the same department, to be determined in
consultation with a departmental advisor.
EXTENDED CREDIT PROGRAM (ECP): Students who have not
successfully completed a two-year pre-university program may be
admitted to the Extended Credit Program, which requires them to
take a minimum of 30 additional credits. This ensures the time to
complete a program at Concordia is the same as it would be at any
other university outside Quebec, about four years of full-time study.
The Undergraduate Calendar lists ECP requirements for each faculty.
MATURE ENTRY PROGRAM (MEP): Canadians and permanent
residents 21 years of age and older who lack the required pre-
university schooling may be considered for admission to the Mature
Entry Program. The MEP requires you to complete at least 18
additional credits.
TRANSFER CREDIT: You may earn transfer credits through your
studies at another post-secondary institution or in another degree
program at Concordia. These credits are applied towards your degree,
meaning you’ll have fewer courses left to complete.
UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION
Keep your address, email and phone number up to date so we can send
you important information like emergency alerts. Log into MyConcordia
and choose “My Student Centre”. You can update your contact
information under the “Personal Information” section.
REMEMBER — MyConcordia is a key tool for accessing important
information:
Academic: Class and exam schedules, booklists, grades
and student records
Financial: Account balance, tuition tax receipt and information on
financial aid and awards
Registration: Important dates and links to the
Undergraduate Calendar
Another useful resource is the student hub at
concordia.ca/students.

6. 4
STEP 2: SEND FINAL
TRANSCRIPTS
If your Offer of Admission is conditional on your final marks, Concordia
will need an official copy of your final transcripts before the start of term.
To check your file, log into MyConcordia and choose “My Student Centre”
under “Student Information System.” To see if we’ve received an official
copy of your final marks, check the “To Do List” on the right-hand side.
QUEBEC CEGEP STUDENTS
For the majority of students: your CEGEP will send us your official final
transcripts automatically. We’ll notify you if we need you to arrange the
submission of your transcripts yourself.
ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
• Fall term: Your school will send us your final transcripts automatically
if you included your OUAC number in your application to Concordia.
• Winter term: You must arrange for your school to send us your
official final transcripts before the beginning of term indicating that
your diploma has been awarded.
ALL OTHER APPLICANTS
Your school must send an official copy of your final transcripts to Concordia’s
Admissions Application Centre by mail.
Concordia University Admissions Application Centre
P.O. Box 2900
Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 2S2
SEALED ENVELOPE METHOD
We accept transcripts from institutions within North America if the
document meets the following conditions:
• The transcript arrives in an envelope with the name and address of your
school, and the school’s logo if one exists, plus a notice on the envelope
stating it contains official transcripts.
• The envelope is sealed with a signature, signature stamp or label across
the seal.
Official transcripts and accompanying documents in a language other than
English or French must include a translation by a certified translator. The
transcript must detail the subjects taken and grades achieved or
be accompanied by a certified statement from an authorized official
of the school.
We automatically consider transcripts official if they come directly
from your educational institution to Concordia’s Admissions
Application Centre.
Official transcripts must be received before the start
of the term. If you think you’ll have trouble meeting that
deadline, please contact the person who signed your
Offer of Admission letter.

7. 5
• Make appointment to speak with academic advisor
• Go to orientation session before registering
• Check out Undergraduate Calendar at MyConcordia
• Also check undergraduate class schedule for course times and locations
Register for fall and winter
classes at the same time!
CHOOSE COURSES
AND REGISTER
STEP 3:
Concordia runs a free shuttle bus between
Sir George Williams and Loyola! Allow at least
an hour between classes on different campuses.

8. REGISTER FOR COURSES STARTING
APRIL 20, 2015
REGISTER FOR COURSES
This is when your first year really begins to take shape. Can you
see yourself at work in a classroom, lab or studio or in the field?
Registration for the fall term (September 2015) begins on April 20,
2015. Register early to get the most choice. Here’s how it works:
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Most programs require you to meet with an academic advisor or
attend an orientation session before registering for classes. Your
Offer of Admission has the details.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
You must meet with an academic advisor before registering. Sign up
early for an appointment at concordia.ca/artsci-advising. Students
who are not available to meet with an advisor in person should
contact their department to make other arrangements as soon as
possible. For additional faculty-specific information, check out the
Academic Advising Guide at concordia.ca/artsci-advising.
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
AND COMPUTER SCIENCE (ENCS)
You are not required to meet one-on-one with an academic
advisor, but you are strongly encouraged to attend an advising
session for newly admitted students to learn more about your
program and course options. For a summary of program-specific
course requirements for first-year ENCS students, see
concordia.ca/encs-sequences.
FACULTY OF FINE ARTS
Advising procedures vary by program. Find the Fine Arts
registration guide for your specific program at concordia.ca/
finearts-advising. If your program does not require you to meet
with an academic advisor, register for courses as soon as possible,
according to the first-year recommended course list.
JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
You’ll be best prepared for registration by watching JMSB advising
videos, found at concordia.ca/jmsbvideos. Follow the prompts at the
end to receive permission to register for your first year classes.
PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULE
Two key resources will help you plan your schedule: the
Undergraduate Calendar and the undergraduate class schedule.
You can access both through MyConcordia under the “Registration
Guides” section.
The Undergraduate Calendar has course descriptions, information
about your program requirements and the academic standards you
need to meet to complete your degree.
It’s a good idea to identify your preferred courses plus your second
and third choices, just in case your first choice isn’t available. The
undergraduate class schedule lists course times and locations.
Concordia runs a free shuttle bus between the Sir George Williams
and Loyola campuses. The trip usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. To be
on the safe side, allow at least an hour between classes if you will be
travelling from one campus to another.
REGISTER ONLINE
Log into MyConcordia, and choose “My Student Centre”. Under
“Academics” section, choose “Enroll” to add your classes. Your best
bet is to register for fall and winter classes at the same time. If you
wait until January to register for the winter session, you may find
many classes are already full.
6
How to register at
concordia.ca/students/registration

9. Shuttle bus schedule available at
concordia.ca/shuttle
7
For help, contact your faculty:
Arts and Science: 514-848-2424, ext. 2104,
or sasreg.fas@concordia.ca
Engineering and Computer Science: 514-848-2424, ext. 3055,
or webreghelp@encs.concordia.ca
Fine Arts: 514-848-2424, ext. 4612,
or finearts.sas@concordia.ca
John Molson School of Business:
webreghelp@jmsb.concordia.ca
You can add or drop classes, view your schedule and check your grades
using your smartphone or tablet.
WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES
Sometimes things don’t go quite as planned and you may wish to drop
a course.
IMPORTANT:
Withdraw from your class through MyConcordia before the deadline
each term. Emailing, verbally informing a Concordia representative or
not attending class do not constitute officially withdrawing from
a course.
There are two key deadlines each term:
1. DNE deadline: The Did Not Enter (DNE) deadline allows you
to withdraw from classes with no academic penalty and receive
a full tuition refund. The DNE deadline for the fall term, including
year-long courses, is September 21, 2015, and January 19, 2016,
for the winter term. Dropped courses will not appear on your
transcript and will not affect your Grade Point Average (GPA).
2. DISC deadline: The Discontinued (DISC) deadline allows you
to withdraw from classes with no academic penalty, but you’ll
still have to pay all tuition and fees associated with the course,
including winter-term tuition for year-long classes. The DISC
deadline for the fall term is November 8, 2015, and March 13,
2016, for the winter term and two-term classes. Dropped courses
will be noted on your transcript as DISC for “discontinued.” After
the DISC deadline, courses cannot be dropped.

10. 8
STEP 4: GET FUNDING
* loans, bursaries and scholarships available
We know that a university education is a significant investment of time and
money. A good budget will help you identify and plan for the expenses you’ll
have during your studies. Concordia’s Financial Aid and Awards Office offers
personalized, in-depth advice about the many ways to organize your finances
so you can focus on your studies! Visit them at faao.concordia.ca.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
Concordia Entrance Scholarships: Your application to Concordia is also your
application for an entrance scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.
These scholarships are offered by the faculties during admission processing.
They are based on academic achievement, along with other criteria in some
cases. If you’ve been offered a scholarship, you’ll find those details in your
Offer of Admission, or your faculty may contact you directly.
Concordia Entrance Bursaries: Incoming students who are in financial
need may be eligible for an entrance bursary. Applications are accepted
starting in March each year. To apply, log into MyConcordia and choose
“My Student Centre.” Under “Finance” section, click on “Apply for
Bursaries or Scholarships.”
EXTERNAL FINANCIAL AWARDS
The Financial Aid and Awards web page lists privately funded scholarships
and bursaries sponsored by external associations, companies, foundations,
societies and clubs. See concordia.ca/external-awards.
GOVERNMENT STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Concordia participates in all Canadian government student financial aid
programs as well as the United States Federal Student Aid program.
Application procedures and requirements vary by program. As a general
rule, students should apply to the financial aid program in effect where they
currently live. It is always a good idea to apply early to make sure you receive
your funds on time.
Visit the Financial Aid
and Awards Office for
more information

11. WORK-STUDY
The work-study program is a great way to get involved in the Concordia
community, build your resumé and acquire valuable job skills. Eligible
students can work up to 20 hours a week at Concordia for a maximum of
200 hours a term. Apply through the Financial Aid and Awards Office.
9
Apply for funding
faao.concordia.ca
Check out WORK-STUDY
to get experience while studying

12. PAYMENT OPTIONS
The easiest way to pay your tuition is online by debit. Log into
MyConcordia. Choose “My Student Centre.” Under “Finances” section,
select “Make a payment.” This option is open to students who bank with
Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank or TD Canada Trust.
Anyone who banks with a Canadian chartered bank can pay his or her tuition
by telephone banking, online, at the bank or by ATM.
You can pay your tuition in person at the Birks Student Service Centre
by personal or certified cheque, money order, bank draft or debit.
Concordia does not accept cash for tuition payment.
You can pay your tuition by MasterCard through MyConcordia, but you
will be charged a 1.95 per cent non-refundable convenience fee by Moneris
Solutions Corporation. We recommend you first consider forms of payment
that don’t involve paying interest charges and convenience fees.
For a complete list of payment methods, see
concordia.ca/methods-of-payment.
CHECK FOR POSSIBLE FEE EXEMPTIONS
Anyone who is not a resident of Quebec pays an additional fee per credit.
This fee is collected by Quebec universities on behalf of the province’s
Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de la Science.
If you’re a resident of Quebec, it’s a good idea to make sure Concordia is
aware of your residency status before the fee payment deadline to avoid
being charged the non-resident rate. Even students at a Quebec CEGEP
need to verify we have properly recorded your residency status.
OBTAINING QUEBEC RESIDENCY STATUS
In certain situations, non-residents of Quebec may be eligible for the
Quebec tuition rate. You can apply for status as a resident of Quebec
through MyConcordia, if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident,
and you meet the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur criteria. In “My
Student Centre,” under “Personal Information” section, select “Quebec
Residency Application.”
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Quebec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur allows some international
students to pay the provincial tuition rate. Consult registrar.concordia.ca/
internationalfee.
FRENCH COURSES
Out-of-province Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are full-time
undergraduate students may be allowed to pay the provincial rate for French
language and French literature courses. International students may also
qualify. See frenchprogramexemption.concordia.ca.
AVOID THE “PERMANENT CODE” SURCHARGE
Quebec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur issues all students a
“permanent code” to identify you as a student in the Quebec education
system. Universities need your permanent code to receive funds to help
pay for your education. You will pay more tuition if you do not provide
Concordia with your permanent code. In “My Student Centre”, under
“Personal Information” section, select “Code Permanent Data Form.” If you
don’t have a permanent code, filling out this form will allow Concordia to
issue you one directly.
GOVERNMENT STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Each government student aid program has its own procedures for disbursing
funds to students. If your program requires you to pick up or drop off
documents, or have student loan documents certified, you can do that at
the Financial Aid and Awards Office (make sure you bring your student ID).
View your Financial Aid information at MyConcordia. Choose “My Student
Centre”. In the “Finances” section, select “Financial Aid.”
IMPORTANT
Pay your tuition and fees on time to avoid late-payment fees. Fall 2015 term
fee payment deadline is September 30, 2015. Winter 2016 term (January –
April 2016) fee payment deadline is January 31, 2016.
10
PAY TUITIONSTEP 5:
on time to avoid late fees!

13. BUDGET for 2015-2016
EXPENSES
• Tuition and fees: $3,315/term• Books: $500/term• Rent: $300/month• Electricity: $40/month• Groceries: $75/week• Cell: $40/month
INCOME
Part-time job salary
BUDGET! Get organized and keep
track of expenses + income!
11

14. 12
• Living on campus
• Off-campus housing
• Health-care coverage
On-campus housing available at:
Grey Nuns Residence
Jesuit Residence
Hingston Hall
concordia.ca/residence
STEP 6: GET SETTLED

15. ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
The Grey Nuns Residence, just steps away from our Sir George
Williams Campus, is a calm, welcoming place for you to call home
in first year.
Our historic, tree-lined Loyola Campus in Montreal’s west end also
offers housing in two residences: Hingston Hall and the Jesuit Residence.
You’ll find floor plans, information about furnishings and rates at
concordia.ca/residence.
Students who live in residence are required to purchase a meal plan
through our food service provider. If you have strict dietary restrictions
or food sensitivities, contact us to see if living in residence will work
for you.
SECURITY
Our residences are secure facilities. Students use access cards to come
and go, and we have staff on site 24 hours a day. For more information
on residence security, call us at 514-848-2424, extension 4755. You can
email, too: residenceinfo@concordia.ca.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply to live in residence through MyConcordia beginning
in March. Log into “MyConcordia.” Choose “My Student Centre.”
Under “Admissions” section, you’ll find the residence application. You’ll
need to fill out an application form and pay a $100 non-refundable
application fee by credit card. Take time to consider the answers on
your application so we can assign you the place that best matches your
budget and lifestyle. Find more about living in residence at concordia.ca/
residence.
HELPFUL TIP
If you would like to live with a friend, the Residence Life team will
do its best to place you together. Make sure you both indicate on
your application that you’d like to live together.
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Montreal has the highest concentration of people living in rental units
of any Canadian city, and rental prices are relatively low. Montreal’s
transit system makes most neighbourhoods an easy commute to
Concordia. Each neighbourhood has its own unique flavour; part of
the fun of moving to Montreal is finding a spot that captures your
imagination and fits with your budget.
Montrealers have their own way of describing the size of an apartment.
Here’s a cheat sheet:
1 ½: studio apartment, i.e., one large room with a bathroom
and kitchenette
3 ½: kitchen, living room, one bedroom, bathroom
4 ½: kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, bathroom
5 ½: kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, bathroom
For many apartments, rent does not include the cost of heating
and hot water. Some apartments are rented without appliances
(stove, refrigerator, etc.) with the expectation you will bring or buy
your own. July 1 is traditionally the most popular day to move in
Quebec, meaning you may be competing with a lot of other
apartment-seekers to find a place.
CHECK OUT HOJO
The Concordia Student Union runs a great off-campus housing bank
called Hojo, which offers information on navigating Montreal’s rental
market and protecting your rights as a tenant. HOJO.CSU.QC.CA
13

16. 14
Life as a student is busy and intense. That’s why maintaining your energy and
good health is a priority. Concordia has excellent resources to promote your
health and well-being.
PROVINCIAL HEALTH-CARE COVERAGE
Most students in Canada will already have health-care coverage through
their home province. If you’re a student from outside Quebec, you’ll need
to notify your provincial health authority that you are studying in Quebec to
retain health-care coverage through your home province.
If you’re a Canadian student who’s never resided in Canada, you’ll need to
make sure you have insurance coverage through your parents or purchase
insurance through Concordia. You will not be covered by the provincial
health plan without residency. Please visit the Health Services website at
concordia.ca/health for more information.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE THROUGH
THE CONCORDIA STUDENT UNION
All Quebec and out-of-province students registered for more than three
credits are automatically enrolled in the Concordia Student Union (CSU)
Health and Dental Plan. The plan provides coverage for services not covered
by provincial health care, such as vision, dental and travel insurance.
If you are already covered under another health-care plan, such as your
parents’ plan, you may opt out of the CSU plan during a specified time
period. Before you opt out, make sure your insurance will cover items such
as medications. Your private insurance does not replace your provincial plan.
See ihaveaplan.ca.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Concordia has a compulsory health insurance plan with Blue Cross. For more
information, see concordia.ca/iso-health-insurance.
SET UP HEALTH-CARE COVERAGE
Find Health Services clinics
on both campuses
concordia.ca/health

17. Take in breathtaking views of the city and the
St. Lawrence River from the 11th floor of the
Engineering, Computer Science and Visual
Arts Complex.
Snack on a samosa and fill up your mug with
coffee at the student-run Café X.
Hop on board the free shuttle bus from the
Sir George Williams Campus to the Loyola
Campus for a beautiful change of scene.
Get stung by Stingers fever and watch the
women’s rugby team dominate their rivals.
Climb up to the Hall Building rooftop
greenhouse and study in the peaceful,
sunlit space.
Take in the quiet beauty of the Loyola Chapel.
Shop for organic groceries — and pick up
a slice of baklava — at the Frigo Vert, the
student-run grocery and health-food store.
Check out every “secret” study spot on
campus and find your favourite.
Led by a Multi-faith Chaplaincy guide, visit
sacred sites throughout Montreal and increase
your knowledge and awareness of faith
communities across the city.
Screen an independent political film through
the media arts network Cinema Politica.
Appreciate the artistic masterpieces of your
fellow Concordians on display at the Faculty
of Fine Arts’ FOFA Gallery.
Learn to speak French or improve your fluency
at Jazz-ons!
Meet people from around the world.
HOW WILL YOU DISCOVER
YOUR CONCORDIA?
TYSON HOUSEMAN
Faculty of Fine Arts
Specialization in Theatre Performance
When Tyson Houseman decided to move to Montreal for the theatre performance program,
he’d already carved out a career as an actor in one of the biggest box office smashes of all time,
the Twilight saga. (Houseman plays wolf-pack member Quil Ateara.) But Houseman wanted
something more. “Hollywood doesn’t always hold to the idea that actors are also artists,” he says.
“When I came to Concordia, my goal was to develop a vision of myself as an artist too.”
Houseman, who’s originally from Edmonton, also had another goal in mind: regaining his Cree
culture. “It was such a wonderful experience, to come here with a goal like that and be able to
achieve it,” says Houseman. Theatre professor Ursula Neuerburg-Denzer invited him to help
with the research and creation of an original play called Attawapiskat Is No Exception, conceived
as a reaction to a housing crisis on the First Nations reserve in northern Ontario. Houseman
got the chance to learn first-hand about First Nations dramaturgy from the play’s author, Cree
playwright Floyd Favel.
His advice for students in first year: “Take advantage of the vibrant arts scene as much as you
can. You don’t have to go off to New York or L.A. It’s all happening right here in Montreal.”
15

18. The Sir George Williams Campus is located in the heart of downtown
Montreal, in a neighbourhood known as Quartier Concordia. The campus
is made up of nearly 40 buildings, from centuries-old row houses to steel-
and-glass high-rises.
THE ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND VISUAL
ARTS COMPLEX (EV BUILDING)
• Created for interdisciplinary experimentation — great minds mingle in
the shared home of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
and Faculty of Fine Arts.
• The FOFA (Faculty of Fine Arts) Gallery is on the main level.
• At the metro (subway) level, you’ll find Le Gym, our fully-equipped
fitness centre.
• Students, faculty and alumni from all disciplines collaborate at District 3,
which provides an environment that stimulates exceptional innovation,
creativity and entrepreneurship to bring the next big idea to life.
• The Topological Media Lab brings artists, performers and media
together to experiment, research and create.
• Technoculture, Art and Games (TAG) is an interdisciplinary centre
for research/creation in game studies and design, digital culture and
interactive art.
• Walk into the Black Box to witness the live process of creation in an
atelier setting, combining features of a rehearsal studio, technology lab
and seminar discussion.
THE MOLSON (MB) BUILDING
• The 15-storey home of the John Molson School of Business was
awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Silver-level certification by the Canada Green Building Council.
• The David O’Brien Centre for Sustainable Enterprise mentors
business students and business leaders on how to improve their social
and environmental impact.
• The Formula Growth Trading Lab provides access to state-of-the-
art industry tools and live financial software, giving students a
competitive advantage.
• The MB Building houses the world’s first solar wall, which generates
both heat and electricity from the sun.
• You’ll also find performing space for theatre, contemporary dance
and music.
SIR GEORGE
WILLIAMS CAMPUS
16

19. THE GUY-METRO (GM) BUILDING is situated above the
Guy-Concordia metro station:
• The Health Services Clinic is located on the second floor.
• Next door on the second floor is the Financial Aid and
Awards Office.
• The Sexual Assault Resource Centre is located on the third floor.
THE J.W. MCCONNELL (LB) BUILDING is an essential stop
for students:
• Get your student ID at the Birks Student Service Centre.
• The R. Howard Webster Library occupies three whole floors.
• It’s home to the Bookstore.
• Contemplate contemporary Canadian and international art at the
Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery on the main floor.
THE HENRY F. HALL (H) BUILDING is where many of your
student services are located:
• Home to the Hojo Off-Campus Housing and Job Bank,
the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities, the Dean
of Students Office, the International Students Office, IITS
(Instructional and Information Technology Services) and the
Aboriginal Student Resource Centre.
• Need help with a class? Looking for career advice? Visit the Student
Success Centre on the fourth floor.
• Counselling and Development Services is located here — offering
personal, educational and career counselling, as well as a variety
of workshops.
• You’ll find the rooftop Greenhouse, an all-organic space that grows
food and tea year-round.
• Hop on the shuttle bus to the Loyola Campus in front of the
Hall Building.
Underground tunnels link most buildings on campus to each other and
to the Guy-Concordia metro station.
THE VISUAL ARTS (VA) BUILDING is home to studio arts
facilities and the VAV Gallery, a democratically run student
exhibition space.
THE GREY NUNS (GN) RESIDENCE houses hundreds
of students in a beautiful historic building, the former motherhouse
of the Grey Nuns religious order.
• The former chapel has been transformed into a magnificent
Reading Room for 240 students.
17

20. LOYOLA CAMPUS
The Loyola Campus blends cutting edge facilities with gothic-style buildings
in the beautiful west-end neighbourhood of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, about
seven kilometres from the Sir George Williams Campus.
THE ADMINISTRATION (AD) BUILDING is the place to visit
if you’re an arts and science student looking for an academic advisor.
• Counselling and Development services is also here, offering personal,
educational and career counselling, as well as a variety of workshops.
• For career exploration and studying and learning strategies, come to
the Student Success Centre on the basement level.
• You’ll find the Loyola Health Services Clinic here too.
• The Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability brings together
the arts and sciences to understand the complex relationship of humans
and the natural world.
• Explore faith, religion, values and ethics with the Multi-faith Chaplaincy.
THE RECREATION AND ATHLETICS COMPLEX (RA)
is where the Stingers compete in football, basketball, hockey, rugby, soccer
and wrestling.
• Be part of the swarm! Cheer on our varsity teams at the
Concordia Stadium.
• Join in a game of Ultimate or soccer on the second field.
• Keep playing during the winter under the impressive Stinger Dome.
• The Stingers hockey teams compete in the Ed Meagher Arena, a newly
renovated rink that conforms to national hockey league specifications.
THE PERFORM CENTRE (PC) is a preventative health research centre
focused on promoting healthy living.
• The Le Centre program provides an opportunity to get fit on its
conditioning floor.
THE GEORGES P. VANIER (VL) LIBRARY is open 24 hours in the
fall and winter terms. Take advantage of the many study spaces.
Pray and meditate in the Loyola Chapel, situated in the F.C. SMITH (FC)
BUILDING. The chapel is an inclusive space available to people of all faiths,
which also plays host to numerous events and concerts.
18

21. THE COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND JOURNALISM
(CJ) BUILDING has media and computer labs, and video production
and editing suites.
• You’ll also find the Bookstore.
THE RICHARD J. RENAUD SCIENCE (SP) PAVILION is home
to biology, chemistry and biochemistry, physics and exercise science students.
THE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR STRUCTURAL AND
FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS (GE) BUILDING houses
a world-leading, multidisciplinary research facility focused on
researching bioinformatics.
THE QUAD is an expansive green space where students relax and
socialize between classes on warm days.
• Frosh activities, barbecues and outdoor concerts take
place here.
THE OSCAR PETERSON CONCERT HALL (PT) is a 570-seat
performance space named after the legendary jazz pianist.
THE CENTRAL (CC) BUILDING is where you’ll find CJLO 1690 AM,
the award-winning, student-run radio station.
HINGSTON HALL (HA, HB) AND THE JESUIT RESIDENCE
(JR) are home-away-from-home for hundreds of Concordians.
19

22. TINA ALI
Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
Major in Software Engineering
For her graduating project, Tina Ali is developing medical imaging software with
six fellow students for a Montreal start-up. The whole team is working from the
on-campus offices of District 3, which helps student entrepreneurs incubate ideas
in collaboration with alumni, industry leaders and experts.
Ali says it’s a fantastic environment. “If, as a group, we have a question about what
we should be doing to best serve this client, we have people to ask,” says Ali.
“Everyone’s working on their own projects and trying to find success.”
As for how she defines success for herself, Ali says good grades are one
measurement. “But if you feel encouraged to apply yourself, that’s definitely
another sign of success,” she says.
Ali has benefited from resumé-building workshops and mock interview sessions offered by Concordia. “They’re really good at helping you
identify the qualities of yourself to highlight and the ones to work on.”
Her advice for students in first year: “It’s important that you meet people who can help you, and vice versa. You need people who are
going to encourage you. What I like about Concordia is that there’s a lot of opportunity to do that.”
PICK UP YOUR STUDENT CARD
You’ll need your student card to use the libraries, ride the shuttle bus and
write exams. In other words, it’s key. Here’s how to get yours. Register for
your courses. Wait at least 24 hours. Come to the Birks Student Service
Centre and bring photo ID, plus your student number. Your student card will
cost $11.50, charged to your account. Replacement cards are $15.
BUY YOUR BOOKS
At the Concordia Bookstore, you can buy new and used textbooks, or rent
them, and pick up all your school supplies — including a Concordia hoodie!
HELPFUL TIPS
• Dprint lets you send print jobs from home and pick them up on the
way to class.
• The Concordia Computer Store offers student pricing on software
and hardware.
• The Concordia Bookstore charges roughly 40 per cent of the textbook
retail price to rent it for the full term.
20
TOOLS FOR SUCCESS
Both Webster (SGW) and Vanier
(Loyola) libraries are open 24/7
during the fall and winter terms.

23. GET TO KNOW THE LIBRARY
Both the Webster (Sir George Williams Campus) and the Vanier
(Loyola Campus) libraries are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during
the fall and winter terms. Concordia’s librarians are dedicated to helping you
navigate the impressive wealth of information found in the libraries’ databases
and holdings.
HELPFUL TIPS
Need a computer? The library has many laptop and tablet
computers for you to borrow.
ATTEND ORIENTATION
Learn about your new campus, meet new people, make new friends, and find
out what it takes to be a successful student at Concordia’s Orientation. Enjoy
lots of free events, guided tours and win prizes! Highlights include:
• Discover Concordia: Get acquainted with some of the other brand-
new Concordians who’ll be your peers in the fall. You’ll also meet key
people from your faculty who’ll be there to support you throughout
your academic journey.
• Start Right: Start your university career off right, equipped with a
range of tools for academic success. Give us two days, and we’ll give you
strategies for note-taking, reading to remember and smart studying.
• New Student Tours: Our Student Success Mentors will take you on a
tour of the campus, tailored to address any and all of your questions.
We’ll give you an insider’s view of what you need to know to be ready
for your first term and beyond.
See concordia.ca/new-students for more.
ACHIEVE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS
Concordia has a lot of resources to help you take your grades to the next
level. We can help you become the academic high-achiever you want to be.
• Mentoring for New Students: Receive ongoing support from a
trained Student Success Mentor, connect with other students and
develop a personal support network, and learn effective strategies
for academic success.
• Mathematics: If mathematics is your passion, we’ll help you discover
new frontiers. Connect with study groups, workshops, media and
software. If math is your biggest challenge, we’ll have a solution
for you too.
• Sciences: If you want to be a science star, our learning specialists, science
tutors, study groups, and workshops can strengthen your discipline,
hone your creativity and put your scientific method to the test.
• Writing: Whether you’re studying English literature or learning English
as a second language, boost your written word power by meeting with
writing assistants, attending workshops, consulting grammar or style
guides, and taking writing-focused courses.
See concordia.ca/success-centre for more.
The Access Centre for Students with Disabilities offers orientation sessions
on the services available to Concordians with disabilities, ensuring success,
integration and skills development.
If you’re an international student, the staff at the International Student
Office can help you make Montreal feel like home. They can also provide you
with resources to excel in school, and you’ll meet other international students
through activities all year long. See concordia.ca/iso.
LEARN FRENCH
Many Concordia students are looking for the chance to either learn or
perfect their French.
• Oui Can Help! connects students with French-language learning
resources on campus and throughout the city.
• For beginners and intermediate, Jazz-ons! is a conversation group
facilitated by fluent French-speakers. Explorons! (Let’s Explore!) helps
intermediate-level speakers practise their French while discovering
Montreal. The group meets each week at different landmark locations
around the city.
• You can also take a French class for credit with Concordia’s
Département d’études françaises, the department of French language,
literature and translation.
• Volunteering is a great way to practise your language skills. Visit the
LIVE Centre to connect with volunteer opportunities.
GET TO KNOW THE STUDENT HUB
Visit concordia.ca/students to stay on top of the latest news and take
advantage of all the services for students at Concordia.
21
$500 French-language
bursary available to 50
out-of-province students

24. GETTING AROUND
METRO OR BUS
Concordia runs a free shuttle between the Sir George Williams and Loyola
campuses. Catch the shuttle bus in front of the Hall Building (Sir George
Williams) or in front of the Vanier Library (Loyola). The trip, which usually
takes 20-30 minutes, is faster than public transit. Buses are wheelchair
accessible. For schedules and to track the shuttle bus in real time, go to
concordia.ca/shuttle.
The STM (Sociéte de transport de Montréal) is one of the most-used public
transit systems in North America. Concordia students 26 and under pay
a reduced fare. To get the cheaper rate, you’ll need a letter verifying your
student status, which you can get through MyConcordia or at the Birks
Student Service Centre.
The Guy-Concordia metro station is located under the GM Building
on the Sir George Williams Campus.
BICYCLE
Biking is by far the most efficient and fun way to get to school. You won’t
be alone — Montreal has a very vibrant bicycle culture — 53 per cent of
Montrealers report using a bike for transportation. One of the city’s main
bike paths runs through Concordia’s Sir George Williams Campus on De
Maisonneuve Boulevard.
As a member of Concordia’s Allégo Secure Bike Parking Facility, you can
keep your bike safe indoors and get access to Le Gym or Le Centre’s
shower facilities to freshen up before class. The cost is $30 per term plus
a $15 deposit for the key.
Right to Move/La Voie Libre is a co-operatively run, not-for-profit, do-it-
yourself bike workshop located directly behind the mezzanine
of the Hall Building.
Bixi is a public bike-sharing system designed in Montreal that’s been adopted
by cities around the world and embraced by Montrealers. There are Bixi
stands across both campuses.
Le Petit Vélo Rouge is a bike co-op on Loyola Campus that sells reliable,
safe and affordable used bikes.
CAR
Concordia has two indoor parking garages downtown. Loyola Campus has
two outdoor lots. The maximum daily fee is $5 for students, or you may
buy a monthly parking pass. The City of Montreal offers on-street
metered parking.
22
Bike stands located all over
both campuses

25. JASON AZZOPARDE
Faculty of Arts and Science
Specialization in Actuarial Mathematics / Finance
Jason Azzoparde has gone a long way towards putting in place the building blocks
of a very promising professional future. He’s earned top marks in his program,
excellent reviews from his work-term supervisors and the Bourse Gilles Joncas
for the top Co-op student in Quebec. Azzoparde is also passing, at an astonishing
rate, a series of actuarial exams on the way to attaining an important and coveted
professional designation: associate of the Society of Actuaries.
Add to that a strong commitment to training and athletics — Azzoparde played
football for the Stingers for two years — and you have one busy Concordian.
A hunger to never stop learning is what keeps him moving forward, says
Azzoparde. Each of the teams he’s worked on at consultancy firm Towers Watson
over three Co-op terms has offered something different. Azzoparde is now versed
in consulting on retirement, health and group benefits, and investment.
His advice for first-year students: “The best way to stay motivated is to always have a long-term goal that justifies
your current efforts. The projected success should be enough to keep you focused!”
GETTING AHEAD
CAREER AND PLANNING SERVICES (CAPS) can help you prepare
a job-search strategy, get your resumé in good shape and practise answering
common interview questions. Search the CAPS online Job Bank to find
full-time and part-time jobs. See more at concordia.ca/career-planning.
THE INSTITUTE FOR CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP)
bridges university life and the working world. Alternating study and work
terms gives you practical work experience, the chance to test what you’ve
learned in school, and a glimpse of your future career opportunities.
Read more about Co-op at concordia.ca/co-op.
Paid internships: earn money
and gain work experience while
you study through Co-op
23

26. JESSE CARMICHAEL
John Molson School of Business (JMSB)
Major in Finance, double Minor in Financial Reporting and Marketing
As president of the John Molson Competition Committee, Jesse
Carmichael leads a team of 15 students responsible for managing the
largest undergraduate case competition program in the world.
Carmichael’s job is to help select and prepare JMSB students to go up
against student groups from other universities internationally. The goal:
see who can come up with the most effective solutions to real-life
business problems in the eyes of a judging panel that includes professors
and corporate executives.
“It’s excellent training for a future in business”, says Carmichael, who’s
competed for JMSB in Singapore and New Zealand. But the real benefit
of getting involved is the chance to grow. “It really allowed me to break out of my shell,” she says. “Being able to guide students through
that same transforming phase that I went through is amazing.”
Her advice for first-year students: “Get involved from day one! Look into it and find something that fits you. You’re guaranteed to make
deep connections with people who share the same passion and level of dedication. It’ll definitely shape your university experience.”
24
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
FROSH
The Concordia Student Union and the four faculties hold Frosh events at the
start of the fall term to welcome new and returning students. Frosh events
are a great way to meet people before school is in full swing. Check with
your faculty.
STUDENT GROUPS
Concordia students are socially aware, connected and know how to make
things happen in the world and on campus. That’s why we have such a rich
collection of student groups and clubs, from the Improv Club to Space
Concordia, currently working on launching a satellite. Find something that
captures your imagination at concordia.ca/student-groups.
The Dean of Students Office makes funds available to support student
projects that enhance or contribute to the quality of student life. You can
pitch your ideas for social, political, educational or cultural initiatives twice a
year through the Concordia Council of Student Life.
See concordia.ca/offices/dean-students.
Watch for the NOW e-newsletter
sent by email every second Thursday.
Students are automatically on the list!
The campus news
you need to know:
concordia.ca/news

27. Large and small, Concordia’s community engagement initiatives reach into
local neighbourhoods and extend across borders to help people around the
world. Find out about programs like Five Days for the Homeless and Art
Matters at concordia.ca/community-initiatives.
ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK is your chance to do something
meaningful during February’s reading week. You’ll get the chance to learn
about different cultures, communities and social issues through volunteer
work. You’ll return to Concordia ready for self-reflection and an increased
sense of civic engagement.
THE CONCORDIA VOLUNTEER ABROAD PROGRAM (CVAP)
lets students from Montreal and Uganda gain first-hand experience in
the field of international community development. Every year, around 40
Concordia students travel to Gulu, Uganda, to work on projects ranging
from health care to athletics. CVAP is supported by a fee levy of Concordia
undergraduate students, an expression of the Concordia community’s
commitment to global civic responsibility and hands-on learning.
CONCORDIA INTERNATIONAL manages student exchanges,
internships and study abroad programs to provide every interested
Concordia student the opportunity to gain international experience.
Make your student experience outstanding by finding a volunteer placement
at the LEADERSHIP, INITIATIVE AND VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT
(LIVE) CENTRE, and get credit for your extracurricular efforts through the
Co-curricular Record. Paired with your transcript, the record will give you an
advantage as you apply for bursaries, grants and graduate schools. It also gives
future employers a picture of your involvement outside the classroom.
CONNECT TO THE WORLD
25
CVAP: About 40 Concordia students
travel to Uganda every year to work
on joint projects

28. HEALTH AND WELLNESS
26
We have services and supports available to foster your physical, mental
and spiritual health.
HEALTH SERVICES is your on-campus clinic and health promotion
centre, where you can see a physician, nurse, psychiatrist, psychologist or
health-promotion specialist. We can help you set and achieve your health
goals, including stress management, healthy eating and fitness. See
concordia.ca/health for a complete list of resources.
Health Services has got you covered on both campuses. Find us on
the Sir George Williams Campus in the Guy-Metro Building, and in the
Administration Building on Loyola Campus. Just bring your student ID and
your valid insurance coverage.
LE GYM, on the Sir George Williams Campus, is a state-of-the-art fitness
centre that offers the latest and best in exercise equipment and a friendly
environment with trained and helpful staff. You can sign up for aerobics,
spinning, yoga, personal training and more.
THE PERFORM CENTRE on the Loyola Campus is a preventative health
research centre focused on promoting healthy living. Its Le Centre program
provides an opportunity to get fit on its conditioning floor.
COUNSELLING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES offers
personal counselling when you need it. Professional counsellors, accredited
psychotherapists and psychologists can help you find effective ways to deal
with any obstacles to your growth and success.
Explore your spirituality or deepen your spiritual practice through the
MULTI-FAITH CHAPLAINCY, whose staff can help you find prayer rooms
and meditation spaces on campus, or connect you with a spiritual advisor.
The Loyola Chapel on the Loyola Campus is a beautiful sanctuary of peace
to escape the hustle of everyday.
PERFORM Centre: a clinical
research facility focused on
promoting healthy living
Get fit at the gym!
concordia.ca/gym

29. RECREATION AND ATHLETICS
27
Whether you want to cheer on the Concordia Stingers or have fun
keeping fit and active, Recreation and Athletics has something for everyone.
Sign up for friendly recreational competition in anything from hockey to
Ultimate. Take classes in martial arts or modern dance. Get in shape with
our aerobics programs or workout in the fitness facility at Le Gym.
Check out the Stinger Dome— an air-supported structure covering an entire
field, allowing you to play all year long.
Visit the Ed Meagher Arena, a recently renovated rink that conforms to
National Hockey League standards. There are opportunities for recreational
hockey, free skating and more.
THE STINGERS
The Stingers are Concordia’s varsity sports teams in football, basketball,
hockey, rugby, soccer and wrestling. Find the scoreboard and schedules
at stingers.ca.
Join the Swarm! The Swarm is made up of sports-mad Concordians —
get decked out in the school’s colours and cheer on the Stingers.
@ConcordiaSwarm /ConcordiaSwarm

30. Volunteer
concordia.ca/volunteer
concordia.ca/student-budgeting
Manage your finances
STUDENT SERVICES
Your student fees support a wide variety of programs.
concordia.ca/student-services
Plan your careerconcordia.ca/career-planning
Talk to a counsellor
concordia.ca/counselling
28

31. Get support tailored for you
concordia.ca/support-services
Explore
spirituality
concordia.ca/spirituality
Get fit at the gym
concordia.ca/gym
Connect with a
student mentor
concordia.ca/student-mentor
Play recreational sports
concordia.ca/recreational-sports
29
Join a club
concordia.ca/join-a-club

32. JOIN THE CONVERSATION
 @CUFutureStudent
 /CUFutureStudents
@ConcordiaUniversity
 /ConcordiaUni
 /photos/ConcordiaUniversity
 /Concordia
CONCORDIA.CA
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8
514-848-2424
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
/concordiauniversity /concordia
/company/concordia-university /concordiauni
/photos/concordiauniversity /concordia
/concordiauniversity /concordia
CONCORDIA.CA
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Montreal, Quebec
H3G 1M8
514-848-2424
T15-22668