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Acronyms and Jargon

Familiarize yourself with the acronyms and jargon used at Ontario Tech University.

 

Academic Terminology

  • Academic Calendar
    The Ontario Tech Univeristy Academic Calendar describes in detail important information that pertains to your studies at the including, but not limited to, the academic schedule and important dates, academic regulations, privacy information and fees. Specific information on faculties as well as course descriptions and program maps are available in this calendar.
  • Credit hour and contact hours
    Credit hour is the measure used to reflect the relative weight of a given course toward the fulfilment of degree requirements. Unless otherwise indicated, a course normally has a credit hour value of three. Contact hours include lectures, labs, and tutorials. All courses have lecture contact hours, however, not all have labs and tutorials.
  • Cumulative and non-cumulative
    Cumulative is a weighted average of the grades in all courses completed and non-cumulative is not weighted with other grades.
  • GPA and CGPA
    The abbreviation for grade point average. A semester GPA is the weighted average of the grade points awarded on the basis of academic performance during a single semester. A cumulative grade point average (CGPA or cumulative GPA) is the weighted average of the grade points awarded in all courses completed and included for the achievement of the degree and/or major the student is registered in.
  • Program map
    A program map is the sequence of courses, combination of courses, and/or other units of study, research and practice which qualifies a student for a formal credential.
  • Syllabus
    Document that outlines the course description, learning outcomes, topics in the course, required texts/readings, evaluation, academic integrity, etc.
  • Turnitin
    Turnitin is software used to identify text in a submitted paper that matches text in other sources and to provide feedback on student papers. Turnitin stores student work to a database and is used by instructors to collect evidence of academic dishonesty in conjunction with Ontario Tech University's Academic Integrity policies.

Ontario Tech Jargon

  • ACE

    The Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) is the first commercial automotive research, development and innovation centre of its kind in the world. This is a place where industry, researchers and students collaborate to create, test and validate paradigm-shifting innovations with a focus on bringing them to market as rapidly as possible. ACE has an array of testing equipment, including one of the largest and most sophisticated climatic wind tunnels on the planet.

    ACE enables knowledge and practical experience to combine more effectively and to create synergies across disciplines and skill sets, leading to a stronger manufacturing economy in Canada. At the same time, it helps educate and train the skilled personnel needed to take the automotive industry and manufacturing to a new level of competitiveness and success.

  • BYOD and TELE
    The Technology-Enriched Learning Environment (TELE) program provides students with tools to aid in academic success and has two operating models:  Laptop TELE and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) TELE.
  • Canvas
    Canvas is the university’s learning management system (LMS), used for course content administration. It is an online platform in which students and instructors can access content and various communication tools for each of their courses. Courses in Canvas are automatically created for undergraduate courses at Ontario Tech University and students are automatically enrolled prior to the start of the course.
  • CFH
    The Campus Fieldhouse (CFH) is a domed facility is a multi-sport turf centre that accommodates a variety of indoor recreational sport activities including soccer, ultimate, field lacrosse, flag football and more. Varsity teams and community organizations also use the facility as a high-performance training centre.
  • CRWC

    Serving students, faculty and staff from Ontario Tech as well as Durham College, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre’s (CRWC) modern facilities provide a wide variety of fitness and recreational opportunities.

    The 8,400-square-metre CRWC includes a large triple gymnasium, squash courts, an indoor track, The FLEX fitness centre (cardio and weight machines), training rooms, and a dance studio. The CRWC, which welcomes more than 10,000 users each month, also houses the Campus Health Centre’s medical clinic and various services ranging from acupuncture and athletic therapy to massage therapy and counselling.

  • DTA

    Downtown Academic building A, more commonly known as 61 Charles Street.

    Located in Oshawa on Charles Street, immediately east of the Tribute Communities Centre, the building was the former Alger Press Building and was renovated and refurbished in 2010.

  • DTB

    Downtown Academic building B, more commonly known as Bordessa Hall (immediately to the north of the Regent Theatre) is located at 55 Bond Street East, Oshawa and is home to the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities.

    The 2,800-square-metre, five-storey facility includes four large classrooms, labs, study space for undergraduate and graduate students, a student lounge, a boardroom, faculty offices and the Academic Advising office.

  • DTC
    Downtown CIBC (DTC) building is located at 2 Simcoe Street South and is home to the Forensic Psychology Laboratory.
  • DTR
    Downtown Academic building R, more commonly known as Regent Theatre. Regent Theatre is located in Oshawa at 50 King Street East.
  • EDU
    The Education building (EDU) is located in the heart of downtown Oshawa at 11 Simcoe Street North.
  • ERC

    The Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre (ERC) is a 9,290-square-metre facility that houses Ontario Tech's unique-in-Canada energy science and engineering programs, including courses in wind, solar, hydrogen, hydraulic, geothermal and nuclear energy.

    The ERC enables leading-edge research in the clean and green energies and technologies required by future economies. It also promotes Canada's entrepreneurial advantage through public-private research and commercialization partnerships.

    ERC is home to the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Scence.

  • I.D., campus I.D. or student card

    Your campus card is one of the most important pieces of ID you have as a student. A valid card permits you access to facilities, resources and services, both on and off campus.

    Use of this card is governed by university policies. The person identified is fully responsible for transactions made with the card or use of campus property authorized by this card. This card is the property of Ontario Tech University and must be surrendered on request by Campus Security. Lost or damaged cards must be reported immediately to the Campus Identification office.

  • IT Service Desk

    The Information Technology Service (ITS) Desks provide support including:

    • General troubleshooting of software and hardware issues.
    • Access to how-to guides and technical support.
    • Ability to create a self-service ticket through the IT Service Desk Portal.
    • Best effort troubleshooting advice and limited hardware/software service to students using personally owned technology devices.
    IT SERVICE DESK LOCATIONS

    North Oshawa location
    Learning Commons, Gordon Willey building
    South Wing SW100
    E: servicedesk@dc-uoit.ca
    P: 905.721.3333 option 1

    The North Oshawa IT Service Desk is a 7,000 square metre (75,000 square foot) state-of-the-art computing facility which brings the technology of tomorrow to the students of today. Characterized by its long rolling glass walls and wide-open concept, the Learning Commons is well-equipped to handle the demands of every student.

    Downtown Oshawa location
    61 Charles St., Oshawa
    E: servicedesk@dc-uoit.ca
    P: 905.721.3333 option 1

    The downtown Oshawa IT Service Desk is located across from the Tribute Communities Centre. The newly renovated building was once home to the Alger Press and is now a learning facility equipped with a fully functioning IT Service Desk as well as well as technology-enriched classrooms.

  • MyCampus

    MyCampus is your central hub for information regarding academic, administrative and extracurricular university events, including:

    • Announcements
    • Campus events
    • Emergency notifications
    • Financial notifications
    • Messages from the President
    • Registrarial notifications
    • Student awards and financial aid
    • Student services

    You can quickly access documents and services, such as changing your personal information, registration, records and payment options.

  • OPG Engineering building

    The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Engineering Building’s 3,700 square metres of space house state-of-the-art labs, academic offices and other learning facilities.

    This three-storey building’s features include:

    • A rapid prototyping and manufacturing lab
    • A combustion and engines lab
    • Mechatronics lab
    • An emerging energy systems lab with solar, wind, hydrogen and fuel-cell technology

    The building's equipment was carefully selected to educate students about technologies of the future and the building itself has become a showcase for the delivery of engineering education.

    The OPG Engineering building is home to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and attached to ACE.

  • Polonsky Commons (Commons)

    Named after Ontario Tech's founding president, Dr. Gary Polonsky, this area is designed as a friendly outdoor gathering place for students. It features benches, trees sculptures and a reflecting pond.

    The Polonsky Commons is at the heart of an attractive, pedestrian-friendly academic village, which fosters a strong sense of community and features outdoor pathways and meeting places, giving students plenty of opportunity for interaction and shared learning.

    During the warmer months students can be found relaxing on park benches, or playing a game of soccer, Frisbee or football.

    Deep below Polonsky Commons is Ontario Tech's geothermal heating and cooling system, the largest in Canada and second largest in North America. The Borehole Thermal Energy System (BTES) is made up of 370 interconnected borehole tubes in a field nearly 200-metres deep. If laid from end to end, the amount of piping would stretch 75 kilometres. Each academic building is linked to a central plant through an underground tunnel.

  • RO

    Registrar's office or Office of the Registrar

    The Office of the Registrar provides centralized service to enhance the journey of all of our clients—we want to make every transaction meaningful. We can answer questions, provide information and get you started on 'what's next' for our services, such as:

    • Admissions
    • Convocation
    • Fees and payments
    • Financial aid
    • On-campus employment
    • Registration and your records
    • Student awards
  • SAFA

    The Student Awards and Financial Aid office is dedicated to helping you achieve financial success while pursuing your post-secondary education. You may need a combination of financial resources to cover all the expenses of your post-secondary education.

    Services available include:

    • Financial aid counselling
    • Financial literacy workshops
    • OSAP and other government financial aid programs
    • University Works on-campus employment program

    Opportunities and services available include:

    • Awards of recognition
    • Donor awards
    • Major Entrance scholarships (Application-based)
    • External awards
    • Scholarships and bursaries
  • SIRC

    The Software and Informatics Research Centre (SIRC) is a 7,600‑square‑metre building that accommodates the university’s need for new spaces for research, study and future active learning.

    Here you will find the Registrar’s office, which offers these services:

    • Enrolment Services
      • Admissions
      • Communications
      • International Recruitment
      • Recruitment
    • Records and Scheduling
    • Information and Client Services
      • Cashier
    • Student Awards and Financial Aid
  • STG
    St. Gregory's (STG) building is located at 202 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa. This building is home to the Motor Behaviour Physical Activity Laboratory.
  • UA

    University Academic building A, now known as the Science building

    The 20,000-square-metre Science Building is home to the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Health Sciences. It includes a 250-seat lecture theatre; chemistry, physics and biology labs; and a student study hall, among many other student-friendly features.

  • UB

    University Academic building B; now known as the Business and IT building

    Referred on campus by many as UB, the 9,700-square-metre Business and Information Technology Building offers our students innovative research laboratories, modern lecture halls, a large café and student lounge areas. It is the home of the Faculty of Business and Information Technology.

    Like other Ontario Tech academic buildings, a portion of UB's rooftop is 'green', just one of Ontario Tech’s many environmentally friendly features.

  • UBISC
    University Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre (UBISC) is a home away from home for Indigenous students. It offers a sense of family and belonging, and provides an environment that fosters personal and cultural growth as well as academic success. UBISC is located in Oshawa at 151 Athol St E behind 61 Charles (DTA).
  • UOITnet or @ontariotechu.net

    @ontariotechu.net (previously referred to as UOITnet) is an email service and product suite powered by G Suite for Education. Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive and Docs and Google Hangouts have been enabled for the @ontariotechu.net domain. 

    All official communication from the University will be sent to your @ontariotechu.net email account and posted on the Undergraduate tab on MyCampus. You are responsible for checking both channels regularly for information such as course registration, examination information and add/drop deadlines.


For additional academic terms, visit the glossary section of the Academic Calendar.

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