Student Accounts in Canadian Universities
Student Accounts by Province
Student Accounts in Universities in Canada
Almost every post-secondary school in Canada provides for students to access their account online. This portal allows the school to communicate important messages to all their students, in addition to allowing the students to make changes to their accounts when it is convenient for them. This reduces wait times for the students and allows the school to save on paper copies.
Student accounts are protected with encryption, and only students with a valid login and password can access accounts. Logins and passwords are generally given to new students when they register, and can be changed later on for additional security. Personal informationThe student account portal allows students to make changes to their personal information such as mailing address, phone numbers, email addresses, and PINs. This allows official school materials to be sent to the correct spot, and allows regular communication between the school and the student. Personal information is only available to the student and the registrar’s office, and is not visible to other users. Academic recordsThe student accounts portal will usually keep a record of each student’s past and in-progress grades. This allows the student to ensure that grades are in fact accurate, and also to keep track of their academic progress as they continue through their program. Transcripts are usually ordered via the student accounts portal as well. Other information such as proof of enrollment letters, high school grades, grade point averages, and any transfer credit information will also be found here. Tax informationSpecial information such as T2202A’s or transit subsidies are often made available via the student accounts portal in late February of each year. This allows students to file their tax returns on time without the hassle of having to wait for a mailed copy of the necessary forms to show up at the last minute. Previous year’s T2202A’s are also kept in the student account in the event of audits. Course schedulesIn many schools, the official calendar is often replicated in the student account, but with additional information such as offering times and days, and whether a student is eligible to take that course. This allows students to pick and schedule the courses as they wish, without having to do so in-person or by mailing their course requests in. Students can also make any changes necessary as their personal timetable changes due to work or family commitments. Financial informationAfter choosing their personalized timetables, students will have to pay their tuition and student fees. This can now be done via student accounts and online banking or via a credit card, reducing the times a student actually needs to visit the registrar’s office during the beginnings of each semester (which are generally the busiest times). Other financial information such as won scholarships or student loans will also be made available here. In this way a student can keep track of their financial history and make payments in a way that is convenient for them. ApplicationsMany schools will also place all related applications and their current status in student accounts. This includes things like campus housing, graduation, scholarships and bursaries, and changes of degree programs. Also, some schools now allow high school students to apply for post-secondary education via a (provisional) student account. This once again reduces the wait times that tend to plague students who apply via mail or regular on-line forms. MiscellaneousIn addition to these main offerings, the student account is a general place for any other important information. For example, some schools now allow students to participate in referendums or student elections via their student account. Also, exam schedules can be made available here as well, allowing students to stay abreast of any changes to rooms or times. As well, any exemptions that a student may be eligible for (transit passes, student housing costs, part-time student costs, etc.) will often be available on the student account.
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