FAQs

TREK BU

Q. Is there anyone I can contact to get help in picking my courses for next year?

A. Mandatory advising is now required for all first year students. You will receive an invitation letter from BU with options for  course registration throughout the spring and summer. Once you have met with your advisor you will be eligible to register for your courses.

Q. Will I receive anything regarding whether my registration has been processed and whether I was able  to get into the classes that I wanted to be in?

A. Financial & Registration Services will notify students in writing of any problems with their initial registration by email or mail. This will include notification of a full course or lab section, a change in slot time or cancellation of a course.

Q. Are there services on campus to help students succeed at BU?

A. Yes. Brandon University offers a wide variety of services to assist students.  Most of the services on  campus are available at Student Services in the A. E. McKenzie Building, conveniently located in the middle of the campus. Some of the services include:

• Academic Advising Services: First year students are now required to see an academic advisor prior to registering for courses. Your assigned advisor will be able to assist you in course selection and in working out the details of your overall degree.
• Counselling Services: Counselling helps students sort through mental and emotional concerns such as: stress, worry, depression, anxiety and other issues. Through counselling new insights and understanding are gained. Students are better able to take action and make positive changes in their lives.
• The Academic Skills Center (Writing, Math, Learning Skills): The Center offers a broad range of academic support  services to assist students. The Center’s primary goal is to help students become more efficient learners, equipped with greater confidence, motivation and skill.
• Career Planning and Placement: The Career Planning and Placement Office offers a wide variety of services to students seeking job information. Among other things, they can provide assistance with writing resumes and cover letters, conducting job searches, and preparing for interviews.
• Disabilities Program: The Services for Students with Disabilities program ensures that students with learning, emotional, and physical disabilities have equal access to university programs. Students with disabilities should contact the Disabilities Coordinator at (204) 727-9759.
• The Indigenous People’s Centre: The Indigenous Peoples’ Centre, located in the George T. Richardson Building, is part of Student Services and is responsible for many programs for First Nations and Metis students.  Services include a special orientation to the university and community, learning skills workshops, and various workshops specific to student needs.

Q. How many students attend Brandon University?

A. Currently, there are approximately 3000 students enrolled at Brandon University.

Q. What is the average size of first year classes?

A. On average , class sizes in the first year vary from 50 to 200 students. One of BU’s strengths is that 60% of our classes have fewer than 20 students and only 1.5% of classes  have more than 100 students. (Larger classes typically occur in first-year courses.)

Q. Is there an Orientation session for new students to learn the ropes?

A. Yes. Orientation is an annual event that takes place the day before first-term classes begin. It is designed for both new students and for students who have put their studies on hold and are now returning. The orientation agenda will be available on the web and an invitation will be mailed to newly admitted students during the summer months.

Q. When should we be purchasing books, paying for our tuition, etc.?

• Purchasing books: beginning anytime the last two weeks of August at the Brandon University Bookstore. The sooner the better to avoid the line-ups.
• Paying tuition: you can pay your tuition fees online under BU Tools, http://www.brandonu.ca/payonline/, or in person, anytime prior to the start of classes at the Financial & Registration Services office, 2nd floor, Clark Hall.
• Student cards: for the September intake the Student ID Centre is located in the McMaster Hall Study Room. Please bring proof of registration to avoid delays in processing. (ie. copy of course registration or tuition statement)

Q. Are there any lockers still available?  How do I go about getting one?

A. Lockers will be available for rent starting in the first week of classes at the Financial & Registration Services Office, 2nd Floor, Clark Hall. This is the same counter where you will pay for your tuition, residence and make course changes.

Q. If I decide to live off campus, is there public transportation that will get me to the University?

A. Yes. The City of Brandon has buses that link to the campus every half hour. Monthly bus passes may be purchased on campus at the Brandon University Student Union (BUSU) office.

Q. I’m a single parent. Does BU have a day care facility on campus?

A. Yes. The Bran-U-Day Care Centre is a provincially subsidized day care located on campus, providing service for students, staff and faculty at Brandon University. Children must be between the ages of 2 and 6. There is also a Junior Kindergarten located in the Faculty of Education, for children between the ages of 3 and 5.

Q. How much is tuition for one year of full time study?

A. Tuition will vary depending on which program/faculty offers the course and whether you are attending day or evening classes. See Tuition.

Q. When do I pay for my tuition?

A. Tuition fees for Regular Session, Fall/Winter classes are paid by the term. First term tuition and all student fees are payable by the first day of classes in term one and term two tuition is payable by the first day of classes in term two.

Q. How do I buy my textbooks?

A. The registration form is in triplicate. When you complete the registration form for the classes you wish to attend, the bottom copy is yours and should be retained as a record of the classes for which you have registered. This copy is also your “book list”. Take your copy of the registration form to the Bookstore and look for the course numbers that correspond to the numbers on the shelves for the various textbooks. The staff in the Bookstore can also provide assistance. The Student Union has also created an online used bookstore.