Carleton buildings across the Rideau River on a snowy day.

Parents newsletter - January 2026

The winter term has just begun and students are settling back into their routines. Encourage your student to seek out new opportunities or get involved at the beginning of the term. Your student can explore work opportunities at the Winter Career and Networking Fair, get involved in the Campus to Community program or join a club—just to name a few!

Important Dates and Deadlines

Tuesday, January 13, 2026: OSAP deferral deadline.

Friday, January 16, 2026: Last day for registration and course changes (including auditing) in full winter and late winter courses.

Friday, January 23 to Sunday, February 1, 2026: Full fall and late fall term deferred examinations will be held.

Saturday, January 31, 2026: Last day to withdraw from full winter and the winter portion of fall/winter courses with a full fee adjustment (financial withdrawal).

Preparing for a Successful 2026

Welcome to the winter term—and if you’re a new Carleton parent, welcome to the community! The start of the term is always busy and there is plenty for students to do to prepare for winter term courses. Read our tips on preparing for a successful winter term and information on academic resources, maintaining student wellness and staying informed this term.

Ask Me – We’re Here to Help

Your student can look for faculty, staff and student leaders wearing red Ask Me buttons to get all their questions about campus and Carleton answered at the start of the winter term. If they’re not sure about where their class is, how to navigate the tunnels or where to go for lunch, just Ask Me!

Ask Me button being held in front of the snowy quad.

The Current Students Website Has a New Look

The Current Students website has been redesigned to make it easier for students to stay informed and supported. Students can discover the latest student news, explore upcoming events for students and use the student services search to find the services they need to support their success at Carleton.

Student Registration Assistance Team

For help with registration, building a timetable or navigating Carleton Central, the Student Registration Assistance team is available until Friday, January 16, 2026. The team offers in person, email and phone assistance from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Capital Hoops Tickets

A tradition with over a decade of history, Capital Hoops hits the court on Friday, February 6, 2026, when the Carleton Ravens face the Ottawa Gee-Gees at the Arena at TD Place! Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and will sell out.

Students can stay safe and have fun at these epic Rivalry Series games by following these tips to help reduce harm, be a good neighbour and create a culture of consent. Go Ravens!

Winter Career & Networking Fair: Here’s What Your Student Needs to Know

Registration for the Winter Career & Networking Fair is open! Students can attend this important career-planning event on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to discover who is hiring, learn what employers are looking for in new hires and practice their networking skills – all without leaving campus. Students can visit mySuccess to learn more and register.

Board of Governors Award for Outstanding Community Achievement

The Board of Governors Award for Outstanding Community Achievement recognizes student volunteerism and substantial community contribution at Carleton University. Anyone in the Carleton community can nominate students or can self-nominate. The award grants $2,000 to the winning recipient. Nominations are due Friday, March 6, 2026.

Carleton University Board of Governors – Student Opportunity

The Carleton University Board of Governors is seeking expressions of interest from students to serve a one-year term for the 2026-2027 board year. Interested students must attend a virtual board 101 information session on Monday, January 12 or Thursday, January 15, 2026. The deadline to submit an expression of interest is Friday, January 23, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Summer Schedule Available

The summer term class schedule is available in Carleton360 and through the public class schedule. Registration for summer term opens in March 2026 based on time-tickets.

Educational Costs

Estimating the cost of a year of study varies from student to student and depends on the program and number of credits you are registered in. Tuition and compulsory ancillary/miscellaneous fees include classes, U-Pass, academic, administrative and career support, lab and project resources, library access, athletic facilities and supplemental health plan. The Educational Costs webpage has estimated fees for each program of study at Carleton University.

Richcraft Hall across the Rideau River with icy rocks in the foreground.

Highlights From Around Carleton

Office of the Vice-President (Students & Enrolment)
503 Tory Building
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 5B6

carleton.ca/parents