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Parents newsletter - September 2025
The academic year is officially underway! We’re excited to welcome both new and returning students to campus for the fall term. Whether your student is just starting their university journey or working toward graduation, there are supports available to them every step of the way. From academic resources and career planning to wellness support and opportunities to get involved, there are many ways for your student to feel connected as the academic year begins.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Wednesday, September 3, 2025: Fall term begins.
Thursday, September 11, 2025: OSAP deferral deadline.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025: Last day for registration and course changes (including auditing) in full fall, late fall and fall/winter courses.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Last day to withdraw from full fall term and fall/winter courses with a full fee adjustment (financial withdrawal).
View the academic year calendar for all important dates and deadlines.
Ask Me - We're Here to Help
Faculty, staff and student leaders are ready to answer all your student’s questions about campus and Carleton! Your student can ask anyone wearing red Ask Me buttons questions about where their class is, how to navigate the tunnels or where to go for lunch. We’re all here to help.
Get Connected, Stay Connected
We’re here to keep your student connected to news, events and services to support their Carleton journey.
Students are encouraged to download or update Carleton Mobile, Carleton’s official mobile app for current students, to stay up-to-date with the latest student news and events, view class schedules and receive push notifications for emergencies, grades, class and exam changes, and campus life updates.
An updated version (1.7.0) of Carleton Mobile is now available. The new version includes longer sign-in periods, support for multi-factor authentication (MFA) and infrastructure service alerts. Full details on the update are available on the Carleton Mobile news and release updates page.
Carleton360 is the complete student experience hub. Using single sign on, Carleton360 gives students the ability to move between Carleton Central, cMail and Brightspace, in addition to accessing key services, without re-entering log in credentials.
Health and Dental Plan
The Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) Health and Dental Plan, administered by Studentcare, provides students with extended health and dental coverage from Monday, September 1, 2025 to Monday, August 31, 2026. Students taking at least four courses (2.0 credits) in the fall term are automatically included in the plan through student fees. Students taking fewer than 2.0 credits are eligible and may self-enrol during the change-of-coverage period from Friday, September 5 to Friday, October 3, 2025. Students covered by an equivalent health and/or dental plan (such as a parent or spouse’s benefit plan) may opt out during the change-of-coverage period and receive a credit to their student account.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
If your student has applied for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding and has questions about disbursement, course load or academic progress requirements, visit the Current Students website.
Financial Aid – Bursaries
If your student is receiving government financial aid (such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program), they may also be eligible for an undergraduate bursary administered by the Awards and Financial Aid Office.
Bursary applications are available through Carleton Central (log in through Carleton360) until Friday, October 31, 2025.
Budgeting for Student Life
Managing finances as a student can be challenging, but the Awards and Financial Aid Office has a list of online budgeting resources to help students and their families build a realistic academic year budget.
Co-op Work Term and Awards
If your student is currently in a co-op work term (or will be in an upcoming term) and is also receiving an award or scholarship, they should contact the Awards and Financial Aid Office to defer their scholarship to their next study term.
Fall U-Pass
The U-Pass is a discount transit pass for eligible Carleton students, offering unlimited travel on OC Transpo and STO buses and trains for those enrolled in 1.5 credits or more in the fall and winter terms.
Campus Card and U-Pass are a combined card. The fall U-Pass will be activated automatically the first time students tap their card on transit.
Health and Counselling Services
Health and Counselling Services provides a wide range of physical and mental health services to students. The on-campus clinic is staffed by a dedicated team including family physicians, counsellors, GP psychotherapists, psychiatrists, a lab technician and supportive administrative personnel. Online booking through the CHR Connect app is available for regular appointments and urgent care needs. Clinic hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Concerned About a Student? We're Here to Help!
If you have concerns about a student’s well-being or feel they could benefit from some extra support, please submit a Care Report. This report connects student with Carleton University’s Student Care and Support team, who will reach out and offer a meeting to share resources, guidance and support.
The Care Report is a great way for families and friends to flag non-urgent concerns about a student’s academic, personal, financial or emotional well-being. If there are immediate safety concerns or an urgent situation, please contact Campus Safety Services.
Rethinking Resilience
Rethinking Resilience is a free, interactive online module for Carleton University students to help students better understand their stress, build academic resilience and develop real-world skills that employers value through short videos, reflection activities and practical tools.
Encourage your student to complete the module to earn Co-Curricular Record credit and boost their wellness.
CUFit Group Fitness Try-It Week
Carleton Athletics' CUFit Group Fitness Try-It Week is the perfect opportunity for students to explore a variety of fitness classes for free from Monday, September 8 to Friday, September 12, 2025! Classes include Zumba, glow yoga, spin, CU Circuit, kickboxing and more. There’s something for every interest and fitness level.
Course Materials at the Campus Store
Your student can get their school supplies, including their textbooks and course materials at the Campus Store, Carleton’s on-campus shop.
Fall Career & Networking Fair: Here’s What You Need to Know
The Fall Career & Networking Fair on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, is an opportunity for Carleton students to practice their networking, learn about job opportunities and gain insights from employers from a range of industries.
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.
Office of the Vice-President (Students & Enrolment)
503 Tory Building
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 5B6
