Next Steps
Ramp up to your university journey this summer!
Welcome to the Ridgeback family. Now that you've accepted your offer, it's time to get familiar with your campus and start your new journey. Connect with faculty, staff and other students during our summer transition programming.
Explore the sections below to learn more.
Register for courses
Registration for courses for the Fall/Winter semesters opens today.
Learn more about this event on June 23, 2025Ridgeback Rendezvous: University 101
Join us at our north Oshawa campus on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This is your chance to connect with your Academic Advisors, learn about your future home away from home, ramp up for success in your first year and more.
We also have specific programming planned for your caregivers, guardians and parents—we encourage you to bring them with you.
This event has a maximum capacity of 200 students and is first-come, first-served.
Learn more and register about this event on July 19, 2025
Ridgeback Ramp Up
Ridgeback Ramp Up is a summer academic preparation program for incoming students. It includes self-paced online modules and live workshops to help you build confidence and refresh key academic skills before classes begin.
- Self-paced modules open Monday, July 21.
- Live workshops on Google Meet, run from July 28 to August 22.
Check your email for workshop details, dates and how to access your courses in Canvas.
If you have any questions, contact ridgebackrampup@ontariotechu.ca.
Student Accessibility Services Orientation
Each year, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) invites incoming students with documented disabilities to participate in Accessibility Orientation. Students who have previously participated in these workshops feel better prepared and are more successful in the first few months of university. In addition to providing an opportunity to meet other new students, this program will help you to understand the real differences between high school and university, learn about self-advocacy and how to use your strengths, and interact with key staff who can provide academic and learning support.
This event is free to all students who are registered with SAS.
If you have any questions, please contact studentaccessibility@ontariotechu.ca.
Watch your emails throughout the summer for your invitation to register to attend.
Residence move-in day and family Orientation
Residence move-in runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The parents' information and student breakout sessions are from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
All incoming students are invited to enjoy fun, family-friendly activities on Friday from 12:30 to 3 p.m., including:
- food truck
- lawn games
- Service Fair
Orientation—Saturday
Start the day
Check in, enjoy a light breakfast and attend the opening ceremonies. You’ll receive your faculty T-shirt and swag bag.
Faculty Orientation
Connect with your professors, advisors and classmates during dedicated faculty time. Faculty of Social Science and Humanities students will travel by bus to the downtown Oshawa campus.
Afternoon activities
Enjoy:
- Esports and Ridgeback spirit activities.
- Karaoke, music and on-stage fun.
- Lawn games and an inflatable obstacle course.
The Wild Goose Chase
A signature Orientation tradition where faculties team up for campus-wide games and challenges. Help your faculty win the Great Goose Award!
Evening events
Wrap up the day with a community dinner, 4D movie and a high-energy drag show.
Orientation—Sunday
Spend the day exploring campus, connecting with classmates and join in on some Ridgeback fun.
Midday and afternoon activities
- Bubble soccer in the Field House.
- EngageFest: Kick start your campus life by connecting with supports and services.
- Men’s Ridgeback soccer game at 3:15 p.m. (Vaso’s Field).
- Wild Goose Chase activities continue.
Evening events
- BBQ tailgate
- Carnival and an outdoor movie
- Ice skating
- Wild Goose Chase winner announced
Orientation—Monday
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Welcome breakfast from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Hunter's Kitchen.
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Your Ridgeback adventure: You can choose to go on an off-campus field trip or stay on campus for activities of your interest, including sports, crafts, games, and more.
Thursday, August 29: International student Orientation.
Are you ready to start your studies at Ontario Tech? We are ready for you!
Join us on Thursday, August 29 for your International student specific Orientation!
We encourage all incoming international undergraduate, graduate and exchange students to attend International Orientation! Registration is required, so let us know if you're coming!
If you have any questions, please email; iss@ontariotechu.ca.
Thursday, August 29: Student Accessibility Services Orientation.
Each year, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) invites incoming students with documented disabilities to participate in Accessibility Orientation. Students who have previously participated in these workshops feel better prepared and are more successful in the first few months of university. In addition to providing an opportunity to meet other new students, this program will help you to understand the real differences between high school and university, learn about self-advocacy and how to use your strengths, and interact with key staff who can provide academic and learning support.
This event is free to all students who are registered with SAS.
If you have any questions, please studentaccessibility@ontariotechu.ca.
Watch your emails throughout the summer for your invitation to register to attend!
Friday, August 30: Residence move-in day and family orientation.
Residence move-in is taking place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All incoming students are welcome to participate in some fun, family-friendly activities on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m., including:
- Community art
- Family field games
- Ice skating
- Yoga
Parents and supporters are invited to attend an information session to learn how to best support your student from 11 a.m. to noon.
Saturday, August 31 to Monday, September 2: On-campus Orientation events.
Orientation is the university's largest transition program, specifically geared toward students who are beginning classes in September.
This is your chance to connect with other new students, get familiar with your academic program and get to know your way around campus.
Watch your emails throughout the summer for your invitation to register to attend!
Monday, September 2: Mature, Transfer and Pathways students Orientation.
Students who are transferring from another post-secondary institution, or simply continuing their academic career after a number of years, may have unique needs and questions about student life. This event is designed specifically for mature and transfer students, providing opportunities to ask pertinent questions and connect with useful campus resources. We recommend that you attend any and all Orientation programs that are relevant to you.
Mature and Pathways Orientation will provide you with the opportunity to:
- Familiarize yourself with our campus and services.
- Find out about university-specific technology.
- Learn how to get the most from your university experience.
- Meet fellow mature, transfer and pathways students, as well as faculty and staff.
Watch your emails throughout the summer for your invitation to register to attend!
Mature, Transfer and Pathways students Orientation
Students who are transferring from another post-secondary institution, or simply continuing their academic career after a number of years, may have unique needs and questions about student life. This event is specifically for mature and transfer students, providing opportunities to ask pertinent questions and connect with useful campus resources. We recommend that you attend all Orientation programs that are relevant to you.
Mature and Pathways Orientation provides you with the opportunity to:
- Familiarize yourself with our campus and services.
- Find out about university-specific technology.
- Learn how to get the most from your university experience.
- Meet fellow mature, transfer and pathways students, as well as faculty and staff.
Watch your emails throughout the summer for your invitation to register to attend.
Campus Cup
Support Ontario Tech’s Ridgebacks soccer teams as they face the Durham Lords in the annual Campus Cup at Vaso’s Field. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Wear blue and orange, bring your Ridgeback spirit, and make some noise!
After the game, head to 2200 North for the Campus Cup After Party starting at 8 p.m. Enjoy music, dancing and food specials, with select items priced at $2.50.
Learn more about Campus Cup about this event on September 2, 2025Lectures begin
Lectures begin for all programs, fall semester.
View the academic calendar about this event on September 2, 2025
Campus Rec Day
Join us in Polonsky Commons* for Campus Rec Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., proudly hosted with the support of the Durham College Student Association and Ontario Tech Student Union.
You'll be able to enjoy:
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Athletics and recreation, health promotions and wellness programs and services information booths.
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Caricaturist, balloon artist and tarot card reader.
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Giant games, lawn games, sports and activities.
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Giveaways and prizes, including an iPad giveaway.
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Inflatables and axe throwing.
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Refreshments that include free ice cream.
Fall semester fees due
- End of regular registration period; last day to add courses, fall semester.
- Fall semester fees due.
- Last day to drop courses and receive a 100 per cent refund of tuition and ancillary fees, fall semester.
View the academic calendar about this event on September 15, 2025
Last day to withdraw from fall semester courses
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Last day to withdraw from fall semester courses without academic consequences (i.e., without receiving a grade). Courses dropped after this date will be recorded on the academic transcript with a grade of W to indicate withdrawal.
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Last day to drop courses and receive a 50 per cent refund of tuition fees, fall semester.
Fall study week
Thanksgiving and fall study week.
View the academic calendar about this event on October 14, 2025
You’ve made a forward-thinking and impactful decision in choosing Ontario Tech University for your post-secondary journey. As one of Canada’s leading tech-focused institutions, we’re proud to offer an innovative learning environment that blends academic excellence, hands-on experience, and a strong sense of community.
At Ontario Tech, you’re joining a vibrant and inclusive campus where your success—both academically and personally—is our top priority. From expert academic advising and leading-edge research opportunities to robust mental health support and a dynamic Student Union that ensures your voice is heard, we provide the tools and resources you need to thrive.
With our commitment to career-readiness, sustainability, and real-world problem-solving, your experience here will empower you to shape the future in meaningful ways.
We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish. Wishing you a restful and inspiring summer—see you in September, ready to make your mark!
President Steven Murphy