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News and Events

See the New Design for the Main Floor Lobby

Construction is underway in the lobby of the main building to create a modern, open-concept gathering and interaction space for students. The space is being developed to improve the student experience at NorQuest. Construction is taking place between March and September.

Click here to see the design.

  • Drawing 1:  View of the main floor lobby from the Westside entrance
  • Drawing 2:  View of the main floor lobby from the elevators
  • Drawing 3:  View of the main floor lobby opposite the elevators

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Students' Council Election Results

The Winter 2010 Students' Council Election is complete. The following candidates are now members of the NorQuest Students' Council:

  • Osman Moumand
  • Rose Duperron
  • Jenelle Roasting

Congratulations!

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Westmount Campus raises money for Haiti

Students and employees at Westmount Campus raised $1931 for Haitian relief. They are donating the funds to Compassion Canada.  Anyone at NorQuest’s other campuses can donate directly through Compassion Canada.

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MyQuest

Access your student account information online with MyQuest

MyQuest, NorQuest’s new online self-service student centre, is now being rolled out! All registered students should receive their MyQuest user ID and password in the mail between now and early March. New applicants will begin receiving their user ID and password notification after the registered student rollout is complete.

Easy access to information!
Once you receive your user ID and password, log in to MyQuest on Campus Life by clicking on the link to the left or at www.norquest.ca and:

  • Update your contact information
  • Pay your fees by credit card
  • See your grades online
  • Print your timetable
  • Check your application status
  • …and much more!

Full service remains available to students who need it through the Prospective Student Office and Office of the Registrar.

For more information, click here.

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Students' Association has moved

The Students’ Association has moved to room 121 on the main floor. Stop by and check out the new space.

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Become a NorQuest Ambassador

Get involved. Gain valuable experience.

By joining the Ambassador program you will meet new people, network within the community, and represent NorQuest at College functions.

You will develop your communication skills, become a student role model, enhance you social etiquette skills, and share your unique student experience with others.

Volunteering looks great on your resume and you may qualify for NorQuest Ambassador awards.

Ambassadors must commit to attend monthly meetings and volunteer for at least five hours each term.

Pick up your application form in the Community Relations office, room 205. The application deadline is January 27th. Orientation is scheduled for February 1st.

For more information, contact Susan at 780-644-5931.

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Aboriginal Student Council Elections Results

Aboriginal Student Council Elections were held on Thursday, January 28. Aboriginal Student Council would like to congratulate the following students on their election:

President: Carlton Bearhead

Activities Coordinator: Gloria Linklater

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Two types of wireless access for students

NorQuest now offers two types of wireless access to meet students’ needs:

NorQuest-Guest Wireless Network
If you need internet access or want to log on to Blackboard or Elluminate Live, this option is for you.  Using the NorQuest-Guest wireless network is quick and easy.

NorQuest Wireless Network
If you need internet access PLUS access to your network files and folders (H:\ drive) and Instructor Resources, choose the NorQuest Wireless Network.

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Learner Access Bursary

Students who are currently self-funded learners can apply for a NorQuest College Learner Access Bursary to help cover expenses.

NorQuest Learner Access Bursary www.norquest.ca

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Scent FreeKeep the College Scent-Free

Perfumes can make people sick. Sometimes they can’t breathe. If you wear perfume to school or if your clothes smell of perfume or incense your classmate might have to go to the hospital because he or she can’t breathe. Over 520 Canadians die each year because of asthma attacks. Many people with asthma react to perfumes.

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Networks Café closes December 1

Networks Café in the basement of the Downtown Campus main building closed Tuesday, December 1. The closure will last several months and is necessary to allow for demolition and construction of a new NorQuest Food Services area coming in April, 2010.

Food services remain available on campus in:

  • Cafeteria on 8th floor
  • Chartwells’ grab-and-go cart in lobby (weekday mornings from 7:45 – 9:15)

Computer terminals are available on the 5th floor. There is also wireless access in the main building and in the Health Education Centre on 106 Street.

As part of the basement demolition project, the west hallway leading to the bookstore will be closed for several weeks while asbestos is removed from the floors, walls and ceilings. Only students in classroom 015 are being relocated to Building C (across 108 Street).

The bookstore is not closing. The east basement hallway will remain open to allow access to the other classrooms and to the bookstore.

Safety precautions during asbestos removal:
Asbestos removal follows strict Alberta Occupational Health & Safety protocol. All precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of students and employees. Temporary walls will be constructed while a professional asbestos removal team does its work. This will not have any affect on students and employees. For information about asbestos, visit http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/inaiqu_001.cfm

Thank you for your patience during construction.

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Reporting absences due to Influenza-like Illness (ILI)

If you are absent because you have ILI, or because you are caring for a family member who has ILI, remember to telephone: 1-866-334-1297.

If you are hearing impaired, please report your absence to your teacher at the telephone number they provided you.

For more information on the Influenza Pandemic, go to www.albertahealthservices.ca.

Washing your hands with soap and water continues to be the most effective way to protect yourself from contracting the virus.

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Asbestos removal during auditorium demolition

Work is underway to demolish the auditorium in the lobby of the Downtown Campus main building to create an open-concept, student gathering space. The demolition includes the removal of asbestos between November 11 and December 5.

Safety precautions during asbestos removal:
Asbestos removal is in accordance with Alberta Occupational Health & Safety protocol and all precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of employees and students. Secure temporary walls have been constructed while a professional asbestos removal team follows strict regulations. Large plastic ducts running from the auditorium to the south side of the main building will be blowing clean, filtered air out of the building. The work will not have any affect on students and employees.

Your patience is appreciated during this project.

For information about asbestos,
visit http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/inaiqu_001.cfm

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Striving to keep employees and students flu-free

Starting on October 26, HINI vaccinations will be available to high-risk persons at mass locations around the City of Edmonton. At this time, the government is not releasing the vaccine to partner agencies therefore, NorQuest will only be administering the seasonal flu vaccine. Students and employees who think they may be in a high-risk category are encouraged to check for dates and locations by visiting www.albertahealthservices.ca.
The seasonal vaccine is available at NorQuest for all health care providers and a limited amount is available for staff.  Please phone Marnie Sprake at 644-6155 to request a seasonal flu shot. More information on seasonal flu and H1N1 clinics is available on www.albertahealthservices.ca.
With H1N1 Influenza A expected to be the predominant influenza strain in Alberta this fall, NorQuest’s Pandemic Planning and Response Committee is meeting weekly to ensure a College-wide response plan is in place for employees and students. As part of this response plan, each of the academic and corporate service divisions is developing its own contingency plan. Some recent developments include:

  • A college-wide 24-hour 1 800 illness reporting line to monitor absences. Coming soon. 
  • Human Resources and Organizational Development is following the direction of Alberta Health in waiving the requirement for a doctor’s note for absent NorQuest employees.
  • Academic divisions are now looking at processes to manage student absences.

     A document entitled Guideline for Students and Staff at Post-Secondary Institutions and Private Vocational Training Providers is an excellent resource on the Alberta Health Services website.  The document can be found at www.albertahealthservices.ca. Click on "Pandemic (H1N1) 2009" and then click on "Information for Post-secondary Institutions".  You can also visit the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
  
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Auditorium and Network’s Café closure dates

Starting November 1, the Dr. Herb Belcourt Auditorium in the Downtown Campus main building will be closed to students and employees. The temporary closure will allow for construction of a redesigned auditorium space into a more student-focused gathering and interaction space. The project is expected to be complete by August 31, 2010.

Starting December 1, Network’s Café in the basement of the main building will be closed to students and employees. The temporary closure will for renovations as the College works to introduce a new food services model in 2010 to be located in the basement. In the meantime, the college is working with Chartwells to place a cart in the lobby for “grab and go items” during peak times to provide food and beverages to students and staff. The Cafeteria remains open with regular hours of operation.

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H1N1 Influenza Information

Under the current pandemic situation, NorQuest must collect and record all absences. Please use the 1-866-334-1297 number to call in an absence due to Influenza-like illness (ILI).

Questions and Answers:

Q: If I have Influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms, does it automatically mean I have H1N1?

A: No, having ILI symptoms only means that you are showing symptoms that come with a variety of common influenza viruses. H1N1 is one variety. H1N1 can only be confirmed by a medical test.

Q: What are the symptoms of ILI and/or H1N1?

A: H1N1 symptoms are usually: : the start of a new cough or a change in existing cough PLUS one or more of the following

  • Fever
  • Sore Throat
  • Joint Pain
  • Muscle Aches
  • Exhaustion

Q: Will I automatically become ill if I am exposed to a person who is confirmed with H1N1 or has ILI symptoms? Should I stay at home if I was exposed but have no ILI symptoms?

A: Whether you become ill depends on many things. Exposure does not necessarily mean you will become ill. As long as you are symptom-free you can go about your business and come to class as normal.

Q: What if I become ill with ILI?

A: You should stay home until your symptoms are gone (usually seven days). You must report your absence to 1-866-334-1297.

Q: What if someone in my family becomes ill with ILI and there is no one else available to care for them?

A: You can stay at home to take care of the ill family member until his/her symptoms are gone (usually seven days). You must report your absence to 1-866-334-1297.

Q: What if I am at home caring for my ill family member and during that time I develop ILI symptoms?

A: You should stay at home if you become ill with ILI until your symptoms are gone. You must report your continued absence to 1-866-334-1297.

Q: What if I have ILI symptoms while I am attending classes or labs?

A: To help protect the health and safety of you and the other students in the class or lab, you will be sent home and asked not to return until your symptoms are gone (usually seven days).

You are responsible for the completion of your courses and need to work with your instructors to work out how you will progress.

Q: What if a fellow student is showing signs of ILI?

A: Please tell your teacher.

Alberta Health Services has developed a document called “Influenza (the flu) What Can You Do”. This is an excellent article to read and print-off. Keep a copy at school and at home. It can be accessed on the internet at:

http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Influenza-H1N1-What-Can-You-Do.pdf

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Important information for grant-funded students

The Government of Alberta has reached its sponsorship limit and is no longer able to provide grant funding for new applicants to NorQuest for the Winter 2010 term. The Alberta government will provide additional grant funding for the Spring/Summer 2010 term.

Current grant-funded students
If you are an ongoing grant-funded student who plans to continue classes in January 2010, and have career and educational plans already in place, you may not be affected.  However, you are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with your Student Financial Aid Advisor.  Student Financial Aid is located in Room 125, Main Building, 780-644-6130.

For information about funding
Other current students with questions about funding are also encouraged to make an appointment with a Student Financial Aid Advisor to discuss their situation.

Student Financial Aid Advisors will provide you with more information about grant funding and explore alternative options if necessary. Student Financial Aid is located in Room 125, Main Building, 780-644-6130.

NorQuest will respond to your needs by working with you individually to determine your funding options in a timely and respectful manner.

New Applicants
NorQuest College is continuing to accept applications for all programs until program enrolment targets are met.  Prospective Student Advisors are available to discuss funding options with any new applicant. The Prospective Student Office is located in the Workforce Development Centre on 108th Street across from the Main Building; phone: 780-644-6592.

Government of Alberta
The Government of Alberta, Ministry of Employment and Immigration, will continue to assist students in finding work and researching careers. You can visit your nearest Labour Market Information Centre and access free career workshops, job-search tools, and information on careers, post-secondary training, and student funding. Click here to view the Alberta Employment and Immigration website.

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Welcome to mynorquest.ca

NorQuest is providing students with a mynorquest.ca email account, which will be used for official College communications. Students will be notified of their College email account through a personalized letter during registration (either in person or delivered to the student’s mailing address). Students will be able to use this email account to communicate with instructors and College staff. It is important that you activate your account and check your email on a regular basis so that you do not miss any important information from the College.

Click here for more information

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Learner Centre Hours

Downtown Campus

Hours of Operation
September to April
Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday

Noon to 4:00 PM
(closed long weekends)

Term Break   April 27 to May 1, 2009
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
May to June 19
Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday

Noon to 4:00 PM
(closed long weekends)

June 20 to August 22, 2009
Monday, Tuesday 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday to Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Term Break   August 24 to 28, 2009
Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 4:30 PM

Westmount Campus Branch Library

For information call: (780) 644-6709
Room 218 - 11140 - 131 Street
Westmount Campus

Hours of Operation
All Year
Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM
Closed daily 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM

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Respect, it starts with you

NorQuest Citizenship Committee

The newly struck NorQuest College Citizenship Committee aims at promoting equality, community and responsibility on campus. The creation of this committee was inspired by Judge Gurcharan Bhatia, who is a passionate citizen of Edmonton, former Citizenship Judge of Canada, and committed friend to NorQuest College. Through his vision and the support of other donors, the Citizenship Committee was established at NorQuest College to enhance and expand the focus of citizenship for students and staff throughout the College. The NorQuest College Citizenship Committee acts in a consultative manner with other divisions in the College to promote activities, events and awareness that will further this goal. The first of many initiatives is the Respect Campaign. This campaign will start in May and aims to reward random acts of respect.

“It is vital, in a College with such a diverse student population, to promote respect,”
said Desiree Morriseau, Students’ Council Representative.

A number of cards will be distributed to students and staff who are seen or heard commiting random acts of respect. At that point the person who received the card will be able to enter draws to win prizes. Once they have entered, they are then asked to pass along the card to someone else who is being respectful.

If you have a recieved a Respect card click here to enter to win a prize.

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Changes to Health Services Operations

Emergency call outs

For all Emergency call outs, Dial 911 and call Security for backup as needed. The mandate of Health Services is to deal with the programs, issues, injuries and illnesses that come through our door. We do not have the personnel or resources to deal with Emergency call outs.

Health for Two

For the foreseeable future, Health Services will no longer be providing Health for Two at the Main Campus.  We will continue to see the existing registered Health for Two students and transfer them into Community Services of their choice. Health Services will provide this service at the Westmount site, once it is up and running. (The Westmount Health Services will start its operation when the Main Campus Health Services Office is fully staffed.) 

Immunizations

Immunizations will be done by appointment only due to increased volume. Incomplete immunization records that come from the Office of the Registar (OR) will be sent back to the OR. 

Students who choose not to make an appointment to have their immunizations reviewed, will be left out of the process. 

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NorQuest has joined the City of Edmonton’s Corporate Wellness Program

NorQuest students, spouses and families are entitled to receive discounts at City-owned recreation centres and pools. The discounts are 20% off annual passes and 15% off the already discounted multi-admission passes (already discounted by 10% at the desk when you buy 10 or more at a time.

NorQuest student ID must be shown when purchasing the pass at a City facility.

For more information contact Student Services at 444-6250.

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Semester Redesign update
Timetable dates and times

As you may know, NorQuest College is introducing a new semester system that will make it easier for you to move between programs at NorQuest or into other post-secondary institutions.

The graphic below shows how the timetable will change, depending on which program you are registered in. Post-secondary applies to Business and Industry Careers, Health and Human Service Careers, and Language Training and Adult Literacy. The Preparatory will be the timetable for students enrolled in Academics for Careers and Employment. Most students will finish their day by 4:30 PM or earlier.

Terms Dates for 2008-2009 will be as follows:

Term Dates Duration
Fall September 2 to December 19, 2008 16 weeks
Winter January 5 to April 24, 2009 16 weeks
Spring/Summer May 4 to August 21, 2009 16 weeks*

The semester redesign means several advantages for NorQuest students including:

• Finishing programs sooner
• Smoother transition to other post-secondary programs
• Ability for grant-funded students to complete more terms
• More efficient use of space
• More opportunities for blended programs
• Less wait time for students who apply late

For more information on the semester redesign, visit the Student Services office (125A) in the Downtown Campus building.

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Last updated: February 5, 2010

NorQuest Campus Life