General Questions
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How many students attend Brandon University?
Currently, there are approximately 3000 students enrolled at Brandon University.

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

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

Is there an Orientation session for new students to learn the ropes?
Yes. Orientation is an annual event that takes place before first-term classes begin.  It is designed both for 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 a brochure will be mailed to newly admitted students during the summer months.

What is a pre-professional program?
Pre-professional programs are simply a set of selected Arts and Science courses that will enable students to qualify for entry into a professional program, for example, medicine, social work, journalism, or dentistry.  The courses you will take and the length of time you spend at Brandon University will vary, depending on the professional program you are planning to enter.

Students are encouraged to consult an academic advisor before course registration.  Most professional program requirements referenced by Brandon University are for programs offered by the University of Manitoba. Programs at other universities may have different requirements.

Do I need to bring a computer to BU?
BU students receive a user ID that enables them to access the network at one of over 200 computer terminals located throughout the campus.  The computers are available at no cost, with unlimited access to the Internet and the latest processing programs to complete your assignments.  The Library also has additional computers dedicated to searching for journal articles and other resources for student projects.

How do I get a parking space?
Contact the Residence Office and request an application for parking.  Students are encouraged to apply early.

Is it true that BU has a high drop out rate because there is no minimum average for admission?
No. While admission to Brandon University does not require a minimum high school average, Manitoba students must have a high school diploma to gain acceptance directly following high school.  In our experience, there can be many reasons why a student’s high school performance may not be reflective of his or her true potential. We feel that all students should have the opportunity to attend a post-secondary institution if this will assist them in attaining their goals in life. Brandon University’s graduation standards are as high or higher than any university in the country.

Given its small size, is Brandon University still a quality university?
We think Brandon University is a high quality university, in part because it is a smaller institution.Like all universities, Brandon University is a fully recognized degree granting institution.  We take a great deal of pride in keeping class sizes small so that students have the maximum opportunity to interact with their professors and lab instructors.

In my recruiting travels over the past five years, I have noticed a striking increase in the number of students expressing a desire to attend a smaller university.  Students want to get the most out of their education dollar. This means having access to professors and needed services, not spending hours in endless line-ups. Most of all, it means being treated as an individual.

I plan to attend BU first then transfer to a professional program at the University of Manitoba.  Will the University of Manitoba consider my Brandon University marks?
You would be eligible to transfer from Brandon University to the University of Manitoba into a professional program.  I recommend that you seek the advice of an academic advisor and check the required prerequisite courses in the current Brandon University calendar.

Does the University of Manitoba take U of M students over BU students for acceptance into professional programs?
No.  The selection process for professional programs at the University of Manitoba is based on one or more of the following:  grade point average, interview score, and entrance exam.  Selection is not based on which Manitoba university you attended.

I plan on walking to class or taking a bus during the winter months.  What are the bus connections like in the city?
There are two bus connections that link to the campus every half hour.  Monthly bus passes at a student rate are available on campus.

Application Questions

What is the application fee to Brandon University?
The application fee is a non-refundable $60.00 for Canadian students and $125.00 for International students.

What is the process for becoming a student at Brandon University?

• You will need to submit an application form and the application fee to the Admissions Office, as well as any documentation that is required for acceptance into the program you have selected.
• Once the application is processed and you have been admitted to the University, a "letter of acceptance" will be sent to you.  You are cleared to register for classes once you have received your "Notification of Acceptance" from the Admissions Office.
• Sometime during the spring, you will receive a "registration package" in the mail that will include the current Calendar, the Registration Guide (timetable), and a registration form.  The first date for registration for new students is usually set for early May. As of this date, new students can mail-in or hand-in their completed registration forms for processing.  These must be delivered to the Finance & Registration Office, 2nd Floor, Clark Hall or faxed to (204)-726-4573.

Does Brandon University have an application deadline?
Some faculties do have an application deadline or limit the number of students they accept in first year.  Check with the Admissions Office or click on Deadlines for more information.

Can I apply on-line?
Yes.  Canadian and International students may apply on-line; however you will need to send your application fee by cheque or money order to receive your "notification of admission".  Another option is for students to print a copy of the application form and mail it along with the application fee.

Does Brandon University restrict the number of students admitted from out of province?
No.

I am attending another Canadian university and would like to transfer to BU.  What do I need to do?
It could take several weeks to assess a transcript for possible credit transfer from another accredited post-secondary institution.  The time required for transcript assessment will vary, depending on the time of year, the courses taken, and the institution you are attending. You are encouraged to apply early and to submit an interim transcript of your marks as soon as they are available.  This process will give the Admissions Office an opportunity to assess your credits before it becomes time to register for classes. For a list of courses that have been evaluated from various post-secondary institutions, please go to the online Transfer Database.

Program Questions

What undergraduate programs does BU offer?
Brandon University offers courses that will lead students to undergraduate degrees in Arts, Science, Music, Education, Physical Education Studies, Business Administration, Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and First Nations & Aboriginal Counselling.

What graduate programs does BU offer?
BU offers courses that lead to Masters degrees in Education, Music, and Rural Development.

What co-op opportunities are available at Brandon University?
BU offers the Geography degree (Geomatics concentration) and the Environmental Science degree as co-op. Students in both programs can have a work-term placement (typically over summer) and receive course credits.

Does Brandon University offer a "University 1" program like the University of Manitoba?
No.  At Brandon University you are able to enter your faculty or program of choice directly out of high school, without taking a first year of general classes.  This direct entry allows you to begin taking specific courses in first year that are relevant to the program you select.  "University 1" consists of general first year classes that students take before entering into a specific faculty for second year.

Does Brandon University offer correspondence courses?
Brandon University does offer off-campus courses through Campus Manitoba.  I recommend you check out the BU website for a list of classes offered and for a regional Campus Manitoba location nearest you.

I heard that students must submit a "Criminal Records" and "Child Abuse Registry" check when applying to BU.  Is that true?
You will be required to supply the two documents only if you are planning to apply to the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Education or the First Nations & Aboriginal Counselling program.  It is strongly recommended that students apply as early as possible, as it will take time for each agency to complete the required documents. (The Faculty of Education and the School of Health Studies, Bachelor of Nursing will require students to submit these documents prior to any practicums.) To print off these forms, please visit our website at http://discover2.brandonu.ca/undergraduate/forms.asp.

Scholarship Questions

What do I have to do in order to be considered for entrance scholarships and bursaries?
The admission application form includes a box for you to indicate if you wish to be considered for entrance scholarships and bursaries.  You will automatically be considered for Board of Governors Entrance Scholarships, based on your Grade 10 and 11 marks submitted with your admission application.  You will also be sent an application form for other entrance scholarships and bursaries.  If you want to be considered for any of these, you must fill out the form, indicate which scholarships and bursaries you are applying for, and return it to the Scholarship Office along with any letters of reference required by the deadline date. (If letters of reference are required, this will be stated in the Terms of Reference for the award.)  You must also send a copy of your Grade 12 marks directly to the Scholarship Office when you receive them from your school--this is in addition to the copy that is sent to the Admissions Office.  See Scholarships.

When is the scholarship application available?
The scholarship application form is usually available in January.

When is the scholarship application deadline?
The deadline to submit the application form for scholarships will vary from one year to the next.  Click on Scholarship General Information for exact deadline dates.

Am I eligible for entrance scholarships and bursaries if I have attended a college or university after high school?
No.  Students will be considered ineligible if they have attended a post-secondary institution.

What awards are available to new students?
There are many awards available to new students in the form of scholarships based on academic performance and bursaries that are based on financial need.  The Board of Governors scholarships, for example, are awarded to new students who have a minimum average of 85% and higher.  Contact the Scholarships Office for more information.

What are the amounts of the scholarships?
Most scholarships range from $100.00 to $1,000.00 and some are as high as $7,500.00.  The Board of Governors Scholarship is awarded depending upon each individual’s entering average: 

• 85% to 89% $800.00
• 90% to 94.9% $1,400.00
• 95% and higher $2,000.00.

Is a list of scholarships available on-line?
Yes.  Please visit the web page Entrance Scholarships and Bursaries.

Can I take a year off after high school and still be eligible for entrance scholarships?
Yes, provided you do not take a post-secondary course during that time.  Otherwise, prospective students planning to travel or work for a year after high school graduation are still eligible for all entrance scholarships.

If I am a Campus Manitoba student, do I qualify for Brandon University awards?
Possibly.  Campus Manitoba students may be eligible for a BU entrance scholarship; the decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

Can I apply for scholarships on-line?
No; however, a printable application is available on-line.

What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance.  Bursaries are a non-repayable monetary grant based on financial need.

If I have been awarded a scholarship or bursary, how will I receive my money?
The scholarship or bursary money will be placed in your tuition account at Brandon University.

May I defer an entrance scholarship or bursary for one year?
Yes, provided you are working or traveling and not attending another post-secondary institution for that year.

What is the number of credit hours required for scholarship and bursary eligibility?
It varies. The Board of Governors awards, for example, require registration in a minimum of 24 credit hours, regardless of the amount of the award. A few other awards stipulate a minimum number of credit hours in the Terms of Reference for the award. For the majority of awards, the minimum number of credit hours required depends on the amount of the award. The relationship is as follows:

• $0 to $799 6 credit hours
• $800 to $1799 18 credit hours
• $1800 + 24 credit hours

Are there scholarships and bursaries available for Spring and Summer Sessions?
No.  Awards are based on the Regular Session only.

If I receive an award at Brandon University, may I use the award at another institution?
No.  If you receive a scholarship or bursary from Brandon University, you must register for the appropriate number of credit hours in the Regular Session at Brandon University in order to retain your award.

Do I require letters of reference for each individual scholarship or bursary listed on the entrance application form?
No.  The same letter or letters of reference may be used for more than one award, unless the Terms of Reference for an award require a specific type of letter.

I will be in grade 12 next year, and I plan to take some BU classes.  Will I be eligible for BU entrance scholarships when I graduate from high school?
Students in high school may take a maximum of 9 credit hours of BU classes and still be eligible for our entrance scholarships. 

Accommodation Questions

Is there a residence on campus?
Yes. Brandon University has three residence halls on campus to accommodate single students. We have a men's residence (Darrach Hall), a women's residence (Flora Cowan), and a co-ed residence (McMaster Hall).

How do students gain admission to residence?
Students must fill out a residence application form, indicating which residence hall they wish to live in, and submit it along with the application fee. Early application is advised. Follow the Residence link for more information.

Can you describe the residence meal plan?
The Residence Dining Program is a "declining balance system".  Residence students deposit a pre-determined amount of money in a food account at the beginning of each term. Students use their residence identification card as a type of debit card to pay for meals and snacks.

Can Assiniboine Community College students live in BU residence?
Yes. Assiniboine Community College (ACC) students can live in the Brandon University residences.

How long will it take to walk from my residence room to class?
You will be able to walk from your residence room to anywhere on campus in a matter of a few minutes.

What furniture comes with a residence room?
Each residence room comes with a bed, desk, chair, dresser, bookshelf, lamp, blanket, sheets, pillow and pillowcase.  Students are encouraged to bring a warm comforter.

Are single or double rooms available in residence?
Both. Single and double rooms are available to students planning to live in residence.  First year students are placed in a double room, but are welcome to apply for a single room during their second year. You are encouraged to check with the Residence Office on room availability.

What other features are available to students living in residence?
Each residence has a study room, television lounges, laundry rooms, and cable outlets.  McMaster Hall and Flora Cowan rooms have Internet access.  McMaster Hall has a fitness room and Darrach Hall has a fitness room with a sauna.

The Internet package and cable package are reasonably priced and are in addition to the monthly room and board cost.

I plan to bring a car to university.  Are there parking spaces for residence students?
Yes.  On the residence application form students can indicate if they would like a serviced parking spot.  The cost for a parking space varies according to whether it is serviced or non-serviced and whether payment is made on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis.  See the Residence Parking web page.

Where is a good place to begin looking for a place to rent in Brandon?
I recommend buying a copy of the Brandon Sun Newspaper for the most complete and up-to-date listing of rental properties.  I encourage you to look early to ensure you get a choice location appropriate for your situation.

What is the rental market like in Brandon?
The rental market in Brandon is thriving, and students are able to find a place somewhere in the city that meets their budget.

Finance Questions

How much is tuition for one year of full time study?
Tuition will vary depending on which program/faculty offers the course and whether you are attending day or evening classes.  See Tuition.

When do I pay for my tuition?
Tuition fees for Regular Session, Fall/Winter classes may be paid in two parts; each payment is due the first day of each term.  Student fees are all due at the start of the regular session.

How do I buy my textbooks?
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.

Are there used textbooks for sale?
There are used textbooks for sale by individuals no longer taking a particular class.  I recommend that you check in the Bookstore first before buying used textbooks, to ensure that you know what you are buying and that the text is still current.  You can save a lot of money buying used textbooks.  Lists of used textbooks for sale can be found on the many bulletin boards located throughout campus.

Student Services Questions

Are there services on campus to help students succeed at BU?
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, Counselling Services, The Writing Centre, The Math Centre, and the Learning Skills and Tutorial Service.

Are there advisors on campus to help me select the right courses?
Yes.  There are a number of academic advisors on campus that will help students select courses for first year.  Advisors will also help you select the courses needed to qualify for a professional program such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and so on.  Please visit Student Services to find the advisor that can help you.

Does BU offer services to help me prepare and find a job?
Yes.  The Career Planning and Placement Office, in Student Services, 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.

Does BU have services for students with disabilities?
Yes.  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 in Student Services.

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

Tell me more about the aboriginal services on campus.
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.

Is there an Elders' Program on campus?
Yes.  The Elders’ Program provides numerous services to the whole educational community, including spiritual and traditional counselling, performance of relevant ceremonies, mediation, and assistance with student orientation.

Is there an Orientation program for new students?
There is an Orientation program for new students prior to the first day of classes.  New students will receive an invitation along with an agenda of activities, sometime in July or early August.  While Orientation is an optional event, it is a good idea to attend to get the inside scoop on how to succeed in first year. See Orientation.

Student Activity Questions

What is the Brandon University Students' Union?
The Brandon University Students' Union (BUSU) is the official body of the students at Brandon University.  The Students' Union makes a number of services readily available to you.  BUSU provides student representation on the Board of Governors, the Senate, and on each Faculty Council.

BUSU also provides a number of services such as the Peer Support Centre, SUDS Lounge, Data Centre (free use of typewriters and computers), Campus Bookstore, The Quill (student newspaper), Brandon University Student Radio, On-campus retail business, and the BUSU games room.

BUSU also provides funding for the official campus newspaper (The Quill), the BUSU handbook, scholarships, tutorial services, student clubs, and Orientation events (Frosh Week).  BUSU also provides on campus photocopying, student bus passes, and sponsorship of a wide variety of community special events.

Is there a student lounge on campus?
There is a student lounge on campus, called SUDS, located in the Knowles-Douglas building.

Is there a campus recreation program on campus?
Yes.  Campus Recreation provides a number of activities for students such as swimming, aqua fitness, skating, racquetball, aerobics, working out on the hydra gym, kickboxing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and floor hockey, to name a few.

What services does BU have in place to ensure the campus is a safe place to live and study?
The campus is well lit in the evenings, including parking lots.  There are security guards patrolling the campus regularly.

What varsity sports are offered at Brandon University?
Brandon University currently has men's and women's volleyball and basketball teams. See Brandon University Bobcats.

What recreational facilities are available within the city of Brandon?
Brandon offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that are too numerous to mention here.  Check out the City of Brandon website for more information.

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