New Student Orientation (NSO)
Welcome to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP)!
We’re thrilled to have you join our vibrant community. We know that starting school is a big deal—exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and full of possibilities! New Student Orientation Day is here to set you up for success.
It’s your backstage pass to all things campus life: discovering essential services, connecting with new friends, and getting the inside scoop on finding your classrooms. (Don't worry, everyone gets a little lost in their first week!)
For questions about course registration, email RDP’s Student Connect Centre or complete this contact form.
Follow us on social for event reminders and to share your experiences by using #MyRDP
Schedule of Activities
Parking is free on September 2!
Drop by the welcome table at the Main Doors between 8 am - 1:30 pm for wayfinding assistance and more. Our friendly staff and faculty are excited to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
9:30 - 11:30 AM | RDP Welcome
Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
9:30 – 11:30 am
New Student Orientation for all new students (domestic and international).
Doors open at 9 am!
11:30 am | FREE Lunch
Far Side Bar & Grill
11:30 am – 12:30 pm (while supplies last)
Offered by the Students Association at RDP
9 AM | Campus Tours
Meet at the Student Connect Centre (Room 1102)
Campus Tours leaving every 30 minutes between 9 - 11:30 am and 1 - 3:30 pm
9 AM | International Student General Advising
Come to The Global Hub for International Student advising between 9 - 11:30 am and 1 - 3:30 pm
3:30 PM | Online NSO
If you are unable to attend the in-person orientation, an online presentation highlighting some of the information covered will be available online.
The session will take place over RDP’s virtual classroom software, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Clicking on the link will load the classroom in your browser. When prompted, you can type your name to enter the session.
You will be able to access the session early starting September 2. We recommend logging in at least 10 minutes before the session start time to handle any technical glitches that may pop up.
Drop-In Sessions
9 AM – 12 PM | Room 1204
- Career Advising
- Get career ready fast with expert tips on resumes, Work-integrated learning and more!
9 AM - 3 PM | Students’ Association Stairwell Entrance
- Get to Know Your Students’ Association
- Extended and International Health & Dental Info
9 AM - 3 PM | Library Service Desk
- Tech Tuesday - Set-up email access on your devices, enable MFA, login to Blackboard, learn how to print, and see what technology is available in the library
9 - 11:30 AM & 1 - 3:30 PM| Student Connect Centre (Room 1102)
- General Program Advising
Program Specific Orientations: Donald School of Business
All sessions will begin at 1:30 PM
Bachelor of Business Administration | Business Diploma | Business Certificate
Room 2901 A/B
Legal Assistant Diploma
Room 2905
Program Specific Orientations: School of Arts & Education
All sessions will begin at 1:30 PM unless otherwise specified.
Academic Upgrading
Room 2305
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation & Visual Effects
Room 2402
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production (Begins at 2:30 PM)
Room Arts Centre 158
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies
Room Arts Centre Studio B
Bachelor of Education
Room 2602
Educational Assistant Certificate
Room 2601
Early Learning Child Care Diploma | Early Learning Child Care Certificate
Room 1600
Justice Studies Diploma
Room Arts Centre Studio B
Open Studies
Room Arts Centre Studio B
University Arts Diploma
Room Arts Centre Studio B
Visual Art Diploma (Begins at 2:00 PM)
Room 954
Program Specific Orientations: School of Health & Wellness
All sessions will begin at 1:30 PM unless otherwise specified
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Room 2505
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Room 1503
Health Care Aide Certificate (Begins at 1:00 PM)
Room 407
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
Room 1303
Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma
Room 2178
Pharmacy Technician Diploma
Room 819
Practical Nurse Diploma
Room 1400
Social Work Diploma
Orientation will take place one week before semester starts
Program Specific Orientations: School of Trades & Technology
All sessions will begin at 1:30 PM unless otherwise specified
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Diploma
Room 2301
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Room 2501
Bachelor of Science in Engineering University Transfer
Room 2303
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Room Arts Centre Studio B
Computer Programming Diploma ** Begins at 2 PM
Room 2301
Culinary Arts Diploma
Room 1500 (Cornerstone)
Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma ** Begins at 2 PM
Room 2302
Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma ** Begins at 2 PM
Room 2302
Network Administration Diploma
Room 2301
University Sciences Diploma
Room 2501
Did you miss NSO or want to revisit the presentation? Click the link below to download the slides and map for all the key details and information covered during the session.
What to Do and What to Know for Your First Week
Participate in Welcome Week activities
Apply for parking - Parking at RDP is limited and purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis, so apply early
Log into MyRDP - your RDP student portal.
Get your lockers, purchase used books & transit passes, learn about your student health & dental plan and other services offered by your Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic
Buy textbooks, course materials and additional supplies. Visit the Campus Store in person on RDP's main campus or avoid line-ups and order your textbooks online
Books and other materials for Fall 2025 are already available at the Campus Store
Campus Bookstore Hours:
September 2 to 13 | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Regular Store Hours Starting September 16 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Get your iCard - your multi-purpose student ID card. Once your photo has been approved, you will receive a confirmation email and can pick it up at the Cashier’s Office (must present a valid government-issued photo ID)
Check important dates from the academic schedule
Get connected to RDP's student services to learn more about the many services that are available to assist you throughout your entire time as a student at the Polytechnic
Questions?
If you have any questions about your course registration, please email Red Deer Polytechnic’s Student Connect Centre at studentconnect@rdpolytech.ca or complete this contact form.
For questions about NSO and/or Welcome Week, please email Mary Dallas, Associate Dean, Student Success, at mary.dallas@rdpolytech.ca.