Orientation Quick Guide for Trade Students

Trade program start dates are not always aligned with the academic semester. That’s why we've created a short guide to help Trade students get the information they need for a great start.

Morganna, a sheet-metal student working in the Sheet Metal Shop

If you want more details, you can join the optional Pre-Arrival Orientation on D2L. D2L is the learning management system you will use throughout your program. This self-paced, non-credit orientation course provides information and resources to help you succeed at Camosun. The course is a great way to practice using D2L. You will get access about 30 days before your classes start.

Checklist: before you arrive

In the months and weeks leading up to your first day on campus, there are a few things you need to sort out. Follow this checklist to help prepare for your Camosun journey.

  1. Find a place to live
  2. Activate your Camosun Domain Account
  3. Note important dates and deadlines
  4. Plan, budget, and review financial resources
  5. Pay your fees
  6. Connect with the Centre for Accessible Learning
    If you have a documented disability and are seeking academic accommodation, contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL).
    • Register with CAL

      Apprentice students: Apprentice levels are for a limited number of weeks. Please advise your instructor and CAL as soon as possible if you require classroom and/or exam accommodations.

  7. Sign in to myCamosun and update your student profile
  8. Create or update the D2L profile
  9. Plan your route to campus
  10. Set up your U-Pass with Umo account if you plan on using public transit
    Note to all Trades students: You will receive a benefit code for about every 30 days of the course. Be sure to activate the new benefit code every 30 days so your pass keeps working.
  11. Request a Camosun ID card
    ID card requests become available around ten days before the first day of class.
  12. Get textbooks and other required course materials

Checklist: after you've arrived

  1. Access a free Microsoft 365 subscription
  2. Opt-in or opt-out of Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) Extended Health and Dental Plan
    • Student Health and Wellness Services (CCSS website)

      Note to Foundations students: You are automatically enrolled in the plan. You can opt in family members in the first 30 days of your program.  If you already have extended medical coverage through a parent, spouse, or employer, you have 30 days from the start of your first class to opt out of the plan.

      Note to Apprentice students: You are not charged for the plan by default.  However, you may pay to opt in for yourself and your family in the first 30 days of your program if you need coverage.  Coverage will last the entire year.  Please contact or visit the CCSS office for more information.

  3. Register your myvirtualdoctor
    • Myvirtualdoctor provides Camosun students with unlimited 24/7 access to licensed health experts, including nurse practitioners and doctors. 

      You will receive an email from Dialogue with a unique link to register your account and information on how to download the Dialogue Health app. 

  4. If you are a returning student using public transportation, reactivate your U-Pass with Umo account
    • U-Pass with Umo

      Note to all Trade students: You will receive a new benefit code approximately every 30 days for the duration of your courses. To make sure your bus pass doesn't start working you'll need to activate the new benefit codes when you receive them.

  5. Rent a locker through the Camosun Bookstore

Things to know

Freedom of Information and Proxy

Due to the Freedom of Information Act, Camosun is not allowed to provide any information about you to anyone without your consent.  Proxy access gives you the ability to grant (and revoke) permission to your parents, guardians, or other third parties to view specific information in your myCamosun account. 

Interculturalization and diversity at Camosun

Camosun is a destination for learners from all over the world. As a Camosun student, you will build intercultural knowledge and competence by learning and engaging in a multicultural environment. Camosun is a diverse community, and equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to Camosun's culture and values. 

Understand your rights and responsibilities 

We strongly encourage you to take the time to learn your rights and responsibilities as a new member of the Camosun community by becoming familiar with Camosun's policies.  Here are some highlights:

Student services

Camosun offers a variety of free services to support students in their personal, social, and academic success. Explore the Student Services page to discover which services are available. 

Camosun College Student Society

As a Camosun student, you are a member of the Camosun College Student Society (CCSS), which is run by an elected board of Camosun students. The CCSS provides many programs and services to students, including the Extended Health and Dental Plan, bus pass, food bank, and clubs.