Fall Term Tips

From reviewing your courses and accessing accommodations to planning your wellness supports and campus services, these ten tips will help you start the fall term feeling confident, organized, and ready to achieve your goals.

1. Review your timetable, course delivery formats and course outlines.

• Your complete timetable (including course codes and classrooms) can be viewed in Carleton Central. Note that classroom locations may be updated leading up to the beginning of the term.
• Course outlines will be posted to Brightspace by your professor(s) in the days leading up to the first day of class.
  • As your course outlines become available, verify:
    • Delivery formats (online or in-person) and prepare yourself for their requirements. 
    • Classroom locations. Pro tip: if possible, come to campus ahead of time to orient yourself. 

2. Request Your Accommodations

Once the semester begins, select the accommodations that apply to each course via your Ventus portal. The PMC recommends requesting accommodations early in the term in order to avoid any delays.

• Visit our Requesting Academic Accommodations page for a guide to requesting accommodations using Ventus.

3. Request Alternate Formats

If have already been referred to Alternate Formats at Library Accessibility Services, review readings and course requirements and request your alternate formats before or early in the term.  

• If you think you could benefit from alternate formats for your course readings, please contact your PMC Coordinator.  

4. Manage Your U-Pass

If you originally received your U-Pass after July 1, 2024, and are registered in 1.5 credits or more per term, your fall U-Pass will be activated automatically the first time you use it on transit in the fall pass period, beginning September 1, 2026. 

NEW student who do not yet have a Campus Card and U-Pass should follow the steps on the Campus Card Office’s Get Your Campus Card page.

If you are registered in less than 1.5 credits per term and need to use public transit, please contact your PMC coordinator to discuss support for an opt-in to U-Pass 

• For more information on how to manage your U-Pass: https://carleton.ca/upass/get-your-u-pass-card/ 

5. Manage Your CUSA Health and Dental Plan(s)

Starting Fall 2026, undergraduate students taking a minimum of 1.5 credits per term are automatically enrolled in the CUSA Health & Dental Plan. Note that undergraduate students registered in less than 1.5 credits per term are NOT automatically enrolled in the CUSA Health & Dental Plan. The deadline to self-enrol is between Sept 9 – October 2, 2026 (for full-year coverage).   

• If you’re already covered by an equivalent health and/or dental plan (such as a parent or spouse’s employee benefit plan), you can opt out during the Change-of-Coverage Period (September 9th to October 2^nd, 2026).
• CUSA Health & Dental Plan does not cover graduate students. For more information on your coverage through the Graduate Students’ Association’s Greenshield Health Plan.

6. Check the Campus Store for Textbooks

The Campus Store (located on the 1^st Floor of Nideyinan) is now under the management of Carleton University! Check out their new renovated space and new merchandise.

• Check their website to see if your professors have submitted orders for your course textbooks.   
• Note that some professors may choose to order the textbooks for their course(s) through other channels. This information is typically made available via the relevant course outlines/by your professor directly.

7. Plan for Mental Health and Wellness Support

Knowing what’s available ahead of time can make a big difference when you need support. Look into:

• Counselling services or peer support groups. Use the wellness navigator to help you find wellness services on campus. 
• Quiet spaces or sensory-friendly zones on campus 
• Crisis support or mental health hotlines 

Carleton has a wide range of wellness services and programming. Visit the mental health and well-being website to find out more.  

8. Connect with the PMC Early

Determine if you need to consult your disabilities coordinator regarding your accommodation needs. 

• Quick questions and queries can often be addressed by email. Your disabilities coordinator will help you determine if an appointment is necessary. 
• Read your emails and visit our website for new information and stay up to date with relevant information through our newsletters. 

9. Plan your Travel

• Use the interactive campus map to familiarize yourself with campus buildings and map out the quickest routes between your classes.
• Use the OC Transpo Travel Planner to plan your commute by bus, O-Train, or a combination of transit options.
• If you drive to campus, review the Campus Parking Map in advance to locate your assigned parking lot and identify nearby campus entrances.

10. Download the Latest Version of the Carleton Mobile App

Use Carleton Mobile to view your class schedule, search support services, access grades and receive up-to-date information on:

• Student news, events and important dates
• Student course schedule and push notification when there is a change
• Student exam schedule and push notification when there is a change
• Grades and receive a push notification when a new grade is posted
• Emergency notifications and campus announcements
• Student Account information
• Campus Card balance and U-Pass eligibility
• Updated and interactive campus map
• Student Experience Questionnaires and surveys
• Information for students in Residence
• Integration of the Wellness Services Navigator