University 101
University 101
If you are curious about university, this is the place to be. We encourage you to email welcome@cbu.ca and ask your particular questions, whatever they are! General questions are listed below so feel free to ask something that is suited to a particular program or anything at all! So go ahead, email us today. We have the answers you need!
What programs does your institution offer?
Arts and Social Sciences
Business
Science and Technology
Professional Studies
What is a degree?
A degree is any of a wide range of status levels conferred by institutions of higher education, such as universities, normally as the result of successfully completing a program of study.
What is a diploma?
A diploma is a certificate issued by an educational institution, such as a university, that testifies that the recipient has successfully completed a particular course of study.
What is major?
A major is a concentrated course of study in a particular subject area in which a student completes a pre-determined number of credits in that subject area.
What is a minor?
A minor is a secondary concentrated course of study in a particular subject area in which a student completes a pre-determined number of credits in that subject area.
What is a credit?
A credit is a unit of academic measurement. For example 6 credits are awarded for a full year course and 3 credits are awarded for a half year course.
What is a credit course?
A credit course is a course that carries credit toward a degree, diploma or certificate.
What is a prerequisite?
A prerequisite is the preliminary requirement, usually another course, which must be met or waived before a course can be taken.
What is an Academic Calendar?
The Academic Calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses and services available at Cape Breton University. The Calendar also serves as a record of many University academic policies and procedures. You will find the official Academic Calendar online, where changes are incorporated at intervals throughout the year.
Does CBU offer co-op/internship programs? In which areas?
Yes, co-operative education internships are offered to students who study at CBU. Students completing a BA, BACS or a BBA may apply to be accepted for an internship. Students who are enrolled in the technical degrees and diplomas at CBU are required to take internships as part of their program requirements.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission requirements vary by province and by program. Please refer to our admissions page for more information.
What are the deadlines for applications and scholarships?
The application deadline for anyone applying for a scholarship is March 1.
Applications for admission are accepted on an ongoing basis (subject to course availability), with the exception of Nursing, which has an application deadline of February 28.
What are the values of the scholarships awarded?
Scholarships range in value from $500 to $24,000, and are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and letters of reference. Bursaries are available to students based on financial need.
To view all available scholarships and bursaries, and download application forms, please visit: http://www.cbu.ca/scholarships.
Does CBU have a campus tour program? How does it work?
Yes, come visit us for a campus tour! One of our recruitment officers or student ambassadors will take you on a personal tour around the university. You will visit buildings, classrooms, residence, and all of our student service areas. This will give you a chance to ask questions about programs, campus life and residence and get a better feel for your new school! We can also set you up with a class visit, or arrange a meeting with a faculty member. Tours are available throughout the year, including the summer months. Group tours are also available. To book a tour, email us at welcome@cbu.ca.
Is there an Open House?
Cape Breton University has an open door policy, meaning that our university is open to prospective students any time during the year.
What is the cost of attending?
Check out this link to find a compilation of Academic Fees, as well as fees for International student and distance education. Other fees are listed here such as residence and meal plans, student health plan and other academic fees such as transcripts and graduation fees.
What are sources of funding that I should research?
As a potential university student there are a few avenues that can be researched in order to fund your educational path. The Department of Education through each Canadian province offers student loans to all students who meet their criteria. For more information on the Canadian Student Loans Program visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
Scholarships and bursaries are also a great way to cut down on costs. Bursaries are distributed based on financial need. Local banks are also another suggestion.
For more information, contact our Manager of Student Financial Services, John Mayich at (902)563-1420 or john_mayich@cbu.ca.
How do I know what classes to take?
For most programs, core electives are laid out for each of the terms for your degree or diploma. This is a good place to start since many of these courses are prerequisites that need to be taken before other courses in this discipline are chosen for study.
It is important to note that first year students must have academic advising completed before they can register. Through the advising session, you can talk to a faculty member who can help you determine how to start your degree or diploma path. Academic advising is completed on appointment schedule. Please contact the Student Service Centre at 902-563-1330 or toll free at 1-888-959-9995 to make an appointment.
What on-campus housing is available?
Cape Breton University offers four residence facilities. They are Harriss Hall, MacDonald Residence, Cabot Residence and Alumni Hall. For more information on these facilities and what they have to offer please check the following link to our website: http://www.cbu.ca/housing-dining/.
Is off campus housing available?
Yes, off campus housing is available however it is not the responsibility of the University. Check the off campus housing website for more information.
Does CBU offer transfer programs and accept transfer students?
Yes, Cape Breton University allows for transfers to and from other institutions. CBU has programs that are designed specifically as transfer programs, such as the Bachelor of Science Human Nutrition and Bachelor of Engineering.
However, if you would like to transfer into our university we would be more than happy to have you! You can apply to be accepted with an application for transfer credits into your program of choice.
What extra-curricular activities are available? How do I sign up?
During your time at CBU, students can get involved in many extracurricular activities. Intramurals are a great way to get involved and meet new people as well as get some exercise. There are also more than 70 societies and clubs such as the Business Society and the Engineering Society, to name just a couple.
If you have enough interest you can even start your own club or society with the help of CBU Students’ Union. CAPER Radio is also on campus and a terrific place to volunteer or host your own radio show. There is also a Women’s Centre, a fitness facility and our very own pub, the Pit Lounge, where students can go to relax and meet up with friends.
How do I get an on-campus job?
Cape Breton University’s Students’ Union is a great place to start to look for an on-campus job. They have possibilities from tutoring to actually being part of the student government. For more information, please visit the Students’ Union.
Can I change programs within the institution?
Yes, if you decide you would like to change programs during your time at CBU, you may do so. However it is recommended that you speak to a faculty advisor to make sure you have the proper prerequisites before you officially make the application to change.
What services are available on campus?
Cape Breton University offers many services for students. There is a fitness facility, an on-site doctor, nurse, physiotherapist and psychologist. There is a full service cafeteria, CAPER Convenience which offers a broad range of products to students, a pub, bookstore as well as a Student Service Centre and a Computer Services Department, which offers full-time and part-time students access to the information they may need on campus such as their academic timetable.
What athletics teams are there at CBU?
Cape Breton University is home to CIS and AUS champions. The CAPERS men’s and women’s basketball teams, men’s and women’s varsity soccer, and women’s varsity volleyball are amongst the best in the country. Open try-outs are held each year. For more information please check out CAPERS Athletics. As well, CBU has many club sports including, men’s baseball, men’s and women’s rugby and women’s hockey.
What is Students' Union and what do they do?
The CBU Students’ Union is an elected student government, which acts as your voice while you are a student at CBU. Each student pays a Students’ Union fee, which is then used to fund student activities on campus. The Union provides students with a medical plan, Frosh week activities, student societies, a student newspaper, tutoring, employment and entrepreneurial aid and many other services. Check out their website to find out more, www.cbusu.com.
Are there research opportunities for students?
Yes! CBU offers many opportunities for students to conduct first hand research that is applicable to their study, under the guidance of a faculty member. Many departments and professors within the university hire students during the summer and school year to help conduct their research. Being a primarily undergraduate institution, our students have the opportunity to do work with professors that is usually reserved for graduate level study. Whether you are a science, business, or liberal arts student, you will be conducting research within your classes.
What are the sizes of first year classes?
CBU is ranked number one in the country for first year class size. On average, a first year class size has about 25 students.
Is there a place where I can get academic assistance?
Students are able to get academic assistance through tutoring programs that are available through the Students’ Union and as well as the Jennifer Keeping AccessAbility Centre. The Writing Centre is another resource for students at any level.
What services does the institution provide with respect to computers, the Internet, and software?
Cape Breton University operates a Computer Services Department that is available to answer any questions students or faculty may have regarding the equipment that is available for use on campus. Computer services offers extended hours for students to have the use of computer labs on campus. Currently CBU has 7 computer labs that are in full operation for student use, and 5 specialty labs for specific programs.
What services are there for students with disabilities?
For students with a learning disability, CBU offers the Jennifer Keeping AccessAbility Centre. This state of the art centre provides students with the assistive technologies and supports students’ need to be successful in university. The Centre bears the name of a former CBU student, Jennifer Keeping, who was awarded her degree posthumously in 2000.
The JKAC has the assistive tools and resources to provide support for visually and hearing-impaired students as well as those with physical and learning disabilities. Software such as Kurzweil and JAWS are designed to read text to students; Co-Write assists students with writing projects and Inspiration helps students with learning disabilities organize their thoughts. Zoom text provides large text for those with visual disabilities and Voice is a voice recognition system that benefits students across the board. The Centre is designed with wireless technology for free movement and there is also a spring loaded desk for wheelchair accessibility. Services include mentoring, tutoring, note taking, scribing as well as electronic note taking. For more information on these services please contact the Disability Resource Coordinator Mel Clarke at 902-563-1404 or at mel_clarke@cbu.ca.
How can I get more information?
For more information please contact the Cape Breton University Recruitment Department toll free at 1-800-474-7212, local 902-563-1136 or through email at welcome@cbu.ca.
