F.A.T.S. Knows!

Welcome (or welcome back) to Fanshawe College! You've likely found there's a lot you need to know, and FATS is here to help you. Look to this regular column for dates, deadlines and directions so you don't wind up in difficulties. Look for FATS at the Welcome Kiosk and our columns can also be found on FanshaweOnline.

How to avoid line-ups in the Office of the Registrar (E1012)
Waiting in line can be frustrating, but how do you get your business done when 14,000 other people want the same things you do? Here are some pointers that may help.

F.A.T.S“I just want to come when it isn't so busy.”
Try our extended hours. We're open until 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 12:30 pm Saturday morning. On Friday, we close at 4 pm.

“I just want my student campus card and bus pass.”
Come to ‘H' Cafeteria. Before or after Orientation, you can get your campus card in E1012. Don't forget your photo ID! After Orientation, you get your bus pass from Fanshawe Student Union office, on the second floor of the Student Centre building.

“I just want to get my timetable.”
Get your timetable from WebAdvisor. You need your WebAdvisor user name and password, or your student number. You also need to have a valid email address on file with the college.

“I just want to drop a course.”
Get your ‘Student Verification Form' at Orientation, then go to your academic office. Talk to them to be sure you aren't messing up next semester — you might need that course as a prerequisite. And talk to Financial Aid (E2020) — dropping a course can really mess up your OSAP. If everything is OK, your academic office can process your course drops.

“I just want to add a course.”
Get your ‘Student Verification Form' at Orientation, and listen to what they have to say. You might need a signature from your academic office, or you might need to go to a particular office to select a course from a list, before you come to see us. Not all courses can be part-time! You may have to get approval from your academic office before you're permitted to take that course.

“I just want to make a payment on my fees.”
Make payments with your credit card on line with WebAdvisor. You need your WebAdvisor user name and password, or your student number, and a valid credit card number and expiry date. We'll email you a receipt. And some banks do on-line banking with Fanshawe. Talk to your bank to find out. Keep in mind that on-line banking isn't immediate — it can take several days. If you want to use on-line banking and have a fee deadline coming, be sure to make your payment in plenty of time.

“I just want a course from the continuing education course guide.”
Look up courses and register on line with WebAdvisor. You need your WebAdvisor user name and password, or your student number. You also need a valid email address on file with the college, and a valid credit card number and expiry date. WebAdvisor will show you only courses that still have seats, and your registration is effective instantly.

“I just want to telephone someone.”
If you know the name of the person or the office you're calling, dial 519.452.4430, say the name, and you'll be connected directly.

“I just have a quick question.”
Take a ticket from the ticket printer by either door in E1012. You only need one ticket, even if you have several things to do. Have a seat — your number will show on the display board over the counter. We'll help you as quickly as we can.

Important Dates

Note! Fanshawe College programs each fall under one of three academic calendars — 15-week, 16-week, and 18-week semesters. Make sure you know where your program fits!

First release of OSAP for Fall 2008 (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Aug 25.

The first day of classes for most programs (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Sep 2.

For most programs, the last date you can withdraw without having to pay all your fees for the Fall 2008 term (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Sep 15.

If you withdraw after September 15, all your fees will be due, even if you aren't going to any classes. Come to the Office of the Registrar (E1012) to be sure your paperwork is complete.

September 15 is also — for most programs! — the last date to register in a program, change from full-time to part-time or back again, or drop or add courses for this term. Important note about part-time! Dropping some of your classes does not automatically make you part-time and you still must pay full fees. You have to withdraw from your program and register for each course separately. Talk to your academic office first!

For returning students, the last date to appeal a grade, an academic decision or your fees from Summer 2008 (15-wk semesters) — Sep 24.

Due date for the next installment of your fees if you are on the payment plan (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Sep 26.

Office of the Registrar
… We're working for you.


This column is a Student Success Initiative sponsored by Counselling and Student Life Services (F2010), Financial Aid (E2020) and the Office of the Registrar (E1012).