2020 Newbie Navigation - Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia ...
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Dalhousie University
School of Information Management
TIPS &
2020 TRICKS
Newbie
Navigation
····················
SIMSA
Welcome to SIM!
New program? New university? New city?
It doesn’t have to be overwhelming! The School of Information Management Student Association (SIMSA)
has created this guide to help you navigate your first few weeks and months at Dalhousie. Use these tips
and tricks whether you are new to Dalhousie, Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Canada. Ask your fellow classmates,
talk to your professors, and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Know that the MI Program Coordinator is always
there for you as well. We've been where you are and are happy to help!
SIMSA (Ratna Dhaliwal, Katie Kehoe, Annalise Benoit, Kathleen Pond, Alexis Wilkinson, & Ashley MacKinnon)
Contents
Welcome to SIM! 2
Dalhousie University 3
DalCard 4
Identification and Logins 5
Email & Brightspace 6
Websites 7
Technology Hints 8
Technology Hints 9
Libraries 10
Study Spots 11
Other Dal Resources 12
Other Dal Resources 13
International Students 14
Welcome to Halifax! 15
Halifax 16
Halifax - Weather 17
Halifax - Fun & Free 18
Tips & Discounts 19
· 2 ·
Dalhousie University
Navigating around Campus
Start by visiting the Dalhousie website and check out the www.dal.ca
Current Students link for tons of Dal info. You’ll find links
to your email (myDal), your course pages (Brightspace), www.dal.ca/current_students.html
the library website, and much more!
Information for New Students
www.dal.ca/campus_life/orientation.html
Geared for new undergraduate students, this Dalhousie
resource has lots of great information to learn about
coming to Dal.
https://www.dal.ca/campus-maps/building-
Campus Buildings of Importance directory.html
Rowe Building Classroom Locations Libraries
● School of Information ● Marion McCain Arts & Social ● Killam Library
Management Sciences ● Sexton Library
● Most classrooms for SIM ● Mona Campbell Building ● Law Library
● Computer Lab (4th floor) ● Dunn Building ● Kellogg Medical Library
● Collaborative Health ● Learning Commons
Education Building (CHEB)
Student Union Building Other Buildings
● Bookstore ● Dalplex
● Tim Horton’s ● International Student Centre CAMPUS MAP
● To Go ● Student Health and Wellness
● Loaded Ladle Centre
● The Grawood
· 3 ·DalCard
This card does (almost) everything!
Much more than just an ID card!
Read:
Insider’s Guide to the DalCard
How to Get Your DalCard
DalCard Office - Howe Hall, 6230 Coburg Rd
http://www.dal.ca/campus_life/Dalcard/get-
You will need to show a piece of valid government-issued
your-dalcard.html
photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or national identity
card) and sign the DalCard Agreement when picking up
your card.
After you get your DalCard:
Save time by submitting your photo online in advance
Request swipe card access to the SIM
(students starting in September only)
Common Room (Rowe 3034). Email
sim@dal.ca, they will grant and confirm
If you will not be on or near campus this fall, you can
access.
obtain your DalCard virtually (directions on how to do
this are in the link to the left of this section).
Note: Request to have your BASIS account activated. Ask
the DalCard office to do this for you.
How to Use Your DalCard
Your DalCard is your:
● Bus pass (with UPass sticker)
http://www.dal.ca/campus_life/Dalcard.html
● Gym pass
● Library card
● Access pass to the common room
● Printing card
● Debit card for select places/services
Add funds and manage your account on the website.
Note! It’s $15 to replace a lost card ($30 with bus pass).
· 4 ·Identification and Logins
Your Online IDs, logins, passwords
Banner Number
What is a banner number? Your banner number is your student ID number. You can find it on your
acceptance letter. It’s a good idea to learn it, or have your DalCard nearby to check it. The number starts
with B00 and is sometimes called your “boo” number.
Net ID
Your Net ID is a unique username that you will use to login to
Dalhousie’s online services. You will use your NetID to login
to everything online at Dalhousie: my.dal.ca
● myDal
● Dal Online
● Brightspace
● Wi-Fi
● Computers Read:
Your Guide to Dal’s Online Platforms
To activate your Net ID:
Go to my.dal.ca. Click ‘New User?’ and follow the
instructions. Click ‘Activate my NetID’ and follow the
instructions. Register a password and reset email.
Dal Online
Your NetID and password will also be used to login to Dal dalonline.dal.ca
Online - a web portal where you register for your classes,
check your grades, check your payments, get tax info and
much more. Log in and get familiar with the system.
· 5 ·Email & Brightspace
My Dal (Email)
myDal is the website you will use to access your Dal
email account. You can also access useful things, such
as OneDrive, Brightspace, and MyCareer. my.dal.ca
It is very important to check this email account as this is
the only account that you will receive information from
the university. You must use your Dal email when
emailing at/for Dal.
Signing up for Email
Step 1: Know your Dal ID number
Step 2: Activate your NetID
Now what you have your NetID and password, you can aliasmanagement.dal.ca
access your Dalhousie email account by logging into
myDal.
It is recommended that you create a personalized dal.ca
email address (with your name instead of your NetID) via
the link to the right.
Brightspace
Brightspace is Dalhousie’s online learning platform dal.brightspace.com
where you find all of your course information, and it’s
important to become familiar with it. Anything to do with
your specific courses is in this online tool.
Brightspace Student Guide
You’ll find a module for each course, and most
professors use it to upload the syllabus, assignments,
projects, and quizzes.
Professors expect you to use Brightspace to upload your Intro to Brightspace Video Tutorial
completed assignments, and they expect you to check it
often.
· 6 ·Websites
Where to turn online
Bookmark these websites!
SIM WEBSITE
The SIM website is your first stop for SIM Information. www.dal.ca/sim
Find out about your program, contact information, class
schedules, syllabi, info about practicums, and more.
EVENTS CALENDAR
All SIM-related events will be listed here, and it’s
important to know what’s up-coming. You’ll find Events Calendar
Academic Support Series, Personal & Professional
Development Series, lectures, meetings, conferences,
and more!
SIMSA WEBSITE
As part of the program, you are also part of SIMSA
(School of Information Management Student
Association). SIMSA organises social events, learning
opportunities, and fundraisers throughout the school
year, and helps promote positive relationships between
students, staff and faculty, and the professional librarian
community.
simsa.dsu.dal.ca/
Visit the SIMSA website to learn how to get involved in
the student life of SIM. On the website you will find
details about the current officers, recruitment
opportunities, orientation details, a calendar of
upcoming events, minutes of past meetings, and links to
follow us on social media platforms.
It is helpful to bookmark this page to stay updated
throughout the school year.
· 7 ·Technology Hints
Getting online
Wi-Fi
You can use your personal computer on campus with access to Wi-Fi
in any building on campus. To use any computer, you will need to How to Connect to Wifi:
sign in with your NetID & password. To gain secure wireless network wireless.dal.ca
access for any of your devices, locate the Dal-WPA2 network, enter
your NetID & password, and click “Remember this network” if you
would like to be automatically connected to the network when you
are on campus in the future.
Computers
Where to find computers to use:
The most convenient computer labs for SIM students are located in
the Kenneth C Rowe Management building (4001) or in the Killam libraries.dal.ca/hours-
Memorial Library locations/workspaces/learning-
Learning Commons: commons.html
There are also several learning commons on campus, check the link
for the detailed locations!
Note: Study rooms and computers are currently available at the
Killam for 3-hour timeslots, which you must book in advance here.
Printers
libraries.dal.ca/services/photoc
Printers are located in Learning Commons! And in the computer lab opying-printing.html
in ROWE 4001.
Check the link for more info – cost, where, how!
Make sure you have money on your DalCard before you print!
· 8 ·Technology Hints
Office 365
You have access to the Microsoft Office suite of software.
Access it through myDal. You can also download the software
on up to 5 computers, or access the online versions. It
includes: https://libraries.dal.ca/help/software-
downloads.html
● Outlook
● Word
● PowerPoint
● Publisher
● Excel
● and OneDrive
OneDrive
OneDrive is cloud storage from Microsoft. Store your files, photos, and projects here. It’s super handy to
save your schoolwork on OneDrive. Set up autosave on Microsoft Word to never worry about losing your
work again.
DalSafe App
A free app with great features that can be especially helpful in the winter
months when Dal sometimes closes due to weather. You can also use this
app to contact Dal Security and report Lost and Found items. Also great are
the “Working Alone” feature (use it if you’re on campus working late) and the
“Mobile Blue Light Safe Walk” features (let a friend or Dal Security know
you’re walking home alone so they can watch your progress to make sure you
get home safe)!
DalSafe app
DalSafe Text Service
DalSafe FAQ
A text-messaging service for quick and important Dal news
like closures and cancellations. Subscribe to DalSafe Text Alerts
· 9 ·Libraries
How to use the library
Visit the library for books, research assistance, to grab a
sub or coffee, book a study room, visit the Writing
Center, study in the Grad Pad, or to meet up with friends. Check library locations here
There are 5 libraries and 2 learning commons at Dal!
Borrow Library Books
You can register online or in person. Registration
requires your Dal student ID, Dal email, and phone
number.
libraries.dal.ca
Having an active library card means you can borrow from
any library in Novanet.
Note: Dal Libraries are currently providing curbside
pickup for Dal Library materials that are not available
electronically.
Library Website
Become familiar with the library website - it’s a valuable
tool you need to know how to use!
How to Search Novanet:
Research http://libraries.dal.ca/find/Novanet.html
● Novanet Search Tutorial Videos:
○ Books & eBooks http://libraries.dal.ca/help/online-
○ Articles & Journals tutorials.html
○ Databases
○ Subject Guides
● Research assistance
● LiveHelp (chat with a real librarian online)
What is Novanet?
It’s a group of Nova Scotian university and community college libraries. Through Novanet, users can tap
into the library resources of the other post-secondary institutions in the province.
· 10 ·Study Spots
LIBRARIES/COMMONS/STUDY SPACES
In addition to study desks and quiet spaces, each library at Dal has a Learning Commons. Check out the
locations, types, and technology available (to print those assignments) on the Learning Commons site.
There are also study spots in different buildings around campus open to all students:
International Centre, 1246 LeMarchant Street, Suite 1200
Student Union Building Atrium, 1246 LeMarchant Street, First Floor
You can also book a study room for study or group work.
Note: Study rooms, tables, and computers are currently available at the Killam for 3-hour timeslots, which
you must book in advance here.
SIM COMMON ROOM
The SIM Common Room (Rowe 4034) is your home away from home! It’s a study spot, a group meeting
place, and a soft spot to lounge. There is a small kitchenette with a fridge, sink, microwave, kettle, coffee
maker, and toaster. There is also a small library!
You’ll find your fellow students hanging out here all day long.
Access the Common Room with your DalCard. See SIM’s Administrative Assistant if you have any issues
with access.
Note: Due to current restrictions, the Rowe Building (and subsequently the SIM Common Room) is closed.
GRAD PAD
The Graduate Student Space, located on the 4th floor of Grad Student Spaces
the Killam Memorial Library, is for the use of all Dalhousie
graduate students. It is accessible by the use of a valid
student ID card.
The area has both social and quiet study spaces, as well as a bookable Seminar Room (12-person
capacity) and two bookable Group Study Rooms (6-person capacity). The Grad Pad is open during regular
Killam Library hours, generally closing at 11:45pm.
· 11 ·Other Dal Resources
Health
Need health or medical help? Visit the Student Health
and Wellness Center
2nd floor, LeMarchant Place
1246 LeMarchant Street http://www.dal.ca/campus_life/health-and-
wellness/services-support/student-health-
● Registered nurses and-wellness.html
● An advanced practices nurse
● Doctors
● Social workers
● A psychiatrist
● Counsellors
● Registered psychologists
● Health promotion expertise
Writing Centre
Writing Centre
Killam Library
Ground Floor Learning Commons, rm. G40C
6225 University Avenue http://www.dal.ca/campus_life/academic-
Phone: 902-494-1963 support/writing-and-study-skills.html
writingcentre@dal.ca
Offers one-on-one service to assist with your writing. Online Help - Writing Centre Resource Guide
There are lots of papers to write in your MI degree, and
it’s important to be able to write clearly and effectively.
“Whether it’s assistance with class assignments, CVs,
journal articles, theses, or dissertations, we offer a
number of services specifically for graduate students.”
· 12 ·Other Dal Resources
Assorted info that doesn’t fit anywhere else!
MI Program Coordinator
First port of call for complicated questions, university
navigation, questions and/or concerns about your
experience at Dalhousie University, student welfare and
academic welfare issues. The current MI Program
Coordinator is Janet Music.
Get involved with SIM!
There are many opportunities for you to get
involved with your school, find some here. Also,
take a look at Information Without Borders
Conference (IWB) and SIMSA.
Accessibility
Dal has an Student Accessibility Centre, where the
advising team works with students who require
accessibility and accommodation services. Contact the
advisors as soon as possible to ensure your needs are
addressed and met.
Important Dates at Dal
For 2020-2021 (click on the calendar)
· 13 ·International Students
International Centre
1246 LeMarchant St, Suite 1200
The International Centre is located in LeMarchant Place.
Students are welcome to use the centre during office International Centre
hours to study, use the kitchen, play the piano, or have a
game of ping pong!
To speak to an advisor, drop in or call 902-494-1566 to
book an appointment.
Note: You can also chat with the SIM International Student Liaison (also known as the recipient of the
Stephanie Downs Scholarship). The role of this person is to support you through your academic year.
They can offer you time to chat, provide information or help, and will be organising some fun events for
you and your fellow SIM International students. This year's recipient is Rachel Moylan.
ESL Help
Do you need help improving your English writing,
speaking, and listening skills? Take an ESL Workshop! International Student Checklist
Get writing support - Practice speaking English - Get
involved in campus life
· 14 ·Welcome to Halifax!
Halifax is a small city with a big heart! It has a young demographic, with 3 universities in the city,
lots of fun activities, shows, and sights, and has a friendly, small-city charm. Halifax is also known
as HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) and is the capital of Nova Scotia. The population of HRM is
roughly 403,000.
For more information about the HRM, check out the links below!
Life in Halifax
DalSpeak
Halifax Wikipedia
Discover Halifax
Halifax.ca
NovaScotia.com
· 15 ·Halifax
Bus
Public transit in Halifax is by bus (and the ferries from Halifax to Dartmouth) and the system is called
Halifax Transit.
Your DalCard works as a bus pass if you are a full-time Dal student. Make sure you pick up the UPass bus
sticker from the DalCard Office (available August 24, 2020 at the service window facing Coburg Rd).
Note: If you will not be in Halifax due to pandemic restrictions, you can opt out of the UPass here.
Apps are the best way to see the bus schedule and track your bus. Paper maps are available too, or you
can call the departures line at 902-480-8000 (if you know your stop number).
Please note that no food or drinks in to-go cups are allowed on the bus. Drivers will refuse to let you on if
you have a Tim’s or Starbucks (or whatever your choice of drink) and it is in a disposable to-go cup.
Halifax Transit
Grocery Stores & Food
The Coast - Discover
● Sobeys: Every Tuesday is 10% off for students. Make sure to bring the Best of Halifax,
your DalCard for ID and your Airmiles card. look up restaurant
● Superstore: Every Tuesday is 10% off for students here, too! Bring reviews, etc.
your DalCard. Some Superstores (the one on Joseph Howe Drive) are
fussy and ask that you have an expiry sticker on your DalCard, you
can pick these up at the DalCard Office too.
● Pete’s Fine Foods: A fancier grocery store downtown that has great
produce, lunch, and smoothies. Farmer’s Markets
● Farmer’s Markets: There are several markets in Halifax (see link on
the right).
Gyms
A gym membership to the Dalhousie gym (DalPlex) is included in your tuition. Other gyms in the city are
Fit4Less, GoodLife Fitness, Fitness FX, the Canada Games Centre, Evolve Fitness, ProEdge Sports
Conditioning, and 360 Fit. Other fitness studios can be found in the city, too. Circus classes at Halifax
Circus, Studio in Essence (InesS), and Atlantic Cirque. Yoga studios - Modo, Halifax Yoga, On the Mat,
Shanti, and North End Yoga are a few.
· 16 ·Halifax
Weather
Halifax’s climate is less severe than might be expected. This is a result of its location on the shores of the
Atlantic Ocean. Winter temperatures are higher and summer temperatures are lower than those
encountered in towns further inland.
Halifax has an eastern-maritime climate, with a short, warm summer, and a cold winter. Disturbed,
changeable weather is common throughout the year. Snow depths of greater than 1cm are seen on about
85 days each year in Halifax.
Halifax Climate
←Click here for average temperatures in Halifax
Preparing for Winter
Winter clothing:
How Do I Prepare for My First Winter in
● Dress in layers Canada
● Have a warm coat
● Winter boots with good grip DAL Blog Student Life: A Caribbean Girl's 6
● Hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves Tips for Surviving Winter
Ask a Nova Scotian (or a returning student) what to
expect and where to buy winter clothing.
· 17 ·Halifax
In the city
Fun!
Halifax is a social city with lots happening! See the
following links for up-to-date information.
● The Coast is a free weekly paper that includes
events, music, news, arts and culture, and
lots of activities in Halifax
● Festivals & Events
● Trip Advisor: Things to Do in Halifax
● Cineplex movie theatres
FREEEEEEEEE!
There are so many free things to do in Halifax. Visit
the public library, Halifax Public Gardens,
waterfront/boardwalk strolls - chill in one of the
hammocks on the waterfront, read a book on Citadel
Hill, skate the Emera Oval in winter or bike it in the
summer/fall, etc.
10 Halifax Attractions with Free Admission
50 Free or Affordable Things to Do in Halifax
35 Best Things to Do in Halifax Nova Scotia: Travel
Guide and Budget Tips
5 Free Cultural Activities
25 Free Things to Do This Summer in Halifax (2019)
Free stuff
● Kijiji (online classifieds) free page
● Craigslist free stuff
· 18 ·Tips & Discounts
Dal Bike Centre
Free bike rentals up to 4-6 days a week depending on Bike Centre
the season. Family members can use it once the student
has introduced them.
Campus Parking
Parking at Dal in the General Lots is FREE after 4:30pm Campus Parking
on weekdays and all day on the weekend!
Program Info
Some courses are only offered every second year, so make sure to look at when courses are offered
when planning your schedule.
Halifax Public Libraries
Halifax Public Libraries (HPL) have many resources available to the community, a large number of which
are online. Cardholders also get a $5 credit of in-branch printing for free each month.
Rentals
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) does gear rentals if you want to do some outdoor activities, but
couldn’t move your gear here. They also have group activities and advice for learning different skills like
gear maintenance.
Discounts
There are many businesses in Halifax that offer (student) discounts. Here are a few you might be
interested in.
Venus Envy - student pricing on their workshops
Dee Dee’s Ice Cream - 10% off for students on Tuesdays
The Flotation Centre - students float for $55
Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy - reduced prices
Glitter bean Cafe - 10% off for students on Sundays
The Loop - student crafters receive 10% off always!
· 19 ·You can also read
