Home

New Student Guide

Welcome to the School Of Software Design and Data Science

Congratulations on choosing Seneca to get you started with an exciting career in information and communications technology.

Now that you’ve been accepted to your chosen program and registered with the school, it’s almost time to get down to work. But there’s some important information that we want you to have before you get started with your Winter 2020 semester.

    Before classes begin

    In an effort to make your transition to Seneca as smooth as possible, we use an automated timetable generating system for all new first semester students. This means that your timetable is created for you and will be available approximately 2 weeks before classes start.  

    Student Centre and Timetable

    You may access your timetable through Student Centre.  Instructions on how to access Student Centre, your timetable, and other useful tools can be found here.

    Please be sure to take a close look at this before classes start. It may also be a good idea to take your class timetable and add it to your personal schedule or agenda. This will allow you to always see when classes are coming up and create reminders for upcoming classes. This will be particularly useful in your first few weeks when you’re still learning your way around the campus.  Just note that there could be changes to your timetable, so check it often during the first 2 weeks of classes.

    Due to the nature of first semester classes filling up, it is difficult to make changes to new first semester student timetables. But don’t worry – starting with second semester, you will be able to select which sections of courses you are taking and tailor a schedule to your liking based on class availability.  If you have an extenuating circumstance that require your schedule to be modified, please schedule an appointment with your Academic Adviser to discuss.

    Full time students in most programs should have a timetable of five (5) classes. If you are experiencing any issues with your timetable please contact your Adviser, located in the main ICT office on the second floor of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building. 

    My.Seneca/Blackboard

    My.Seneca/Blackboard is the College's one-stop online resource providing access to course materials, the option to look up resources and the tools to communicate with teachers and other students. Utilizing portal technology, My.Seneca is customizable so that students can get just the information that they want.

    My.Seneca is available to all students of the college on-site and remotely. Your courses will only display after your teacher has made it available to students and not until the first day of class.

    OneCard

    Before classes begin you will also want to get your Seneca student identification card, known as OneCard. This an important piece of identification for all students as it is required when writing exams. However, it also allows you to pay for parking, meals, photocopying, and printing. It is also used in Seneca Libraries and allows students to use the intercampus shuttle bus service.  Visit the OneCard office and obtain yours as soon as possible.

    Email & User Account

    Activating your Seneca user account and email mailbox is another important step for all new students. You will use your student account for many of the online services that Seneca provides.  You are  expected to check your myseneca.ca email account regularly (every day) so you don’t miss any important information on classes and other school announcements.

    Tip: Include your name and student number in all email correspondence.

    Materials for classes:

    In your first week of classes, your instructors will specify any additional materials or resources you will need for class.

    Will you need a computer?

    The School of SDDS does not require you to have a computer but it is recommended that you have access to a standard, Internet-connected desktop or laptop computer at home. Any up-to-date Windows, MacOS, or Linux operating system will work.  There are many computers available on campus if you don’t have one at home, in open labs with extended hours for easier access.

    Many students find that having a laptop available that they can bring with them between home and school is quite useful as it allows for a good deal of flexibility and the ability to work on many school assignments anytime and anywhere. There are many options available but we have found that a well-equipped computer that is less than two years old and with an initial cost of around $800 is suitable for any student in an ICT program. However, again, we do suggest a laptop over a desktop for their advantage in portability.

    For software, you will need an "office" package, web-based (online), or installed on your own computer. The Seneca Software Centre has more information. Also, depending upon your program, the School of ICT will enable you to obtain the software you need in specific courses, at no cost.

    Please visit this link for all free software available to students.

     

    How we help our students

    The school of ICT has specific, help-focused staff available to provide advising to our students throughout their academic career. Below is a brief description of who they are and what they do.

    Student Adviser

    Your Adviser is your first point of contact and is happy to meet with you and assist in getting your academic career off to a great start.  Advisers can help you with academic counseling, course selection, career planning, and program information.  During your first academic term, your Adviser will reach out to you in an effort to ensure success in your program. They will continue working with you as you make progress towards graduation.

    Your Adviser is available for walk-ins Monday to Friday during regular business hours.  We encourage you to visit your Adviser early in the semester to ensure you have all the information you need to have the best start possible.  Get to know your Adviser:

    CNS / CTY
    Rei Tang
    Room: A3058J
    (416) 491-5050 ext 26217

    CPD / CPA
    Betrice Brangman
    Room: A3058H
    (416) 491-5050 ext 26683

    BSD / BTM / IFS / DAD / PMC
    Carol Ann David
    Room: A3058L
    (416) 491-5050 ext 22174

    Program Coordinator

    A Program Coordinator is a faculty member who teaches in the program and also works on curriculum development, and other services for the academic community and the public.  We suggest getting in touch with your Academic Adviser before contacting your Program Coordinator.

    Faculty & Staff contacts

    For a full list of Faculty & Staff contacts click here

    Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs in the School of SDDS

    Many of our programs have a very popular work integrated learning work term option.

    You will learn more about work integrated learning during your second semester when you are invited to apply. For now, here is what you should know: Eligibility for work integrated learning depends upon your academic performance. In the CPA and CTY diploma programs, WIL is optional. In the BSD and IFS programs, eligibility is still based on academic performance, but students are required to complete two WIL work terms before graduation.

    Contact info

    CNS / CTY / DAD / PMC
    Elizabeth Piergeti
    Room: A3058
    (416) 491-5050 ext 24550

    BSD / IFS / BTM
    Samantha Fracassa
    Room: A3058
    (416) 491-5050 ext 26230

    CPD / CPA
    Mary Saith
    Room: A3058
    (416) 491-5050 ext 24025

    Volunteer Opportunities

    The School of ICT runs events throughout the year that requires the help of student volunteers.  Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your school community, build a network and looks great on your resume.

    If you are interested in volunteering with, please email rei.tang@senecacollege.ca to be added to the ICT volunteer contact list.

    Seneca Student Federation

    The mandate of the SSF Inc. is "to provide services & activities that benefit and meet the needs of Seneca students in a fiscally responsible manner within a learning environment". It is the goal of every Student Council (there are Councils at King, Markham, Newnham and Seneca@York) to offer a wide variety of programs and services to students and to represent the needs and concerns of students to the College's administration.

    To get more information, please visit the SSF page here.

    Services offered through SSF

    Campus and College resources and services

    Registration

    The Registration office helps students manage their administrative relationship with the College, including program registration and fee payment. Many services are available online through Student Centre and the office is in the D Building, ground level, near the main entrance, room D2320. The office telephone number is (416) 491-5050 Ext 22809.  

    CNS / CTY Students contact Sandra Phoon

    BSD / IFS / CPA / CPD / BTM Students contact Carol Ann David

    Financial Aid

    The Financial Aid office helps students manage their relationship with funders, including the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), scholarships, and bursaries.

    The office is in the SEQ Building, ground level, near the Registration office, room S1160.  The office telephone number is (416) 491-5050 Ext 33011.

    If your surname begins with...

    Student Services

    The Student Services office has the resources and support system to help you succeed during your Seneca career. Whether you’re looking for success strategies, want to become a student ambassador or be a Seneca Student Federation representative, Student Services has information and opportunities for you.

    The office is in the SEQ Building, ground level, near the Financial Aid office –room S1171.  Contact Jacqueline Lane (416) 491-5050 Ext 33024

    • Career Services: We assist with career development and job search and offer workshops and career fairs. We connect students and new grads looking for work with employers who want to hire on SenecaWorks.  Contact Melody Ngai or call (416) 491-5050 ext 33124.
    • First in Family: We work in partnership with other services at Seneca to provide tutoring, workshops, and other special events and activities to help you meet people, get involved, and have fun! Contact Linda Thompson or call (416) 491-5050 ext 33014.
    • First Peoples @ Seneca:  Offers cultural & social events, resources, clubs, advisement, study space, tutoring and so much more. Contact Karen White or call (416) 491-5050 ext 22776.
    • Seneca Leadership Program:  The program offers a wide variety of workshops/events/activities to teach you more about yourself and about best practices in leadership. Contact Leonard Park or call (416) 491-5050 ext 33017.
    • Smile Mentoring:  Offers new students a great opportunity to connect with a senior student mentor in their program area who can support them in their transition into the College. Contact Suzette Williams or call (416) 491-5050 ext 33108.

    Counselling and Accessibility Services

    Seneca's Counselling and Accessibility Services offers support for current students trying to manage the complexities of College life.. The services can help students fulfill their personal and academic potential through individual and/or group supports.

    The Counselling and Accessibility Services at the Newnham campus can be found at Room E2427.

    Library

    Seneca Libraries provide you with resources and services both online and on-site to enhance academic pursuits. Our libraries offer print, audio visual and electronic resources including books, magazines, journals, videos, and a variety of topical databases. Services include research support, library instruction and a large circulating collection.

    The library for the Newnham campus can be found inside Building B. If you need guidance getting to the library commons, a map and virtual tour is available here: https://www.senecacollege.ca/campuses/360tours/newnham.html

    Additional information about Seneca's libraries is available at https://seneca.libguides.com/library

    Learning Centre

    The Learning Centre offers you one on one tutoring and group workshops for help with a variety of classes and topics covered in your program. Even if you feel confident in your studies it would be a great idea to check out the learning centre on a regular basis to reinforce the material you will be studying week to week.

    The Newnham Campus learning centre is located Room B2100 (Building B) which is situated right across the Computing Commons. More information can be found here: https://inside.senecacollege.ca/learningcentres/locations-hours.html

    Technical Support

    Technical issues you run into should be reported to the Seneca Service Desk or email: servicedesk@senecacollege.ca. The service desk works with a queued ticket system so the sooner they are made aware of your problem, the quicker they can resolve it.

    Program Information