Getting Started

Once you have applied and have been admitted, you will need to:

1. If you will not be paying for tuition, fees and texts yourself, apply for financial aid, funding, awards or scholarships
2. Register for courses
3. Purchase any textbooks
4. Log into TheLoop and stay connected with the College. Once logged in, the email icon near the top of the page of TheLoop is where you’ll find and access your assigned RDC email account
5. Log into your course by the first day of classes

Once you are up and running in your course, you may need to:

1. Obtain an Exam Invigilator to supervise mid-terms or final exams within your own community.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain an Exam Invigilator as soon as possible.  Please consult with your instructor to confirm if you will require an Exam Invigilator to supervise your exams.

Distance Learning Lingo

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar contains key dates within the academic year that are important to every student, including holidays, registration and payment deadlines, and key dates that students will need to be aware of.

Blackboard

A learning management system for online or distance courses.  It is here that you will access your course outline, course content, and any additional readings outside of your texts.  You will submit assignments, and complete quizzes and/or exams.

eCampusAlberta

eCampusAlberta is a consortium of several Alberta colleges and institutions collaborating to offer online learning opportunities.

Exam Invigilator

An invigilator is someone approved by RDC who is willing to supervise you as you take an exam.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain an invigilator within their community.

Student ID number (Banner ID Number)

A 9 digit number that uniquely identifies each student, and it is generated during the application process.  You will find this number on your acceptance letter, statement, and schedule.