New Students
Welcome to Red Deer College! There are some important things you need to know before you register for classes. The following instructions apply to students who have been admitted (either clearly or conditionally) into the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Education (elementary) - Including Middle Years
- Bachelor of Education (secondary)
- Bachelor of Science (all majors with the exception of nursing and engineering)
- Business Administration Diploma (admitted directly to 2nd year)
- Financial Services Diploma (admitted directly to 2nd year)
- Management Certificate
- Open Studies
What do you need?
• Internet access, starting with www.rdc.ab.ca & your Loop account
• Scheduling Grid
• Academic Planning guide for your program
• Time - Selecting courses, building your schedule and completing your registration can take several hours.
Early registration is important for the best access to preferred times and high demand courses.
Step One: Access your Loop Account
Your Loop account is the main resource for all activities involving choosing and registering in courses.
• You will need to access your account before you can register for courses
• This video tutorial will walk you through how to access your loop account.
• Contact the Service Centre at 403.342.3580 or via email, servicedesk@rdc.ab.ca if you are unable to log into your Loop account
Step Two: Review the Registration Information on The Loop
Click on the Student Services tab and go to the Academic Advising channel:
• Identify your program and watch a 3-5 minute tutorial going over the basics of your program.
• If you wish, print off the PDF and follow along with the tutorials on choosing courses and building a schedule
• Complete your registration using the Web Registration tutorial
Step Three: Attend a New Student Advising Session
If you would like some assistance before registering in courses you can attend an advising session for new students. An advisor will present detailed information about your program, core courses, options and the registration process.
You must book in advance for all advising sessions. See your program information in The Loop for more details on how to do this.
Step Four: Review Important Information
Review the following:
• Academic Schedule : Be aware of important dates and deadlines (first day of classes, tuition due dates, course add/drop, withdrawal deadlines, final exam week, etc)
• Academic Policies : As a student, what are your obligations and responsibilities?
• Alberta Transfer Guide : Check transferability of your courses to Alberta universities.
• Registration Checklist : Use to ensure you have completed all the items required.
Step Five: Do you have previous Transfer Credit?
If you have previously attended another post-secondary institution and you wish to have your transcripts assessed for credit at RDC you will need to apply for prior learning. Do this early as there may be implications upon what courses you do or do not take.
Step Six: Career Planning
Unsure of what you want to do with your degree or diploma program? Contact the Career Counselling Centre for guidance with career research and decision making. You can stop in to see them in Room 1402, or send an e-mail to careerservices@rdc.ab.ca for more information.
Step Seven: Request a Registration Review
Once you have completed your registration, you have the opportunity to request that an Academic Advisor review your course choices as they pertain to your program. In the Academic Advising channel, there is a link to the Registration Review form. Fill it out with the information required and submit. An advisor will get back to you within 5-7 business days.