Compulsory Fee Descriptions: Guelph Campus

The internationally-accredited Arboretum, 400 acres of green space located on campus, focuses on habitat restoration, educating people about nature, and conserving Canada’s rare and endangered woody plant species. The Arboretum provides student-centred programming and enhanced experiences in the Arboretum.

Provides expertise that helps students strengthen academic skills and performance with a range of services and resources supporting learning, writing, media, technology, data and information literacies, English as an Additional Language (EAL), thesis and dissertation needs, and scholarly publishing. This includes support in areas such as writing, time management, academic presentations, research, using data, knowledge mobilization, research data management, accessibility, and digital media. This is supported through in-person and online consultations, workshops, spaces, and other programming such as Supported Learning Groups (SLGs), and a range of digital learning resources that support academic success.

Read more about the services and resources provided by the Library.

Supports student academic success through START and Bounce Back programs, and by providing peer mentoring, one-on-one guidance and skill building workshops, resources, and events. These services help students develop fundamental skills through to graduation and beyond.

Read more about the services and resources provided by Student Experience.

The Affordable Housing fee helps fund student-run and operated housing outfits in the city of Guelph to complete renovations that will make them accessible to a wide range of students.

This fee is refundable in the first three weeks of the semester if requested from the organization.

The Athletics Activity Fee provides base access to Athletics for recreation, including social spaces. The fee supports the staffing and coordination of Athletics programs including but not limited to, fee-for-service programs such as Aquatics, Fitness Centre and Classes, Clubs and Intramurals. 

Read more about Guelph Gryphons Athletics & Recreation.

The Athletics Building Fee provides funding for current and future Athletics facility projects. This fee is allocated to the payment of the new Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre and the soccer complex. This fee also supports the capital renewal of such facilities.

Read more about the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.

The BLA Student Society fee supports the Landscape Architecture Student Society.

Negotiated by the Central Student Association (CSA) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA), the bus pass offers unlimited access to Guelph Transit. The mass buying power of the student body results in a price that is significantly lower than other Guelph Transit passes. With transit routes spread throughout the city, students can make any neighbourhood their home. The CSA/GSA Transit Committee works with Guelph Transit to ensure service routes and schedules are reflective of students’ needs. Bus passes are available to part- and full-time students enrolled in on-campus courses.

This Late Night Bus Service, provided by the Central Student Association and the Graduate Student Association, helps ensure students get home safely after regular transit operating hours. Visit the CSA website for more information on the Late Night Bus Service.

The CFS advocates on issues impacting students across Canada including tuition fees, student debt, fairness for international students, consent and anti-sexual violence initiatives, and student mental health services, among many others.

Read more about the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).

CFS-O advocates on issues such as better access to OSAP and grants instead of loans, tuition fees, student mental health services, sexual violence policies on campus among many others.

Read more about the Canadian Federation of Students Ontario (CFS-O).

Provides a range of career development, career advising and job search and support services, including asynchronous online modules, for undergraduate and graduate students. Services include employer outreach and networking, on- and off-campus job postings, labour market research, career exploration assessments and coaching, mock interviews, and resume/cover letter reviews. All of these services are provided in-person when possible as well as online.  

Read more about Career Services.

CAROUSEL is an exquisitely produced hybrid literary/arts magazine representing new & established artists, with a focus on positioning Canadian talent within an international context.

The CSA is the undergraduate student association at the University of Guelph. We advocate and represent your collective interests, bringing the student voice to decision-makers on campus and in our community. We negotiate your Health and Dental Plan, your Bus Pass and Late-Night Bus Service contracts. We offer numerous services and programs to enhance your student experience and save you money, such as:

• Bike Centre, a well-stocked DIY repair centre with knowledgeable staff and volunteers;
• Bullring café, your living room on campus;
• CSA Clubs, with over 100 clubs to choose from;
• Guelph Student FoodBank ;
• Printing and Promotional Services at a great price;
• SafeWalk, on-campus safe and reliable accompaniment after dark;
• Student Help & Advocacy Centre (SHAC), offering free tenancy and legal support; and
• Thecannon.ca, a classifieds website for student housing rentals and textbooks.

For a full listing of services brought to you by your CSA, visit csaonline.ca.

The Central Veterinary Students' Association is the representative body of all student veterinarians at the Ontario Veterinary College. Our purpose is to provide structure and financial support to OVC student life, while facilitating conversation between students and administration. The CVSA is responsible for OVC clubs core to the student experience, and provide membership to the CVMA required for the NAVLE.

Read more about the Central Veterinary Students' Association (CVSA).

Develops, promotes, and advises students considering and/or preparing for study abroad opportunities, including pre-departure orientation for students participating in academic travel. Additionally, services are provided to incoming exchange students to help with the academic and non-academic transition.

Read more about the resources provided by the Centre for International Programs.

CFRU 93.3 FM is your campus radio station and media production centre, providing students with resources to produce and access independent media, campus and community news, local music, and emergency broadcasts. With CFRU’s trainings and workshops, recording studios, diverse music libraries, and state-of-the-art equipment, U of G students can create their own radio shows and podcasts, host live bands, gain course credits, learn the technical skills needed in broadcasting and audio production, and so much more.

Read more about the CFRU 93.3 FM Radio and Media Centre.

The College of Arts Student Union is dedicated to the student experience. Any student funds received go right back to ensuring a socially and academically stimulating year. Funds are used to support club-run initiatives such as film festivals and magazine publications, and college-wide events such as pub nights, and academic symposiums that demonstrate the importance of the arts in every other discipline.

Read more about the College of Arts Student Union.

College of Biological Science Student Council (CBSSC) embodies the voices and concerns of over 4500 undergraduate students by having representatives on various committees on campus to ensure that the interests of CBS students are represented ardently! Our purpose is to enhance academic experience, provide financial support along with academic and extracurricular opportunities services and support the 11 accredited student organizations that we represent.

The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Council funds and supports the following:

• the Astronomy and Physics Club;
• the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club;
• the Engineering Society;
• the Guelph Women in Computer Science Club;
• the Math and Stats Club;
• the Nanoscience Club;
• the Society of Computing and Information Science; and
• the Toxicology Student Association.

CEPSSC provides two scholarships and hosts multiple events such as Orientation Week events, the Yule Ball Gala, Valentines Day Photo Booths and the Much Music Dance event while also supporting other external organizations such as Relay for Life, TedxGuelphU and Curtain Call Productions.

The CSAHS student alliance is by students, for students, serving all undergraduates studying social and applied human sciences. Through ten program-specific organizations, the CSAHS student alliance supports a community of students with diverse interests and offers events to share your knowledge outside of the classroom.

Read more about the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Student Alliance.

This fund’s goal is to enhance the quality of education and services provided to the student body. To access this fund, the fee must be paid each semester, from the start of your undergraduate degree; this fee is critical to the feasibility of all undergraduate engineering final design projects because it financially supports the large projects made in these courses.

The Engineering Equipment Fund fee is refundable in the first three weeks if requested from the School of Engineering (soeadmin@uoguelph.ca). This fee is eligible for a charitable donation receipt for tax purposes, and will be provided through mail by mid-February for the proceeding calendar year fees from the Alumni Affairs & Development team.

Engineers Without Borders - Guelph Chapter primarily uses this fee to fund a four-month volunteer placement at an EWB venture in Africa.

Read more about the Engineers Without Borders.

The Entertainment Media fee provides a variety of entertainment for students and making university more enjoyable. Campus culture at the University of Guelph is enhanced through large concerts, noon hour performances, events such as Orientation and College Royal, Sunday Cinema films, speaker events, and an events management person to act as a resource for student groups provided by this fee.

Provides students with financial and counselling services that support their educational goals, specifically by addressing financial barriers that may limit their access to education. Services include financial literacy and budgeting programs, financial aid appeals, one-on-one financial counselling, personal financial payment arrangements, and special billing programs.

Read more about Student Financial Services.

The University of Guelph First Response Team responds to on-campus medical emergencies under the direction of Campus Community Police and Student Health Services. The First Response Team is available 24/7 during the school year and responds to a variety of medical and mental health emergencies across campus.

Global Vets is a program at the Ontario Veterinary College which offers student veterinarians a unique opportunity to investigate animal health care in developing countries.

The primary focus of the GBSA is to build a safe, supportive and inclusive community through mental health and wellness support of racialized students, identity exploration and educational programming on racial and ethnic diversity.

Read more about the Guelph Black Student Association.

The Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming (GCUOF) is a one-hectare learning and research facility. Students from across disciplines come to the farm to learn about sustainable urban food production, heritage seed production, permaculture, food security, fair trade and year-round food production.

Read more about the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming.

The Guelph Engineering Society operates numerous social, academic, career-focused and charitable events, such as O-Week, Professional Development Conference and the Guelph Engineering Competition. Additionally, the Society provides support for all Engineering clubs, and advocates on behalf of the student body for internal and external organizations, such as Gryphon Racing, Canadian Federation of Engineering Students and Women in Science & Engineering.

Guelph Queer Equality works towards making our campus a safer space for LGBTQ+ folks through educational workshops, community events, resources, and through maintaining our office and supporting volunteers.

Read more about the Guelph Queer Equality.

GRCGED goes beyond providing resources and support for students experiencing personal and academic crises and/or safety situations. We develop a personal connection and create a safe space where individuals feel heard, believed and validated while we work together to explore options that best meet their concerns and needs. We also help make appropriate and meaningful referrals to resources and supports available on and off campus.

Read more about the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity.

The purpose of this endowment fund is to provide needs-based awards to full- and part-time students who are not eligible for provincial and federal assistance programs, such as OSAP and/or SLP.

Read more about the Guelph Student Assistance Program (GSAP).

Established by the Central Student Association and the Graduate Students’ Association, the Guelph Student FoodBank provides confidential, emergency access to food resources and basic necessities for University of Guelph students experiencing financial difficulties. Providing students in need with non-perishables, fresh food, frozen food, toiletries, clothing, a breakfast program, community garden, and monthly cooking classes.

Read more about the Guelph Student FoodBank.

GSEC is working towards action and awareness of environmental issues within the university and community. We do this by organizing, promoting and participating in a diverse array of environmentally focused events in the hopes to create positive change and awareness of contemporary environmental issues.

• Representing diverse student voices on campus initiatives, strategies and committees
• Advocating for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students’ needs on campus and access to education through scholarships
• Increasing awareness of Indigenous affairs on campus through events, cultural workshops and extra-curricular educational opportunities
• Supporting food sovereignty and combatting food insecurity on campus

Read more about the Indigenous Student Society.

The International Student Organization (ISO) is a student-run, non- profit, independent, advocacy organization comprised of international students, as well as Canadian students interested in internationalism.

Read more about the International Student Organization.

The primary activities funded by this fee are personal and professional development opportunities that introduce students to their peers for academic support and motivation, teach students valuable skills that they will utilize in their future places of work and finally, allows these students to utilize and apply the knowledge they have learnt in the classroom as well as the skills they have acquired throughout participation in these extracurricular opportunities during competitions and conferences that award successful participants cash prizes, internships, full-time job opportunities, and much more!

Provides menstrual hygiene products (tampons, pads, etc.) to all students, free of charge. An initiative of the Central Student Association, products are available in women’s and universal washrooms in several campus buildings. Sustainable options available in limited quantities.

Provides short-term counselling support for students for a range of needs and issues, from distress related to normative developmental changes to more serious or emerging complex mental health issues. Counselling Services also manages the Student Support Network (SSN), a volunteer drop-in peer-based program that provides confidential, non-judgmental listening and support for students by students.

Read more about the programs provided by Counselling Services.

This fee is used to create a fund that enhances the quality of undergraduate and diploma education, and improves student access to services, by providing annual one-time and/or periodic funding for activities and/or purchases of any items (lab and/or lecture room equipment, furnishings, travel costs, course materials support, etc.) deemed necessary and/or desirable by the students. Each year, SFOAC issues a call for proposals, wherein academic departments can apply for STEF funding for various initiatives to support learning enhancement; these applications are reviewed by SFOAC and funding decisions are based on impact of the proposal on the student learning environment.

We are the social aspect of off-campus living, and we offer semesterly/weekly activities for Off-Campus Students similar to those offered by residence, a club space for Off-Campus Students to use when they are on campus, and create a community and offer support for all students not living on campus.

This fee is refundable in the first three weeks of the semester if requested from the organization.

Read more about the Off-Campus University Students.

OPIRG Guelph is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that encourages Guelph students to engage in research, education and action on the environmental and social justice issues that are important to you.

This fee is refundable in the first three weeks of the semester if requested from the organization.

Read more about the Ontario Public Interest Research Group.

OUTline offers confidential peer-to-peer counselling via an online chat platform every day from 7 to 10 p.m. from September to April for individuals with questions relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. OUTline hosts a number of events on campus to support the health and well-being of LGBTQ2IA+ students.

Read more about the OUTline.

This fee goes directly towards improving and implementing new resources and supplies to help further the academic experience of student veterinarians at OVC. In addition, new technology may be introduced into the curriculum.

The OVC Equipment Fund fee is refundable in the first three weeks if requested from the OVC Administrative Assistant to the Dean. This fee is eligible for a charitable donation receipt for tax purposes, and will be provided through mail by mid-February for the proceeding calendar year fees from the Alumni Affairs & Development team.

Oxfam at Guelph is the student-led, local chapter of the international human rights organization, Oxfam Canada, that actively organizes events addressing sustainability, gender-based violence, health disparities and more.

Read more about Oxfam at Guelph.

Promotes a safe campus community by providing a safe, reliable escort for individuals anywhere on campus, supported by the Central Student Association. Trained student volunteers are on-call seven nights a week from 7:30 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Volunteers also patrol campus, promoting safety and awareness during the late-night and early-morning hours.

Read more about SafeWalk.

Acting as an avenue to learn more about American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and the limitless abilities of Deaf people at the University of Guelph. The Sign Club offers free classes on campus to learn Canadian ASL.

The Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College (SFOAC) is a student-run organization that enhances the educational experience of students by creating opportunities to network, have fun and participate in hands-on learning through events such as pubs, career fairs, conferences and alumni networking events.

Read more about the Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College (SFOAC).

Supports Student Health Services and the Wellness Education & Promotion Centre, including services and programs in wellness education and promotion, nursing and administrative support within the medical clinic, stress management, as well as supporting a dietitian and addictions counsellor.

Read more about Student Wellness.

Funds successful proposals from students and university staff to deliver initiatives that enhance the experience and well-being of students at the University of Guelph. A committee made up of more than 50% student representation accepts and reviews applications. On average, approximately 80 applications are funded annually.

Read more about the Student Life Enhancement Fund.

Student Volunteer Connections (SVC) is your hub to connect undergraduate and graduate students with volunteer opportunities in the community and beyond that fit your academic, personal and career interests and aspirations. Volunteer opportunities include in-person and remote experiences.

Read more about Student Volunteer Connections.

The Sustainability Action Fund supports projects and programs that advance campus sustainability and climate action at the University of Guelph. If you choose to participate, your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar by the University, to fund projects and programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate renewable energy, reduce water and energy use, enhance active transportation, improve pollinator health and contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation.

Founded in 2002, thecannon is an organization operated through a partnership agreement with the Central Student Association (CSA) and the Guelph Campus Co-op. Thecannon is University of Guelph’s go to resource for classifieds for textbooks, house rentals, rideshares, and more.

Read more about the thecannon.ca.

We publish campus-related news and content, free from interference from any groups with power over you. We also provide real-world work skills to anyone, regardless of experience. Come visit our newsroom and find what The Ontarion can do for you.

Read more about The Ontarion.

In partnership with the UN World Food Programme, Universities Fighting World Hunger mobilizes the University of Guelph and partners with universities across the nation and around the globe to make fighting hunger a core value.

The University Centre Fee is collected to support the funding of the regular building operating costs and annual capital improvements of public locations, including student study spaces and lounge areas. The University Centre is managed by a board consisting of students and staff members who oversee the budget allocation of the fee.

Learn more about the University Centre.

The V-Day Campaign is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations.

Provides the campus community with arts and culture by way of music and choir performances, concerts, ensembles, public artist talks, art exhibitions, the annual Juried Art Show, and other public activities sponsored by the Music Students Association and Fine Arts Network.

The World University Services of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program is the only program of its kind in Canada that combines resettlement with opportunities for higher education in safe and supportive environments.

Read more about the WUSC Student Refugee Program.