George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Ask George Brown Search
Can I book an appointment to see a counsellor in person?
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Yes, we offer both in person and virtual (video) counselling appointments. To book a counselling appointment, please sign in to the counselling student portal using your GBC username and password. You may select an in-person counselling appointment at your preferred campus location. You may also...
What if I am missing a course in Brightspace?
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If your course list does not look correct in Brightspace: Log in to STU-VIEW to confirm your current course registration. You must be officially registered for the course to appear in Brightspace.Also in STU-VIEW, check that you do not have any academic, financial, or other hold on your account. If...
How can I get help and support when using Brightspace?
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Getting started As an introduction, follow the Brightspace self-directed online training.There are useful resources available on our Brightspace support page. There you will find how-to videos on accessing the virtual classroom, submitting an assignment, taking a test online, and more. Online...
How do I challenge a course?
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Course/Credit Challenge If a course covers material you already know, you can ask for an assessment of your knowledge - or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This is called a “challenge.” For example, if you have done a lot of computer work, you might challenge a computer course. To...
How do I update my status with George Brown from international to domestic student?
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Changing Status from International to Domestic: If you became Canadian, Permanent Resident or granted Convention Refugee prior to registration, you will need to submit the documents listed below to the International Centre If you became Canadian, Permanent Resident or granted Convention Refugee...
If I am granted a course exemption, can I take a different course in its place?
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If space is available and registration remains open, you may be able to register in another full-time post-secondary course as a replacement for your exempted course. Note that registration ends on Day 5 of each term. Please contact your Academic Department for more information.
What is a PLAR?
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Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. PLAR gives you credit for knowledge and skills you have gained through life experiences such as working and volunteering and/or non-credited education. For more information visit the Prior...
How do I get a student rate to travel on GO Transit?
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Full-time George Brown students are eligible for GO Transit student fares. You can save on travel via GO Rail and GO Bus when using the PRESTO card. Details on their student discounts can be found on the GO Transit Student Savings website. For information on how to apply for the discount in person...
How do I access my online tutoring appointment in math or accounting?
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At your appointment time, click on your appointment and you will find a link under the “What do you want to work on?” section of your booking. This link is added by your tutor about 10 minutes before your appointment and will take you to GoBoard, our online tutoring platform for math/accounting...
Do you hold student orientation, program information sessions, or campus tours?
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At George Brown we offer orientation sessions and activities to all new registered students beginning studies in January, May, and September. Your new student orientation will take place the week prior to your classes beginning. For more information see the Orientation webpage. For prospective...
How do I opt-in/out from the Student Health and Dental Insurance Plan?
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To opt-in/out of the extended health and dental plan, please visit the Student Association Health Benefits Program webpage. Follow the instructions to opt-in/out prior to the posted deadlines. For domestic students, online opt-out is also available at We Speak Student. Students are responsible for...
I graduated, but did not receive my credential in the mail. What should I do?
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If you completed a full time program within the last six (6) months, and did not receive your credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) in the mail, please send an inquiry to the Academic Records Office.
How much advanced notice do I need to provide to book an accommodated test?
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All accommodated testing, including online testing, must be booked with the Assessment Centre with 7 days notice. Please note: The Assessment Centre staff do not have access to test settings and conditions, therefore, please ensure that your instructor has considered your accommodated time.
How many General Education or Liberal Studies electives will I take as part of my program?
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Students can view the General Education or Liberal Studies requirements for their program. More details and contact information are on the General Education and Liberal Studies Electives webpage.
Where can I use a computer?
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The Library Learning Commons' on-campus computers are available for independent learning, academic research, projects, and assignments by currently registered students. You will need your student ID and password to have access to the computers. If you have forgotten your password please go to the...
How can I get access to specialized software for my program?
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The Library Learning Commons provides access to many specialized software packages. The computers at each campus have hardware and software specific to the classes taught at each campus location. There is also a selection of iPad and Android software. To see the available applications, visit the...
What is included in the acceptance email after I have applied for the residence?
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In the acceptance email, you will receive instructions on how to complete the rest of your acceptance details online. The online process requires you to provide details related to contact and health information, payment information, emergency contact information, and personality profile questions...
How can I return my Library equipment loans?
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The borrowed equipment must be returned in person to the library location where it was borrowed from. Please visit our library Borrow Equipment webpage for information about equipment loans.
How do I get my photo I.D. card?
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The GBC Digital Student ID is your primary GBC ID and can be accessed through the George Brown App. For more information on how to install the George Brown app, please visit our Mobile Apps Support page. Students can request a physical ID card to be printed through the Photo Submission/Validation...
How do I access the Library Learning Commons (LLC)?
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Please visit the Library Learning Commons website for locations and hours of operation. Online library services include: Academic Resources (eBooks, journal articles, dictionaries and encyclopedias, and more)Research GuidesLinkedIn LearningSubmit a Help Request Ticket (help with password resets...
Do I need a new Toronto Metropolitan University/George Brown OneCard if I'm a returning student in my second/third/fourth year?
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No, you will continue to use your existing photo ID card. Once you get your card, you don't need to renew it. As long as you have an active student registration with TMU, your Student OneCard will remain active for accessing university services.
How do I apply for residence?
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Applying for Academic Year (September – April) You can apply to the residence by filling out the online application available at www.georgebrown.ca/residence or visiting our My Housing Portal. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you apply for residence, you are...
What do I need to complete my placement assessment?
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For more information about placement testing, you may: Visit the Assessment Centre websiteE-mail your questions to gbctest@georgebrown.ca Please note that although we strive to return phone calls and emails promptly, our response may take up to 3 business days due to a high volume of inquiries.
How do I book future appointments with my counsellor?
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The counsellor you meet at your initial appointment may not necessarily be the counsellor that you will meet with for future appointments. At your initial appointment, the counsellor will listen to your concerns and work with you to identify your needs and help you determine the next steps to...
How do I book my initial appointment with Counselling Services?
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To book an appointment with Counselling Services you have several options: 1. Sign in to our counselling student portal using your GBC username and password to book a virtual or an in-person counselling appointment; 2. Contact our Welcome Desk at letstalk@georgebrown.ca or 416-415-5000 ext. 2107 and...
How is the GPA calculated?
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The GPA is calculated by dividing the quality points by the GPA hours: Each letter grade has a grade point value.This is multiplied by the credits to obtain the quality points.The credits are added up to obtain the GPA hours. For Grade Point Values, see Grading Scheme To calculate the term or...
How long are the placement assessment tests?
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Plan to spend between 2 to 4 hours completing your placement assessment(s). Some assessments are timed and some are untimed. Do not rush in completing your assessments as your course placement – college or foundation level – depends on the assessment results. For more information, please email the...
As a domestic applicant, what is the earliest date that I can receive an offer for a Fall intake program?
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Ontario Colleges Application Cycle for the Fall 2023 Intake For 2023-2024, the earliest date that Ontario Colleges can release offers of admission to qualified applicants will be November 1, 2022. Most programs at George Brown will be eligible for this early offer, depending on your date of...
What counselling support services are available to students who are located outside of Ontario?
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Due to professional restrictions, GBC Counselling Services can only offer mental health counselling to students who are located in the province of Ontario at the time of their appointment. However, there are other free, professional mental health counselling resources offered to students outside of...
What happens if I am unable to join or connect to my program orientation?
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If you are unable to join or connect to your program orientation, check your internet connection. If that appears to be working, try using a different browser. When using these platforms for the first time, you may need to adjust your settings to allow your camera and microphone to be used. For...
How can I request a Continuing Education (part-time) certificate?
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Once you have completed all of a program's requirements, you must request a certificate/certificate of completion in writing. For more details and steps to follow, please visit Continuing Education credential requests.
Where do I take my placement test?
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Assessments will be conducted at the Assessment Centre at the St. James Campus. For more information about assessments and locations, please visit the Assessment Centre website.
What are group learning services at the Tutoring and Learning Centre (TLC) and how can I sign up?
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In addition to one-on-one appointments for English, study skills, and math, students can, upon request, book a group appointment with a tutor. These group appointments can be booked by contacting the TLC by phone, email, or in person. Group conversation circles for ESL students to practice their...
Do you offer tutoring in subjects other than math, English, accounting and study skills?
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If your campus supports certain courses through Peer Learning Groups, there may be additional support available. Check with the Tutoring & Learning Centre (TLC) at your campus for more information or contact your academic department.
What is a study skills appointment and how can it help me?
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Tutoring and Learning Centre Study skills appointments vary at every campus but are for students that would like to work on academic skills such as: reading comprehensionnote-takingstudying for tests (multiple-choice, memorization of material, application of knowledge questions)time management...
What can I do if I'm having trouble accessing my online tutoring session?
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If your appointment is after business hours, you can email onlinetutoring@georgebrown.ca If your appointment is during business hours, you can contact us: by email: onlinetutoring@georgebrown.caby phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4053
How do I check the status of my refund?
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Refund Status Refunds that are processed will show as ETRF on your account description in your STU-VIEW account. Domestic Students: Refunds are currently being sent via e-transfer email. Students will receive an email to their GBC email address and a code to access their funds. If you have...
As a Better Jobs Ontario student can I get credit for work experience?
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Better Jobs Ontario Student: Work Experience Credits Better Jobs Ontario students may qualify for Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR). This should be discussed with the College Advisor. To discuss PLAR options, contact the PLAR Office at plar@georgebrown.ca
Do you have programs for laid off workers?
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Better Jobs Ontario program is an Ontario government cost-sharing grant that helps laid-off and under-employed individuals retrain for jobs in growing fields. Qualified applicants can receive financial help with tuition, books and supplies, transportation and living expenses associated with their...
What programs of study are available at George Brown for Better Jobs Ontario Students?
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There are a wide variety of programs available to Better Jobs Ontario Students ranging from business to creative arts, hospitality to technology, community services to health sciences. For a complete listing of programs that meet Better Jobs Ontario minimum eligibility requirements (programs that...
I have a virtual (video) counselling appointment. How will I connect with the counsellor?
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All video counselling appointments are conducted using Zoom Healthcare edition. Once you check in to the appointment on the counselling student portal, and your counsellor is ready to meet, you will be provided with a "Join Meeting" link which will take you to the Zoom meeting waiting room. Your...
Do I need to download the Zoom App for my virtual (video) counselling appointment?
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We strongly encourage you to download the Zoom app and log in with your GBC email address and password. This will ensure you are able to connect seamlessly with the counsellor on your smartphone or your computer.
I have a virtual (video) appointment with my counsellor. I am worried about privacy and people being able to access our Zoom meeting.
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GBC Counselling Services uses a Zoom version that meets all privacy concerns. Only people who have the link will be allowed into the meeting. All participants will have to wait in the virtual waiting room until they are admitted by the counsellor.
Will the counsellor I meet at the first appointment be the same one I will have future appointments with?
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The counsellor you meet at your initial appointment may not necessarily be the counsellor that you will meet with for future appointments. At your initial appointment, the counsellor will listen to your concerns and work with you to identify your needs and help you determine the next steps to...
What wellness resources are available to students?
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We have the following curated resources to help support students' wellness: Taking care of your mental healthPeer Mentor+Wellness videosMindfulness videos
Where can I print on campus?
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The Library Learning Commons provides printers for use with computers. We provide access to: laser printers (black and white print), and colour laser printers. Specialized printing such as plotters is available at Casa Loma Library Learning Commons. Wireless printing from your laptop is also...
Will my professors know about the work I do with a tutor at the Tutoring & Learning Centre?
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Your professor may refer you to the TLC, but the use of our services is confidential. We will not disclose information about your visits and progress to professors, parents or classmates. Should you want proof of tutoring, please let your tutor know and we can send that directly to you. If your use...
I am a student with accommodations. What if I am late for my test?
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The Assessment Centre does not compensate students for time lost due to late arrival. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after the arranged start time, you will not be permitted to write in the Assessment Centre until written permission has been granted by your instructor.
What is Admission testing for Mature students?
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Some mature applicants are required to complete admissions assessments in English, math and/or science depending on their academic history and the program to which they applied. Visit Admission Assessments by Program to determine the assessments required for your program choice. Any applicant...
What are your requirements for Admission?
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Admission Requirements Each program has specific admission requirements which vary by program. These may include: academic subjects and marks, specific credentials (e.g. diploma or degree), interviews, auditions and portfolios. Admission requirements also vary depending on if you are applying to a...