FAQ

How do I get involved with DIME GSA?

 Looking to get involved with your graduate student association? Here are a few easy ways you can become involved!

• join the DIME GSA council

• leave suggestions about what you want to see included in the bi-weekly newsletter

• attend DIME GSA social and academic events, and leave your feedback on what you enjoyed/what could be improved

• volunteer at fundraising events

• help promote DIME GSA events that are open to the public

Am I represented by DIME GSA? If not, can I still attend DIME GSA events?

Currently, DIME GSA represents students in the Masters of Applied Sciences in Anatomical Sciences Education program. Stay up-to-date with all DIME GSA events through our Instagram (@dime.gsa) which will specify whether the event is open to all students or a DIME GSA specific event.

How can I stay updated with DIME GSA events?

Stay up-to-date with all DIME GSA events through our Instagram (@dime.gsa). Don't forget to check your uOttawa student email for reminders about upcoming events and to read our bi-weekly DIME GSA newsletter!

How should I prepare to enter the anatomy lab?

As an ASE student, you have the privilege of learning human anatomy within the human anatomy lab. Here are some best practices, along with some tips on how to get the most out of your lab experience!

Things to remember:

• The anatomy lab continues to exist because of the incredible sacrifices made by individuals to donate their bodies to enhance student learning. The anatomy lab, along with the donors within it, should be treated with respect at all times.

• Feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and unease are normal. It is important to listen to yourself; step outside of the lab to collect yourself and your thoughts when needed, and return to the lab when you are ready.

Lab etiquette:

• Make sure you are wearing proper attire before entering the anatomy lab. This includes:

  • • long pants

    • closed-toed shoes

    • lab coat

    • latex gloves

* It is recommended that individuals with long hair tie or clip their hair back and out of their face.

* Safety goggle and shoe covers are optional, but available if you so choose.

• Absolutely no food or drink is permitted in the lab. This includes chewing gum. Food and drinks must be left outside of the lab at all times.

Recommendations:

• Review course material before you enter the anatomy lab. This will help you to correctly orient yourself, identify important structures, and prepare you for what you will be dissecting during that lab.

I'm looking for some recommendations on how to study!

There are a variety of ways to study anatomy, and numerous resources at your disposal! Here are some study methods, both conventional and unique, used by past and present DIME GSA students!

• review lecture slides

• reference anatomy textbooks

• group studying with a partner allows you to quiz each other on your level of understanding

• Anki flashcard decks allow you to test your active recall skills through identification

• Visible Body is a 3D anatomical resource available to you through the uOttawa library that allows you to view structures from various angles

• drawing anatomical diagrams tests your ability to orient yourself and to label important structures

• anatomical colouring pages

• create mneumonics

• visit online resources such as KenHub, Khan Academy, Osmosis, and Coursera that offer various ways to learn anatomy

What is the passing grade for graduate-level courses?

According to uOttawa's Academic Standing for Graduate Studies section C-4.2.1,

"The minimum passing grade for all graduate courses is C+ (including undergraduate courses taken for credit in graduate programs, qualifying program courses, and additional courses)."

I failed a course. What does this mean for my future?

According to uOttawa's Academic Standing for Graduate Studies section C-4.2.2,

"If a student fails a course, the student may repeat the course or retake the comprehensive examination, revise and resubmit the thesis proposal or major research paper, or take another course specified by the academic unit. The failing grade will remain on the transcript even if the student successfully repeats the course, retakes the comprehensive examination, or resubmits the thesis proposal or major research paper, and will count as a first failure in the program."

How do I access the graduate student insurance plan?

All students enrolled with the University of Ottawa must have health insurance. There are two types of coverage that exist within the University:

• basic plans that cover things like seeing a general practitioner/family doctor, going to the hospital, etc.

Provincial health insurance (for Canadian students) 

University Health Insurance Plan or UHIP (for International students) 

• supplementary plans that cover things like prescriptions, specialist visits, vision aid products, etc.

GreenShield (for graduate students) 

*Supplementary plans can either replace, or be added-on to the basic student insurance options listed above.

For more insurance-related information, please visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/insurance

Who do I contact for my specific needs?