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Rubin and Depow Program: Information for Students

Program Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of the all-inclusive two-week program is $1,000 (CDN). A number of financial need-based bursaries are available. Students should indicate financial need at the time of application. Program cost includes:

• Course tuition
• Room and board plan (housing and meals)
• Books and materials
• Class supplies  
• Activities and field trips (students are encouraged to bring spending money for weekend field trips)
• Personal laundry
• Fredericton Transit Pass

How to Pay Program Fee

With , you can fund your payments from a Canadian financial institution via: 

• Online Bill Payment 
• Credit Card (Visa, MC, Amex)  

Payment may be made in person at Financial Services (GMH 103) at any time by cash, debit or money order. Normal office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday. There may be opportunity to make in-person payments on Sunday, July 6 during move-in, as well; if this is an option in which you’re interested, please let us know, so we can make appropriate arrangements. 

While we encourage students to pay through the convenient portal, payment may also be made via internet banking though several of Canada’s chartered banks. St. Thomas will be notified of the payment within 24 hours and your student account will be updated accordingly. Currently, payment can be made at the following:  

Credit Union 

The account number required to set up your account for internet banking includes your six or seven digit  STU identification number as well as the first four or three letters of your last name. For example:  
Six Digit - John Smith STU ID 912345 would have an internet banking account of 912345SMIT. 
Seven Digit - John Smith STU ID 1012345 would have an internet banking account of 1012345SMI.  

Cancellation Policy

No refunds or discounts will be given for early departures prior to the end of the program. Any participant who is dismissed from the program due to disciplinary issues, or who voluntarily withdraws from their program for any reason, will not receive a refund. 

What can you expect this summer? 

During their time at ¶¡Ïã³ÉÈËÉçÇø (STU), our goal is for students to engage in challenging academics and embrace new ways of thinking while building long-lasting friendships and connection to a liberal arts education. 

Students will have the opportunity to work with faculty and STU students in the classroom and engage in a larger community of learners with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. All students enrolled in the Rubin & Depow Summer Study Program (RDSSP) will live in a safe, fun campus atmosphere where they also get the chance to test their independence through the residential experience. 

Residential Experience and Campus Life 

The residential experience can be both one of the most rewarding parts of the pre-university experience. Our Program and Community Assistants (PACAs) plan social and recreational activities for RDSSP students such as movies, game nights, craft nights, geocaching, and much more! Students will also enjoy field trips to local destinations. 

Residence Hall 

Students live in the residential dorm on the STU campus, just like STU students during the academic year. During RDSSP, students will live on a mixed-gender ground-level residential floor in individual rooms. Multi-stall mixed gender and single-stall gender neutral bathrooms are available. Dorms are not air conditioned. However, each room will be equipped with a fan. Curfew and quiet hours are enforced by live-in Program and Community Assistants (PACAs) and on-call professional staff. Additionally, in case of an emergency, campus security is available 24/7. 

Students are expected to create active and positive communities on their residential floor. Students can expect to receive their housing assignment on arrival day. 

Laundry rooms are available for non-charge in each residence hall. Students are provided a limited supply of laundry soap to do their laundry during the program.  

Kitchen facilities are available in the residence hall and will be stocked with some snacks for RDSSP students. 

Students will be provided a linen packet containing: sheets, pillow, pillowcase, and blanket. Towels also included but are rather small. We recommend that you bring your own bath towel and/or beach towel. If students choose to bring their own bedding, the mattress will require an extra-long twin fitted sheet. Dorm rooms are also equipped with a desk, chair, closet, high speed internet, and mini fridge.  

Meals  

Students receive a full meal plan included in their program fee and can expect 3 meals per day during the week. The weekend meal schedule includes brunch and dinner. Staff coordinate with campus chefs to ensure all medical and religious dietary needs are met. Although eating in the campus dining center is encouraged, students may elect to grab a meal or coffee at the Tim Hortons on campus or in the downtown Fredericton area with their own money.  

During off-campus non-academic field trips on the weekend meals will be covered, but students are expected to carry some spending money. 

Exploring Campus 

While you’re on campus, you’ll also have access to facilities at STU.  

• The houses a fitness and court area, squash court, dressing rooms, and shower facilities. 
• The offers a quiet, comfortable space for you to work on assignments or prepare for class. The Study Hall has computers for students as well as printing services.
• The on the second floor of Sir James Dunn Hall gives students a quiet space to work on assignments between classes and access to printers.
• The , located just down the hill from STU on the UNB campus across from the Student Union Building, offers many research services, social learning spaces, technology, group study rooms, and quiet study areas.
• The is a place to celebrate your faith and offers a community of supportive, welcoming people who accept peoples of all faiths, though the organization is based in the Roman Catholic Christian faith. The Chapel holds Mass on Sundays. 

Exploring Fredericton 

All students must abide by the boundaries set by the RDSSP staff. Students are allowed to travel within the designated area with at least one other student from RDSSP. If a RDSSP student and their buddy would like to leave the campus, within the bounds, they need to notify a RDSSP staff member.  

Daily and Weekend Schedules 

The RDSSP requires full-time residence at STU for the duration of the program and attendance of all classes while participating in the program. Prior to arrival, all students must sign waivers and agree to RDSSP’s code of conduct and attendance policy. 

Weekday Schedule 

Upon arrival, students will receive a detailed schedule outlining their daily classes and other programming commitments. Though the specifics of each day may change, students can expect to attend class from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday with a 2-hour break for lunch. Some programs may require additional afternoon field trips. 

The program courses will keep students challenged and busy to emulate a university academic experience. Students should expect to have homework each night of the program on top of class during the day. Each faculty member has different work expectations, so it is difficult to say the total amount of work that will be assigned. 

While students will frequently receive free choice of afternoon/evening activities during the program, students can expect this to be an all-in experience and should not expect to be excused from campus, with the exception of medical appointments and local religious services. This includes weekends. Anyone seeking an exception to this must email rubindepow@stu.ca to make an exception request. Please note: exceptions to this policy are rarely granted. 

The schedule below will give you a good idea of what your days will look like: 

Weekend Schedule 

During weekends, special field trips and activities will be offered, such as visits to the , , , , and the  Students can expect to also have unstructured free-time to visit downtown Fredericton, or further explore campus at a relaxed pace. RDSSP policy requires students to explore within the designated area with at least one other student from RDSSP check in and out with our staff.  

Student Resources and Support 

Staff 

Lauren MacDonald, Lead Program Coordinator and SEST 1033: Understanding Environmental Problems Instructor, is a ¶¡Ïã³ÉÈËÉçÇø alumna, holding a BA '19. She developed a passion for environmental sustainability as a student and has returned to her alma mater as the Campus Sustainability Coordinator and a part-time lecturer in the Environment and Society program. Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Global Governance with a specialty in Climate Governance. She previously worked as a Sustainability Officer at McGill and as an Impact Coordinator and Sustainable Development Goals Project Assistant for PHIL.  

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RDSSP hires current STU students and recent STU graduates as Program and Community Assistants (PACA). PACAs offer insights, energy, and authenticity, designing activities and offering advice drawn directly from their own campus experience and university selection process. 

In the Classroom 

RDSSP’s small class sizes mean faculty members get to work closely with each student. The RDSSP is capped at 28 students. 

may assist RDSSP staff in approving academic accommodations. Students are expected to be the primary and active advocate for their needs and accommodations and to request accommodations early by contacting rubindepow@stu.ca.  

Grading is determined by the program director and faculty instructors. During the first day of classes you will attend a meeting with your faculty and classmates to learn about the syllabus and how grading will work during the program. The syllabus is not released prior to the program.

Religious Practices 

Students can consult RDSSP staff to arrange transportation to and from religious services in Fredericton if they would like to attend services or events while attending our programs. STU’s Chapel is also open to students during the day and holds Roman Catholic services on Sundays. 

Prepare for the Program 

Packing List 

In general, dress for RDSSP is casual summer wear. Shorts and t-shirts will be fine for the classroom. July tends to be quite warm in Fredericton (highs in the 30s), and evenings can cool down quickly. You should bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and long pants for evening activities. You will be walking to class and activities, so you will also want to bring comfortable shoes. 

As a reflection of the typical college experience, personal devices like laptops are utilized for coursework both in and outside of the classroom. Students are required to bring a personal device, such as a laptop to the program. 

The Fitness Centre is open and available for you to use while you are here. We will be taking a field trip to Killarney Lake (with an indoor aquatic centre as a rain plan), so we also recommend bringing a beach towel, sandals, swimsuit, and sunscreen to take full advantage of the field trip.  

Make sure you are able to carry and lift your suitcases/belongings. Unless necessary due to a medical accommodation, we do not have additional staff assistance for students to carry their luggage upon arrival. 

The following is not an exhaustive list of what you will need for RDSSP, and you should use your best judgment about what you will need to bring. We highly recommend labeling your personal belongings. 

Remember to Bring: 

• Photo Identification Card
• Medicare card 
• Laptop
• Chargers for electronics
• Simple school supplies: notebook, writing utensils
• Personal toiletries
• Any medications you need for the full two weeks (the RDSSP team members are unable to dispense any medication; this includes painkillers such as Tylenol and anti-allergens)
• Sunscreen
• Hat 
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable walking footwear
• Closed-toed shoes (required for ANTH 1033 fieldwork activities)
• Water bottle
• Daypack for field trips

Things you might like to have (not required): 

• Shower caddy and shower shoes
• Beach towel
• Bug spray
• Bathing suit
• Athletic clothing
• Blanket, sheet set (XL Twin), or pillow from home
• Extra bathing towel (one towel will be provided)
• Alarm clock
• Specific snacks from home
• A little extra spending money

Forgot Something? 

A grocery store is within a 20-minute walk from campus.  

Arriving and Departing Campus 

Arrival 

All accepted students are required to arrive Sunday, July 5^th between 1 and 3 PM. The welcome info session will begin at 3 PM, so students are asked to arrive early enough to give themselves enough time to check-in and move their belongings into residence before 3 PM. After checking in, parents/families are welcome to accompany their student to their residence room to help them unpack.  

Students will check in upon arrival at . The address that can be entered into a GPS or given to a taxi driver is 63 Dineen Drive, Fredericton NB (main parking lot on campus).  

Students are not permitted to drive motor vehicles while RDSSP is in session. Participants bringing motor vehicles will be directed to appropriate long-term parking. 

Parents and guardians are welcome to attend the welcome info session, campus tour, and a welcome dinner on Sunday, July 5^th. Parents and guardians are asked to please RSVP for the welcome dinner before June 26^th.  

This is the schedule of events for move in day: 

Departure  

Final classes will take place on the morning of Friday, July 17^th. Students will be recognized at the closing reception, Friday, July 17^th from 3:30-4:30 PM in the , located in James Dunn Hall on the STU campus. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend the closing reception. Parents and guardians are asked to please RSVP for the welcome dinner before June 26^th.  

Students will be given time to pack their belongings before the closing reception. Students are expected to be out of residence and have returned their keys to program staff by 5 PM on the final day of the program. 

Forms and Deadlines 

Application Deadline 

Applications open in January. The application deadline is June 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM. All application materials must be submitted by deadlines to be considered for admission. Grade 12 students can be conditionally accepted without submitting a transcript, provided they submit their transcript before June 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM or communicate to admissions that they are still waiting for their transcript before this date. 

The deadline for expression of financial need and provision of appropriate financial need documentation is June 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM as well. 

Admission Decision Timeline 

Beginning mid-May, students are accepted to the program on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot. A maximum of 28 students will be accepted to the program. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need as funding lasts. 

After Admission 

Students will have until June 26th 11:59PM to submit their confirmation of attendance form linked to their admission letter to secure their spot.  

Following confirmation of attendance, students and parents are required to complete all pre-program documents. The following documents will be sent by email: 

• Informed Consent, Risk Acknowledgement, and Indemnity Agreement
• Code of Conduct for Participants
• Health Form

The program fee is due in full on the program start date. 

STU Accounts 

Students will need to set up their STU account prior to arrival to access services like email, Moodle, and Wi-Fi. Their username and password can be found under the “Next Steps” tab on their applicant portal at STU.ca/myaccount.  

Here are a few tech tips: 

• When logging in, some services require your full email address (xxxxx@stu.ca), while others only require your username (xxxxx). Use your full email for Email, Moodle, and Wi-Fi; use your username for Self-Service, Web Print, and the Harriot Irving Library.
• Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is required for all student accounts. You must set up two or more methods, including the Microsoft Authenticator App and one or more phone numbers. Students must make sure they have access to MFA methods while participating in the program. You can add additional sign-in methods by logging into your STU Account at office.com and selecting View Account > Security Info > Add Sign in Method.
• If you cannot access your account, go to office.com, choose ‘Sign in’ then ‘Can’t access your account’ and follow the instructions. You will receive a verification code via your alternate email or phone number provided during setup.
• Campus Wi-Fi networks are “Eduroam” and “STU Residence”. To connect a laptop or Apple device, select the network and log in using your STU email and password. For Android devices, specific settings are provided.

UCard 

Students are requested to upload a photo for their UCard by June 29th via the to ensure it is ready upon arrival. This card will allow them to have access to buildings and enter the dining hall. 

STU Safe 

In the event of a crisis or campus closure affecting UNB or STU, Campus Security will notify students through a new mass notification system called STU Safe. 

 
Students are required to visit the  to update their information and contact preferences by using their STU login and password prior to arrival on campus. The information you provide will not be used for any other purpose other than a safety alert, crisis, campus closure or system test. 

You can download the STU Safe App on your Apple or Android devices. The app sends push notifications if there is a crisis or a storm closure. It also has other safety tools, such as a Friend Walk feature that allows you to send your location to a friend while you walk home and can trigger a call to emergency services if necessary.  Once you download the app, see "About/Preferences."