Access Ottawa Resources
for Accepted Students

  1. Safety and Security
    How the Access Ottawa staff address our number one priority: the safety of program participants
  2. Ottawa Weather
    A link to The Weather Network’s Ottawa page, with current conditions and the ten-day weather outlook
  3. What to Pack/Dress Code
    Recommendations and guidelines concerning the Access Ottawa dress code, and what else you will want to have in your suitcase for when you get to Ottawa
  4. Required Reading
    What you need to read before you come to Access Ottawa, and how to get a free copy
  5. Behavioural Policies
    A list of the behavioural policies that accepted students and their parents sign before attending Access Ottawa
  6. Fundraising Ideas
    Various ideas, methods, and organizations of which you can make use to offset the price of the Access Ottawa program
  7. Frequently Asked Questions for Students
    Responses to the questions most commonly asked by students concerning the Access Ottawa Program
  8. Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Teachers
    Responses to the questions most commonly asked by parents and teachers concerning the Access Ottawa Program

Safety and Security

How the Access Ottawa staff address our number one priority: the safety of program participants

The first priority of Access Ottawa is the safety of all program participants.

Access Ottawa staff wear clearly identifying name tags at all times, and will accompany students to every planned program event and activity. “Free time” for the students is typically time spent in the Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC) where students stay for the week; unplanned off-campus activities will require approval and supervision by Access Ottawa staff.

Approximately 20 students attend each session of Access Ottawa. The group is well-supervised; participants are split into smaller groups, each under the supervision of a university student serving as a Program Assistant. All Program Assistants are well-trained individuals who work to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the students. These group leaders ensure that all program participants are present at all sessions, as attendance is mandatory for all program activities for safety reasons.

Overall responsibility of Access Ottawa participants rests with full-time LLC staff, including Dr. Janet Epp Buckingham and Ms. Sarah Weigum. Ms. Weigum lives in the LLC and is familiar with the building and the living arrangements, and is fully certified in first aid. All Access Ottawa Staff and Program Assistants are supervised by these individuals.

We collect travel information from Access Ottawa participants so Access Ottawa staff can pick up and return program participants from the train station / bus station / airport. Access Ottawa staff picking up program participants from the airport, train, or bus station will be clearly marked with an Access Ottawa sign and identification badge.

Participants are provided with a name tag upon arrival, which includes a contact phone number for the Program Director, and the phone number and address of the Laurentian Leadership Centre.

Program participants stay in the Laurentian Leadership Centre, a secure, comfortable facility in downtown Ottawa, less than five kilometres from a hospital. At all times during the duration of the Access Ottawa program, the Program Assistants and the Program Director reside in the Laurentian Leadership Centre in rooms close to but separate from the students. At least one Access Ottawa staff member will be on site and easily accessible throughout the night.

In the event of an emergency, parents / guardians of the students will be contacted immediately, second only to ensuring the students are properly accounted for and in an adequately safe and secure location.

If you need to contact your son/daughter in the event of an emergency, you can call the Laurentian Leadership Centre at 613.569.7511 ext 5020

Ottawa Weather

A link to The Weather Network’s Ottawa page, with current conditions and the ten-day weather outlook

Early spring is still quite cool in Ottawa, with daytime temperatures in April near or below 10C. May is warmer, with daytime temperatures averaging near 20C.

Current Weather:

 


What to Pack

Recommendations and guidelines concerning the Access Ottawa dress code, and what else you will want to have in your suitcase for when you get to Ottawa

Early spring is still quite cool in Ottawa, with daytime temperatures in April near or below 10C. May is warmer, with daytime temperatures averaging near 20C. Click here for the Ottawa weather forecast.

Weather during spring can be unpredictable. Pack a warm jacket and clothing that can be layered.

Dress Code

Since you’ll be meeting important officials and visiting prestigious institutions, you should come prepared to comply with a business dress code.

For men:

  • dress shirts and ties with dress pants (suit or blazer will be required for some official events and therefore must be brought) and comfortable, polished dress shoes.
  • No denim of any kind for official events.

For women:

  • dresses or skirts (hemline must be below the knee) with blouses or sweaters, and comfortable dress shoes.
  • No denim of any kind for official events.

 

Recommended items to bring:

  • Clothes for the 7 days of the program
  • A semi-formal outfit for the farewell banquet
  • Pyjamas and toiletries, including a towel
  • Notepad and notebook
  • Flashlight
  • A willingness to participate
  • Camera
  • Spending money


    All bed linens are provided.

Required Reading

What you need to read before you come to Access Ottawa, and how to get a free copy

All students are required to obtain and read the free publication How Canadians Govern Themselves by Eugene Forsey.

Click here to download a copy of How Canadians Govern Themselves from the Library of Parliament website.
(Adobe® Reader® required - Download a free version of Adobe ®Reader)


Behavioural Policies

A list of the behavioural policies that accepted students and their parents sign before attending Access Ottawa

On signing the Access Ottawa Application Form, the student enters into an agreement to adhere to Access Ottawa’s rules and regulations. These rules are in effect upon arrival at the Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC) and until departure at the end of the program.

1. No use of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
2. No smoking.
3. Students may not visit the dormitory room(s) of the opposite sex at any point during the program.
4. Students must be in their own rooms by curfew, unless expressly authorized by a Program Leader.
5. Students must attend all scheduled program activities. Students may not leave the LLC or scheduled program activity without prior permission, nor will they leave the LLC or program activity without a Program Leader.
6. Students are forbidden to abuse or deface facilities and to abuse, deface, or steal property. Participants will be held financially responsible for any damage to the LLC or to public property.
7. Appropriate and respectful behaviour is expected from students at all times. Students will respect the diversity of opinions expressed by other students and speakers.

Rules and policies are strictly enforced. Students who do not wish to observe these rules should not participate in Access Ottawa. Failure to comply with any one of the above rules could result in immediate dismissal of the student from the program. In such circumstance, the student’s parents or guardians shall be notified, the student will return home immediately at his or her own expense, and no portion of the program cost will be refunded.

Fundraising Ideas

Various ideas, methods, and organizations of which you can make use to offset the price of the Access Ottawa program

While the experience that you will gain in your time at Access Ottawa is hard to put a price on, there is the reality of the tuition fee, which many applicants have some difficulty obtaining.

Do not be discouraged if you need to seek for help to cover the costs of the program. Access Ottawa is a very valuable experience that will benefit you throughout your life, and you may be surprised at the willingness of individuals and organizations to give you the opportunity to be a part of this experience.

This page includes some ideas that you may want to keep in mind if you are considering various fundraising options, for individual students and students who plan to attend Access Ottawa as a group.

General Information

If you have participated in fundraising drives for trips such as band trips or international experiences, try contacting the coordinator of those programs for fundraising ideas; their experience and contacts may prove very helpful.

Fundraising Considerations for Individual Students

Your family members or family friends may be interested in contributing to your Access Ottawa experience. You may consider approaching community organizations (such as the Rotary Club or Lion’s Club) or your church (some churches have a Social Action Committee that will provide funding for such endeavours) for funding.

Use this Fundraising Letter  which includes information about what Access Ottawa is and why they may want to help you with the funds. Also, check out our Fundraising Tips for ideas.

Fundraising Considerations for Large Groups

If you are planning on attending Access Ottawa with a large group of friends or your entire class, consider joining them to have a large fundraising event or a series of events. For example, selling items such as cookie dough or candy from a fundraising help organization, or services such as environmental clean-up events or car washes, can be very effective if a large number of people are involved. As well, it is easier to gain publicity for a larger event, rather than an individual effort; think of some websites, local radio or television stations or community information boards, then contact the individual in charge of the community calendar to find out how you can publicize a fundraising event.

Contacting Members of Parliament for Fundraising Help

Please be aware that it is typically not considered appropriate to request financial contributions from your elected representative or Member of Parliament.

General Fundraising Tips: Five Steps

1. Determine how much money you will need

First, check out your personal resources. How much do you have in savings? What financial assistance will come from your parents? Your church? Make a balance sheet of your resources to determine how much you have and how much you need. Attending Access Ottawa means two costs: the Access Ottawa program, and your transportation to Ottawa.

2. Find Potential Sponsors

There are plenty of places to find potential sponsors in your area. Your most valuable resources are people active in community affairs, such as:

  • Your school principal
  • The president of your school’s parent association
  • Local town officials
  • School board officials
  • Clergy
  • Local Chamber of Commerce

While rarely able to provide any financial assistance, these people are knowledgeable and great sources of ideas for potential sponsors. They can shorten your quest for scholarship funds by knowing which businesses and organizations will be most likely to give and how generous they might be.

Types of Sponsors:

Businesses: Supermarkets, banks, town merchants, utility companies, sports stores, newspapers, law firms, realty firms, restaurants, insurance companies

Organizations: Rotary Club, Lions Club, PTA (Parent Teacher Association), Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, or churches.

3. Write your scholarship request

Writing a letter is the start to your fundraising, and a great way to introduce yourself and your cause to potential sponsors. In the letter, clearly state the following: your name, school, where you live, your grade, why you are writing, why you want to attend Access Ottatwa, what Access Ottawa is, how much money you will need, and your desire to meet and discuss this further. You can use the sample letter on the Access Ottawa website as guide.

Remember, your letter is the only information a potential sponsor has when deciding whether to see you or give you funding. Good fundraising letters convince readers that the request is worthwhile. Give the potential sponsor information to make the decision. Tell them how much you need and suggest that they may provide all or part of the money. Also, tell them what other businesses and organizations you are soliciting.

Important: Keep a copy of the letter for your records. An individual or business you have solicited may lose it or ask about it, and you want to answer questions confidently. You may also have to send a duplicate.

4. Follow-up with a phone call

It is important to build a relationship with your sponsors. How successful your fundraising campaign is often depends on this phase. Your call to each potential sponsor is a reminder that your scholarship request hangs in the balance and requires immediate attention.

Wait a week after sending your solicitation letters before making follow-up calls. When you phone, introduce yourself, state the purpose of your call and suggest that the potential sponsor meet with you. In some cases a meeting won't be possible, so be prepared to state your case over the phone.

Meeting with these people and asking for help is not as difficult as you might think. Many adults enjoy talking with young people and sharing their experiences. So relax, and talk to people about Access Ottawa, and what you intend to gain from it.

If possible, present a letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal or minister.

Planning and preparation is essential to your presentation. Being prepared will mask any nervousness you might feel. You and your request are worthy and reasonable, so forge ahead. Make your presentation honest and simple, and present your materials with confidence in a friendly manner.

Practice the call with a friend. Decide on a format and highlight the points you want to emphasize.

5. Send a Thank-You Letter

Send letters to those you meet and phone, thanking them for their time and consideration. Again, keep copies of all correspondence.

If you do not receive a positive response from your first solicitation, don't despair. Contact additional sponsors and be persistent. Many of the individuals or businesses you solicit may give you only a portion of what you need. You might have to accumulate your total goal from a number of sources.