Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

  1. How does my son/daughter get to/from the airport/train/bus station in Ottawa?
  2. What if my son or daughter gets sick?
  3. My son or daughter would love to go to Access Ottawa, but we can't afford it. Do you have any suggestions?
  4. What will my son or daughter eat at Access Ottawa?
  5. How will the students at Access Ottawa be supervised?
  6. I have a relative who lives in Ottawa. Can my son/daughter stay there?
  7. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Answers

How does my son/daughter get from the airport/train/bus station?
Once a student is accepted, we will be in contact with the student to help book and record travel arrangements. We will confirm the pickup time, and a clearly recognizable Access Ottawa representative with a sign and identification tag will be there to pick them up. We will also return students to the airport / train station / bus station.
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What if my son or daughter gets sick?
The Laurentian Leadership Centre staff members have been trained in properly handling emergency situations, a full-time staff member is trained in first aid, and a hospital is located less than 5 km away. Access Ottawa staff have been trained to quickly and effectively handle any situation involving student illness, and will ensure that the health and safety of all students attending Access Ottawa. More information on the safety policies of Access Ottawa can be found by clicking here.
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My son or daughter would love to go to Access Ottawa, but we can't afford it. Do you have any suggestions?
At this point, we do not have scholarships available for Access Ottawa participants. However, there are several other methods you can use to obtain funds for your tuition fee, including contacting your church local community organizations.
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What will my son or daughter eat at Access Ottawa?
Breakfasts and lunches will be provided at the Centre, in a self-serve format; breakfasts will be continental style and include a healthy selection of cereals, fruits, yogurt, milk, and fruit juices. Lunches will also be self-serve, and will consist of, for example, sandwiches with assorted cold meats and cheeses and toppings. Dinners will vary in format; some will be catered at the Centre, and some will take place at restaurants around Ottawa.
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How will the students at Access Ottawa be supervised?
The first priority of Access Ottawa is the safety of all program participants. Approximately 20 students attend each session of Access Ottawa, and the group is well-supervised; participants are split into smaller groups, each under the supervision of a university graduate or student serving as a Program Assistant. All our 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, Mrs. Christie Esau and Ms. Sarah Weigum. Ms. Weigum lives in the LLC and is familiar with the building and the living arrangements. All Access Ottawa Staff and Program Assistants are supervised by these individuals.

At all times during the duration of the Access Ottawa program, the Program Assistants and a staff member, Ms. Weigum, 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.
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My son/daughter has a relative/friend who lives in Ottawa. Can my son/daughter stay there?
For security and convenience, all students enrolled in the program must stay at the Laurentian Leadership Centre facility. Generally, we would encourage any local visits to be done before or after the program. Special arrangements must be made in order to leave the group during the program. Be aware that once Access Ottawa students are involved in the busy program schedule, they typically find that being separated from the group or travelling away from the Laurentian Leadership Centre can be an inconvenience.
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Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Access Ottawa, c/o Laurentian Leadership Centre, 252 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON K2P 1R3

Tel: 613.569.7511 ext 5020
Fax: 613.236.5500
Email: accessottawa@twu.ca
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