Frequently Asked Questions by Students

Application & Acceptance

  1. I’m in grade 9 or 10, but I’m really mature for my age. Can I still come to Access Ottawa?
  2. Who can I use to fill out my reference form?
  3. I’m homeschooled, can I still come to Access Ottawa?
  4. What happens after I am accepted?
  5. What does it cost?
  6. Can I send in my application before or after the deadline?
  7. I want to come to Access Ottawa, but I can’t afford it. Do you offer any scholarships?
  8. Can I give my application to my school and ask them to send it for me?

Program and Schedule

  1. What are this year's program dates?
  2. When do we get an official schedule of activities?
  3. When will I know what date I will be going?
  4. Where do the program events take place?
  5. What are program rules for Access Ottawa attendees?
  6. During free time, can I go explore the city on my own?
  7. You said there is a dress code. Do I have to dress up all the time?

Room and Board

  1. Where will we be staying? What is the configuration of the living arrangements at the Laurentian Leadership Centre?
  2. I don’t like sharing a room. Can I have my own room?
  3. Will I have to share a bed with another student?
  4. Can I request a roommate?
  5. Can I bring snacks?
  6. I have a food allergy. How will you accommodate my needs?
  7. I have a relative who lives in Ottawa. Can I stay there?

Travel Preparation

  1. How much spending money should I bring?
  2. How do I get from the train station / bus station / airport to the Laurentian Leadership Centre? Should I tell you what flight / train / bus I am arriving and departing on?
  3. Do Access Ottawa participants travel together?

Other Questions

  1. What is Access Ottawa?
  2. What is the Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC)?
  3. What is Trinity Western University (TWU)?
  4. Do I need to speak both official languages?
  5. I noticed your website describes Access Ottawa as a “faith-based” program. Can I apply if I am not a Christian?
  6. Can I get a refund if I cancel?
  7. Will I have fun?
  8. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Answers

Application & Acceptance

I’m in grade 9 or 10, but I’m really mature for my age. Can I still come to Access Ottawa?
Priority is given to students in grades 11 and 12. We hope you will apply in a year or two.
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Who can I use to fill out my reference form?
Your reference form must be filled out by a pastor or teacher.
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I’m homeschooled, can I still come to Access Ottawa?
Yes! Homeschooled applicants are more than welcome to attend. Under “High School Information” in the application, just write “Homeschooled.”
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What happens after I am accepted?
Once your full application has been received (including your reference forms) you will be sent an e-mail confirmation. After the March 1 deadline you will receive a letter by mail that will notify you if you have been accepted. At that time we will send you more information.
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What does it cost?
The 2011 cost for Access Ottawa is $699 plus GST (not including travel costs to and from Ottawa). A $100 deposit is due upon receipt of your application. The deposit goes towards your tuition if you are accepted, and will be refunded if you are not accepted. The remaining amount will be due upon acceptance.

Program price covers the following:

  • Six nights’ shared accommodation at the restored historic J.R. Booth mansion, a national heritage site close to Parliament Hill (tour the mansion at www.twu.ca/laurentian)
  • All planned sightseeing, entertainment and museum and other excursions with skilled and knowledgeable program instructors
  • Travel within the city
  • All meals during the program including a farewell banquet
  • All academic and resource materials
  • Wireless internet access


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Can I send in my application before or after the deadline?
Because of the competitive nature of the program, we strongly encourage students to apply early for Access Ottawa. Make sure your applications are postmarked before the application deadline of March 1. You will receive an e-mail acknowledgement confirming receipt of your application once it is received.
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I want to come to Access Ottawa, but I can’t afford it. Do you offer any scholarships?
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 local community organizations.  Also vist our resources for accepted students on how to Fundraise.
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Can I give my application to my school and ask them to send it for me?
You are responsible for postage and mailing of your own application to Access Ottawa.
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Program & Schedule

What are this year's program dates?
Program Date: _______________________
2011 Program Application Deadline: March 1

All dates subject to parliamentary calendar changes
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When do we get an official schedule of activities?
Because of the dynamic nature of political schedules and the availability of individual speakers, the daily program schedule will be made available for you at the start of each day of the program.
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When will I know what date I will be going?
You’ll be notified by email of your acceptance and your program attendance dates during the 3rd week of March.
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Where do the program events take place?
Workshops will take place in the classroom facility at the Laurentian Leadership Centre and in various locations in Ottawa. Meeting government officials will occur where it will be most convenient for them, typically in their offices. We will visit museums and sites in the area. Final schedule locations will be confirmed in the days leading up to the program, and students will receive program schedules daily during the program with the information they need.
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What are program rules for Access Ottawa attendees?
Our behavioural policy must be agreed to and signed by each participant and their parent(s) when applying to Access Ottawa.
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During free time, can I go explore the city on my own?
You’ll find that through the normal course of the Access Ottawa group activities, you will see a large portion of the city and its most important and relevant attractions. There will be some pre-arranged options during free time, when you can choose which attraction you would like to see; again, these will be supervised by an Access Ottawa staff member.
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You said there is a dress code. Do I have to dress up all the time?
The dress code applies to all activities outside of the Laurentian Leadership Centre. It is imperative that students dress in a professional manner because you will be meeting important officials and visiting prestigious institutions. However, during free time, museum visits and discussion sessions casual clothing is perfectly acceptable.

The dress code is as follows:

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


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Room and Board

Where will we be staying? What is the configuration of the living arrangements at the Laurentian Leadership Centre?
The Laurentian Leadership Centre is equipped with modern dormitory-style housing amenities, with rooms for students on the top and basement floors. Each room is spacious with no more than five students per room, and each student will have his or her own single bed. Bathroom facilities are more than adequate, as each room has its own bathroom with private, separate shower stalls. You will be provided with all bed linen and towels.
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I don't like sharing a room. Can I have my own room?
Unfortunately, the configuration of the Laurentian Leadership Centre does not enable us to give single accommodations to individual students.
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Will I have to share a bed with another student?
No. Unlike other travel programs where hotel accommodations result in four students to a room with only two beds, the Laurentian Leadership Centre accommodates students one to a bed with no more than five students per room.
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Can I request a roommate?
You are welcome to write down on your application the name of an individual who you know is applying to be a part of Access Ottawa as well. Upon acceptance of both students, we will try our best to allow you to room together; however, we cannot guarantee placement.
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Can I bring snacks?
You are welcome to bring a reasonable amount of snacks for your own personal consumption. However, be aware that eating in some parts of the Laurentian Leadership Centre, including bedrooms, is discouraged, and you will be around others students who may expect you to share.
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I have a food allergy. How will you accommodate my needs?
We try our best to accommodate students with allergies. Please make sure that this allergy is clearly marked on your application. If an issue arises, we will contact you to discuss how we can best serve your need.
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I have a relative who lives in Ottawa. Can I 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 traveling away from the Laurentian Leadership Centre can be an inconvenience.
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Travel Preparation

How much spending money should I bring?
The amount of spending money that each program participant should bring depends on the individual. The program fee covers all meals and activities; any spending money you bring would be used for souvenirs, postcards, or other shopping or activities that could be done in your free time. It is recommended that participants do not bring large amounts of money.
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How do I get from the train station / bus station / airport to the Laurentian Leadership Centre? Should I tell you what flight / train / bus I am arriving on?
Once you are accepted, we will be in contact with you to help you book and record your travel arrangements. We will confirm with you your pickup time, and a clearly recognizable Access Ottawa representative with a sign and identification tag will be there to pick you up. We will also take you back to the train station / bus station / airport. Please ensure that your ticket falls within the times specified.
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Do Access Ottawa participants travel together?
During the program, participants will travel in groups by walking or pre-arranged transport. In terms of getting to Ottawa, however, because Access Ottawa participants come from all across Canada, travel arrangements to the Ottawa airport / bus station / train station must be made by the individual participant and will not be made for you by Access Ottawa. However, if you have a friend from your own region who is also participating in Access Ottawa, you are welcome to book travel arrangements together.
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Other Questions

What is Access Ottawa?
Access Ottawa is a week-long program-a backstage pass to government and politics in Canada's capital-for students in grades 11 and 12.

Experience everything the capital has to offer. Live in a restored mansion with up to 20 other students from across Canada. Make fantastic new friends. See leaders in action in politics, government, media and business. And have a blast while you're at it.

Organized and hosted by the Laurentian Leadership Centre of Trinity Western University, Access Ottawa is a totally unique program that will set you up for future opportunities.

Access Ottawa is a non-partisan program affiliated with Trinity Western University, Langley, B.C.
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What is the Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC)?
The Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC) is a building at 252 Metcalfe Street, a few blocks away from Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa. Originally a lumber baron's mansion built over one hundred years ago, it later became the location of the Laurentian Club before it was acquired by Trinity Western University in 2001. After an extensive interior renovation to accommodate academic and residential purposes, the Laurentian Leadership Centre of Trinity Western University opened and continues to give university students the opportunity to spend a semester in Ottawa, Ontario combining course work with an internship in the field of the student's choice.
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What is Trinity Western University (TWU)?
Trinity Western University, located in Langley, B.C., is a not-for-profit Christian liberal arts university enrolling over 3,500 students this year. With a broad based, liberal arts and sciences curriculum, the University offers undergraduate degrees in 40 major areas of study ranging from business, education and computer science to biology and nursing, and 13 other graduate degrees including counseling psychology, theology and administrative leadership. A member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, Trinity Western University is a fully accredited degree granting institution.

The mission of Trinity Western University, as an arm of the church, is to develop godly Christian leaders: positive, goal-oriented university graduates with thoroughly Christian minds; growing disciples of Jesus Christ who glorify God through fulfilling the Great Commission, serving God and people in the various marketplaces of life.
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Do I need to speak both official languages?
You will only need to speak English. All Access Ottawa programs and activities will be conducted in English.
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I noticed your website describes Access Ottawa as a "faith-based" program. Can I apply if I am not a Christian?
Access Ottawa is intended for Christian high school students. You are welcome to apply if you are not a Christian, however please be aware that all programming will likely include a strongly Christian emphasis and interpretation.
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Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Unfortunately, our cancellation policy indicates that all money paid to Access Ottawa must be retained by Access Ottawa once a student has been accepted, and cannot be refunded.

While the deposit of $100, due upon application, will be refunded to any student who is not accepted to the Access Ottawa program, if the applicant is accepted then the deposit will be no longer refundable.

Please contact us for any situation which you believe to be extenuating.
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Will I have fun?
Definitely!
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Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Contact 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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