Welcome to the First-Year Students’ Office.



The First-Year Students’ Office is here to make sure you enjoy the best Dawson experience possible.

Whether you need academic, financial, wellness or emotional support, Dawson has services to help you succeed. All you have to do is ask.

We can help you resolve almost any college problem, and If we can’t, we promise to direct you to our friendly colleagues in other services who can.

Check out the resources below to familiarize yourself with everything Dawson has to offer. Drop by our lounge in 2D.0 between 9 AM and 6 PM if you have classes on campus or contact us at firstyear@dawsoncollege.qc.ca, and we will be happy to assist you.



  • Welcome Days

    Start your semester on the right track!

    Getting Started

    Welcome Days
    • Welcome Day date for your program
    • Get familiar Dawson and your new program
    • Learn about the support services available to you
    • Connect with teachers and other new students in your program
    • Get your Dawson ID card
    View Welcome Days
  • Placement Tests

    Get placed in the right English and French classes.

    Getting Started

    Placement Tests
    • Check whether you need to write an English and/or French placement test
    • See test dates
    View Placement Tests
  • Registration Videos

    How-to videos to help you register for your courses.

    Getting Started

    Registration Videos
    • How to activate your student portal
    • Step-by-step registration guide
    • Course change instructions
    • How to pay fees
    • Where to find your schedule online
    View Registration Videos
  • Registration Fees

    All the info you need about your Dawson course fees.

    Getting Started

    Registration Fees
    • Student fees for new, returning, and Continuing Education students
    • Fee deadlines
    • Payment options
    • Tax receipts
    • Non-Quebec Resident fees
    View Registration Fees
  • Course Registration

    All the documents you need to choose your courses.

    Getting Started

    Course Registration
    • Timetable of courses
    • Course descriptions
    • Teacher information
    • Course pre-requisites
    • Registration Help Info
    View Course Registration
  • Support with Academic Skills and Writing

    Achieve your academic goals by consulting one of our ASC staff members

    Student Essentials

    Support with Academic Skills and Writing
    • Meet with a professional who specializes in academic skills support
    • Areas of support include study skills, oral presentations, essay-writing and English language skills.
    • Online or in-person services to suit your needs!
    View Support with Academic Skills and Writing
  • Online Student Guides

    Online Tutorials for some of Dawson's most common applications.

    Student Essentials

    Online Student Guides
    • Setting up your Dawson Computer Accounts and Installing Zoom
    • How to Access Omnivox
    • How to Access Office 365
    • How to Access Moodle
    • How to Access MIO
    • How to Access LEA
    View Online Student Guides
  • Buzz Words you need to know

    From Advancement to Mid-term Assessment to Program Transfer, these are some must-know terms.

    Student Essentials

    Buzz Words you need to know
    • Learn the academic lingo that students need to know
    • Understand the information the college sends you
    View Buzz Words you need to know
  • Student ID Card

    Your ID card is essential to access College services.

    Student Essentials

    Student ID Card
    • How to get your ID card
    • What services require your card
    • Your card needs a validation sticker
    View Student ID Card
  • Opus Card Information

    Taking the bus/train/metro to Dawson? This is what you need.

    Student Essentials

    Opus Card Information
    • STM photo studio info
    • Costs involved
    • Where to get the form for your student fare access
    View Opus Card Information
  • Locker Rental

    You’re going to need a locker, here’s how to get one.

    Student Essentials

    Locker Rental
    • Lockers are available online
    • Certain fees apply
    • Art/Design students require portfolio lockers
    View Locker Rental
  • Wifi, Computer and Photocopy/Printing Access

    What you need to know about computer/smart phone access at Dawson.

    Student Essentials

    Wifi, Computer and Photocopy/Printing Access
    • How to get your username and password
    • Where can you print/copy documents?
    • Computer lab locations
    View Wifi, Computer and Photocopy/Printing Access
  • Printing and Photocopying

  • Tutoring

    Why struggle with a course when you can get free tutoring?

    Student Essentials

    Tutoring
    • Peer tutors are students with strong grades who can help you with specific course material
    • How to access a tutor via the Academic Skills Centre
    • How to become a tutor if you’re qualified
    View Tutoring
  • Used Textbooks

    New textbooks are purchased in the bookstore, but sometimes used books are an option.

    Student Essentials

    Used Textbooks
    • Check out the Facebook page where books are bought and sold
    • Deal directly with students selling books
    • Post your books for sale at the end of the semester
    View Used Textbooks
  • Preferred Name Program

    Request a modification to your first name in the Dawson College systems.

    Student Services

    Preferred Name Program
    • Your preferred name will be used in all internal systems, such as Moodle, as well as:
    • Lea
    • Student ID card
    • Class lists
    • All future correspondences
    View Preferred Name Program
  • Campus Life

    Student Services

    Campus Life
    • Online Events
    • Meeting friends
    • Volunteering
    • Para-academic groups
    • Recognition of Student Involvement
    • Second Hand Book Exchange or Sale
    • Locker Rentals
    View Campus Life
  • Sexual Violence

    Student Services

    Sexual Violence
    • Need help now?
    • Sexual Violence Services
    • External Information & Resources
    • Report an Incident
    • Policies & Procedures
    View Sexual Violence
  • Academic Advising

    Academic Advisors will help you with your academic decisions.

    Student Services

    Academic Advising
    • In-person drop-in schedule
    • Online chat schedule
    • Information for potential students
    • Advising for new students
    • Planning for returning students
    • Guidance for graduating students
    View Academic Advising
  • Awards and Scholarships

    You may be eligible for a scholarship!

    Student Services

    Awards and Scholarships
    • In-course scholarships
    • Graduation awards
    • External awards
    • How to apply
    • Nomination process
    View Awards and Scholarships
  • Financial Aid

    Financial support throughout your studies when money is tight!

    Student Services

    Financial Aid
    • Government loans and bursaries
    • Book loans
    • Emergency loans
    • Budgeting tips
    • Food bank
    • Snack centre
    View Financial Aid
  • Services for Indigenous Students

    All the info you need as an Indigenous student!

    Student Services

    Services for Indigenous Students
    • First Peoples’ Centre
    • Indigenous Student Association
    • Indigenous Days
    • How to get involved
    View Services for Indigenous Students
  • AccessAbility Centre

    Support for students with medical conditions, learning disabilities, hearing, visual, or motor/coordination impairment issues.

    Student Services

    AccessAbility Centre
    • Note takers
    • Exam accommodations
    • Specialized equipment and software
    • Liaison with teachers
    • Alternative formats of texts or documents
    View AccessAbility Centre
  • Health Services

    General health/medical support at Dawson.

    Student Services

    Health Services
    • Consultation with a Nurse by appointment
    • Doctor available by appointment (if you do not have a family doctor)
    • Gynecologist appointments on campus
    • STI prevention and testing
    • Pregnancy testing
    • Contraceptive counseling and prescription
    View Health Services
  • Counselling

    Get help with personal problems and challenges you might be facing.

    Student Services

    Counselling
    • Help manage your anxiety
    • Professional staff ready to support you
    • Confidential sessions
    • Drop-in availability
    View Counselling
  • Career Development

    Not sure about your career path? We can help!

    Student Services

    Career Development
    • Guidance in choosing a university major
    • Help with career and educational choices
    • Career Cruising Workshops
    • Find the best career information websites
    View Career Development
  • Student Employment

    Looking for work? Come see us!

    Student Services

    Student Employment
    • Help with your CV
    • Visit the student job bank
    • Drop-in availability
    • We host the Annual Dawson Job Fair
    View Student Employment
  • Athletics

    Home of the Dawson Blues! Check out our Athletics site.

    Student Services

    Athletics
    • Find out about our teams
    • Check the tryout schedule
    • Learn more about our sports facilities
    • Stay fit with our Campus Recreation options
    View Athletics
  • Gender Advocacy Centre

    We serve all Dawson students, regardless of gender identity.

    Student Services

    Gender Advocacy Centre
    • Free menstrual supplies
    • Shaving kits
    • Soothing tea and hot compresses for pains
    • Chest binders available
    • A Safe Space – come talk to us!
    View Gender Advocacy Centre
  • Physics Tutorial Room

    If you have questions about your physics courses, you can find help here.

    Service Centres

    Physics Tutorial Room
    • Volunteer tutors helping with your physics courses
    • Tutors are either teachers or selected students
    • In room 7A.1
    View Physics Tutorial Room
  • Library

    Visit our historic yet high-tech library that once housed the chapel of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame.

    Service Centres

    Library
    • Use the online search tools to find books and articles
    • Find out Library hours
    • Get help with your research project
    • Ask a librarian!
    View Library
  • Bookstore

    Most of what you need in terms of books and school supplies can be found here!

    Service Centres

    Bookstore
    • Find out which books you need
    • See our selection of binders, notebooks and pens, etc.
    • Check out the Dawson-branded apparel
    View Bookstore
  • Computer Labs

    Labs are available for you to access PC’s.

    Service Centres

    Computer Labs
    • Locations of labs
    • Computer lab schedule
    • Technicians available to help you
    View Computer Labs
  • Athletics Facilities (PARC)

    Dawson’s athletic facilities are located in the P.A.R.C. complex.

    Service Centres

    Athletics Facilities (PARC)
    • Triple Gymnasium
    • Multiple weight training rooms
    • Dance/combat rooms
    • Spinning equipment
    View Athletics Facilities (PARC)
  • Academic Skills Centre

    This service will be crucial to your academic success.

    Service Centres

    Academic Skills Centre
    • Free and confidential service
    • Professional help with your studies
    • Peer tutoring
    • Help with exam prep and oral presentations
    View Academic Skills Centre
  • CLÉO French Resources

    This centre will help you improve your performance in the required French courses.

    Service Centres

    CLÉO French Resources
    • Help with correction of written assignments
    • Feedback on oral presentations
    • Improvement of reading comprehension
    View CLÉO French Resources
  • Math Tutorial Rooms

    If you’re taking Calculus I, Linear Algebra or Calculus II, this is an important resource to help you succeed.

    Service Centres

    Math Tutorial Rooms
    • Volunteer tutors helping with your math comprehension
    • Student tutors familiar with your courses
    • Teachers also staff the rooms voluntarily to help you
    View Math Tutorial Rooms
  • The First-Year Experience Program

    Your first year at Dawson on easy mode! Meet other first-year students and learn to navigate your College experience with us

    Getting Involved

    The First-Year Experience Program
    • Peer meeting groups, campus treasure hunts, de-stressing cafés, and more!
    • An opportunity to unpack all your questions and concerns with First-Year staff
    • Free snacks and drinks are include
    View The First-Year Experience Program
  • Campus Life

    Getting Involved

    Campus Life
    • Online Events
    • Meeting friends
    • Volunteering
    • Para-academic groups
    • Recognition of Student Involvement
    • Second Hand Book Exchange or Sale
    • Locker Rentals
    View Campus Life
  • Recreational Activities

    Check out our list of activities to keep in shape!

    Getting Involved

    Recreational Activities
    • Group classes
    • Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Rip, Kung Fu and more
    • Open gyms
    • Badminton, volleyball, basketball, ping pong and more
    • Weight training
    View Recreational Activities
  • Athletics (tryouts)

    Home of the Dawson Blues! Check out our Athletics site.

    Getting Involved

    Athletics (tryouts)
    • Find out about our teams
    • Check the tryout schedule
    • Learn more about our sports facilities
    • Stay fit with our Campus Recreation options
    View Athletics (tryouts)
  • Student Clubs

    Join one of many Dawson student clubs!

    Getting Involved

    Student Clubs
    • All clubs are student run
    • The DSU oversees the creation and operation of clubs
    • We have clubs of all types
    • If it doesn’t exist, find out how and create your own!
    View Student Clubs
  • Sustainable Dawson

    Dawson is a leader in sustainability!

    Getting Involved

    Sustainable Dawson
    • Find out about Living Campus initiatives
    • Learn about our rooftop gardens/bee hives
    • Visit our Habitat Zones
    • Get involved!
    View Sustainable Dawson
  • Blue Ring Society

    Would you like to become a Dawson ambassador? Here’s how.

    Getting Involved

    Blue Ring Society
    • Participate in leadership activities
    • Host college events
    • Organize fundraising activities
    • Meet students with similar interests
    View Blue Ring Society
  • Dawson Student Union

    Get involved and represent your fellow students!

    Getting Involved

    Dawson Student Union
    • Support student rights
    • Represent students with college administration
    • Inspire and empower students
    • Connect students through engaging campus activities
    View Dawson Student Union
  • Policy on Sexual Violence

    Dawson College is committed to preventing and fighting sexual violence through education and support, as outlined in the Policy on Sexual Violence.

  • Academic Integrity Policy

    This policy addresses the expectation that students, staff, faculty and administrators will act truthfully and honestly in the preparation of their work.

  • Code of Conduct

    The Code of Conduct deals with non-academic rules and outlines what actions constitute misconduct.

  • Evaluation Policy (ISEP)

    The evaluation policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of students, teachers and administrators with regard to student evaluation.

  • IT User Policy

    This policy applies to all users of Dawson’s IT resources and relates to rules about cyber-harassment, spamming, hacking and more.

  • Authorized Absence

    Authorized Absence can be requested if you have serious medical or other reasons that prevented you from attending school for more than three weeks.