Frequently Asked Questions

How can your SA help you? Here are some quick answers to common questions. If you don't see what you need please call the SA office at 403-342-3200. We are here to help!

General | SA Service | Making Ends Meet | Health Plan

GENERAL

What does the Students' Association do for me?
The Students' Association of Red Deer College provides a voice for students both within RDC and in the larger community. In addition, the SA also provides students with a number of services, operates several on-campus businesses and holds a variety of student-oriented activities and awareness days throughout the school year. The SA also provides each student with a copy of the SARDC Student Handbook -- a handy day-timer, information source and coupon book all under one cover.

What's included in my SA Fees?
When you pay your fee you become a member of the Students' Association and are able to participate in SA events and to use SA services and facilities. Your fees are expended to cover costs of operating and maintaining our office and paying costs associated with promoting and running student government, SA services and SA events.
A small portion of your fee is contributed each year to Cultural Activities Trust account. Your fees provide support to student groups on campus and provide student scholarships. Student fees support the publication of the SA Student Handbook and the campus newspaper, Draft. Twenty-five of your fee is contributed to the SA Building Fund which pays for capital expenditures and accumulates funds for future expansion.
All SA run businesses are operating at a profit and contribute to the overall SA budget, keeping your fees as low as possible.

How can I get involved with my SA?
The Students' Association always needs volunteers for its activities and awareness days. Or for those of a more political bent, there are student government opportunities -- Academic Council, Students' Association Council, Board of Governors Representative, Students' Association Executive.
In addition, the SA hires students to work in its businesses -- The Far Side Bar & Grill and The Lift. The Bar, Grill and Lift offer students flexible hours and great work environments. If you are interested in employment with the Far Side or The Lift, come up to the SA office. Bring your resume, class schedule and cover letter.
Another way to become involved with your Students' Association is to volunteer with Draft. It's an opportunity to share your views, get to know the college and your peers better, and to see your name in print. Come up to the SA office for more information.

Where is the SA office located?
The Students' Association is located on the second floor of the Students' Association building, Room 2010 (above the Far Side Bar & Grill). It is next to the Train Station.
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SA SERVICES

Textbooks cost a lot of money, is there a way I can save some money on my books?
The SA operates a used bookstore. It is located in the SA office and likely has several of the books you will need for your courses. The used bookstore benefits students in two ways -- students save money buying their books through it and students can make some money selling their books through the SA used bookstore. Come to the SA office to find out more.

I have a lot of books and I don't want to carry them to every class. Is there some place I can store them?
The Students' Association rents lockers for student use. Lockers, which are located throughout the college, cost $20 per year -- a $10 refundable lock deposit and a $10 rental fee. Lockers must be renewed or returned by June 30 each year. PLEASE NOTE: The SA takes no responsibility for items stolen from lockers.

I need to make a photocopy. Is there some place on campus where I can do that?
Yes, the Students' Association provides photocopiers for student use. These copiers are located in the Library Information Commons.

Can I hang posters on campus?
Drop by the SA office and ask to have the poster approved. After it is stamped it is eligible to be posted on any “SA” bulletin board. External entities may NOT advertise for commercial purposes. 

Where can I purchase a bus pass?
Bus passes, bus tickets and free bus maps are available in the Lift. The Donald School of Business bus pass is available at the SA office and the DSB.

MAKING ENDS MEET

What is the SA Food Bank?
The Food Bank provides qualifying students with emergency food assistance. The Food Bank enjoys overwhelming donations from students, staff, faculty and community members throughout the year.
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HEALTH PLAN

Question – What is the health plan?
Since September 1999 the SA has provided extended health and dental coverage, which is compulsory for all full-time students. Students who have other coverage may opt out by completing the required waiver process available the SA Benefits office or from the Gallivan website BY THE SPECIFED DEADLINE

Do I have to hand a waiver in every year if I have alternate coverage?
Waivers are carried forward for full-time students attending Red Deer College in consecutive years. It is your responsibility to confirn your opt-out status with the Students Benefits Plan Office before the opt-out deadline.

I don't have other coverage any more. How do I get back into the benefits plans?
If you lose alternate coverage you can opt back into the plans on the anniversary of the benefits plans. You must contact the Students Benefits Plan Office and fill out a form before the September deadline. Payment of the fees alone will not reactivate your coverage. If you lose your coverage during the year you can opt back into the plan within 30 days with proof of your loss of coverage. You need to contact the Students Benefits Plan Office to reactivate your coverage and pay for the plans.

Can I get coverage for my family?
To add a spouse and/or child to the plan the student must complete a form and pay for those added at the Student Benefits Plan Office before the September deadline.

What is a benefit year?
The SA Student Health & Dental Plan benefits year is September 1 to August 31.

Where do I get my prescription pay-direct benefit card, benefit plan information and claim forms?
Go to our website www.gallivan.ca (choose Red Deer College) or visit the Student Benefits Plan Office in Room 2010A, located in the SA office. Snail mail: Student Benefits Plan Office, 100 College Boulevard, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5H5. Click here to send email. Phone (403) 356-4982; Fax (403) 342-2834

Why is there a specific dental plan?
The SA chose a managed plan because it is a cost effective method for providing dental care. Students only pay for the treatment not covered and there is no need to submit a claim to an insurance company for compensation for work done at Associates Dental. Students on the University of Calgary Benefits Plan attending Red Deer College also use this dentist.

How do I make a dental appointment?
Phone Associates Dental (403) 347-2377. Tell the receptionist you are a RDC student and provide your name, RDC ID # and your phone number.
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