UTRAN Frequently Asked Questions
What are the perks of the UTRAN Program?
- Access to first year university
- Dedicated Academic Coaches/Advisors
- Access to popular first year courses
- Weekly LC Hour with Peer Mentors
- Weekly Academic Coaching
- Small cohorts of students
Does this year in the UTRAN Program count towards my degree?
Absolutely! The 18 credits units that you will take throughout the year will count towards your degree upon successful completion of your courses.
Who is the UTRAN Program for?
The program designed to see that first year students succeed in their transition to university life. Students under the age of 21 whose high school average is between 60% and 69% are eligible for the UTRAN Program.
How does the UTRAN application process work?
The first step for getting accepted to the UTRAN Program is to apply to the U of S as an undergraduate, go to: https://www.usask.ca/admission/
How do I sign up for the UTRAN Program?
Once you have completed the Admission Process which includes an Intake Questionnaire you will be contacted by the UTRAN Academic Coaches/Advisors who will assist you with the sign-up and registration into the UTRAN Learning Communities.
What is the difference between the UTRAN Program and the UTRAN Learning Communities?
Good question! The UTRAN Program itself offers the courses within in the format of a Learning Communities Model. The UTRAN Program refers to the entire program and the UTRAN Learning Communities refers to the combinations of three courses offered along with an Academic Coaching Hour and Learning Communities Hour. There are 7 different Learning Communities combinations offered in each term.
What is a Learning Community?
A Learning Community (LC) is a small group of first year students (for UTRAN there are 25 students in each LC) that take classes together and share common interests.
What is a Learning Community (LC) Hour?
The Learning Community (LC) Hour is held once per week in each LC by successful upper year student peers, known as Peer Mentors. At the weekly LC Hour you will learn tips and tricks on how to succeed in university, build a community and strengthen your academic skills plus, make connections!
The LC hour is non-credit course and will not have any assignments.
Is my Peer Mentor a Tutor for my course?
No. Your Peer Mentors are students in their upper years of university. They facilitate your weekly sessions, some of which will focus on developing academic skills such as note-taking, study skills, exam preparation and time management. Most important, your Peer Mentors act as a resource for you as you navigate your way through your first year.
What is the Academic Coaching (AC) Hour?
The Academic Coaching (AC) Hour is held one per week in each LC by one or both of our Academic Coaches/Advisors. The AC Hour is focused on strategies first year students require to succeed here at university. Your coaches will assist you in getting comfortable on campus, understanding your role in the university learning environment, identifying your strengths and exploring how you can apply them as a student.
The LC Hour and the AC Hour go hand by hand, so be sure to take full advantage of both!
Are there any extra fees required for the UTRAN Program?
No. The LC and AC Hours are non-credit courses with no tuition or fees attached.
However, you will be responsible for all tuition and fees associated with the courses in the UTRAN Learning Communities you register in for Term 1 and Term 2.
How do I complete the UTRAN Program?
Upon successful completion of the 18 credit units you have taken in the UTRAN Learning Communities as well as remaining in good academic standing for a first year student, you will then move on to your second year of studies in the College of Arts & Science.
When I complete the UTRAN Program can I transfer to another college at the University of Saskatchewan?
Yes, you may apply to transfer colleges upon successful completion of the UTRAN Program. You are welcome to meet with an Academic Advisor from your prospective college of choice to discuss transferring programs and the requirements for admissions to that college here at the University of Saskatchewan.