Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Who is CILLDI for?
CILLDI is for Elders, adults, and youth from diverse communities. Students may be speakers, learners, teachers, or language activists. What connects them is the drive to promote, protect, preserve, practice, and pass on their language(s). Through participating at CILLDI, students also become part of a network of language researchers and activists working to support the maintenance and revitalization of Indigenous languages.
I am not Canadian. Can I come to CILLDI?
Yes! We are trying to be more accessible not only throughout Canada, but also around the world. Thanks to our online classes, you do not need to travel to Canada for three weeks in the Summer. In addition, since 2022, the tuition differential for International students wanting to take CILLDI courses is waived, meaning your tuition will be the same as that of domestic students.
What is Open Studies?
Applying to Open Studies allows you to take U of A courses without entering into a degree program. There is a non-refundable $125 application fee that must be included with your application form. If you have been a U of A student previously, the application fee is only $75. Once your application form and fee have been processed, you will receive a U of A ID number and password. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions regarding this process.
How can I register?

If you have been a student in the past 12 months, your student ID number will still be active, so you can enrol by emailing cilldi@ualberta.ca. If you are not currently a UofA student, you will need to apply for admission. You can learn more about this here.

Please note that you are only eligible to take a maximum of 30 credits (ten 3-credit courses) as an Open Studies student; at this point you are expected to enroll in a degree program if you wish to continue taking courses.

I have completed the application process, but now am unable to attend CILLDI this summer. How do I receive a refund for the application fee?
Unfortunately, this fee is non-refundable.
Can I take a class in only one Block? Or, alternatively, do I have to take all the classes offered by CILLDI?

Students are welcome to take just one course, although we do try to encourage them to take one in each block. It is actually impossible to take all of the CILLDI courses in one summer-students may select up to a maximum of one course per block. Because of the condensed length of CILLDI courses, we discourage students from enrolling if they plan to miss several days of the class.

How do I find funding for CILLDI?

CILLDI has a bursary program that you can apply for, and the deadline is usually in March. Check out our Funding Opportunity page for more information. CILLDI staff can write you a letter of support to help you find funding from your band, employer, or government.

In-Person Classes

Do CILLDI classes run on weekends?

No, they do not. CILLDI classes are from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with a one-hour break at noon.

How do I reserve housing for CILLDI? Do I need to fill out a housing application form?

CILLDI students do not need to fill out a housing application with us. There are residence spaces available in Lister Centre.

What is the location of the class I am registered in? This is not listed on Beartracks.

All CILLDI students should meet at the registration table (location to be announced) at the beginning of CILLDI. Classrooms booked for CILLDI are often allocated at the last minute based on class sizes and needs. Students will be given their registration packages at this time, which will contain information about their class location.

Online Classes

What will I need to take an online course?

You must have reliable access to a home computer and the internet, preferrably high-speed (cable or DSL). Speakers, headphones, and/or a webcam and microphone may be needed for some course components. Consider your access to a printer/scanner if you prefer reading or doing homework with paper.

What kind of support will I have as an online student?

All students will have regular online access to CILLDI staff, volunteers, and the university for technological support or class questions. You will also be working through your course alongside your instructor and your classmates — you are not alone! See the people page to get to know us in advance!

When will the classes take place?

Courses will be active over the two months of the Summer semester (July-August). Exact dates will depend on which course(s) you decide to take. Some will run over 3 weeks and others are be offered over 6 weeks.

How many courses can I take online?

You can still take up to two courses this summer. Depending on whether they’re 3 or 6-weeks, you may take two at the same time or one after the other (for example, LING 111 then 211).

We recommend working 3 to 4 hours each day for each 3-week class. Each 6- week course will be about 1 to 2 hours of work per day.

 

 

Group at a table outside