Onboarding + Orientation

Onboarding

PGME trainees hold a unique dual-role as both students of the university and employees of Alberta Health Services (AHS). These roles often intersect, so we're here to help you navigate  requirements and expectations.

You will receive your Letter of Engagement (LOE) via email from the PGME Office. You are required to sign and return this document by the return date noted in the email. 

The Disclosure of Personal Information Consent Form is contained in your welcome email. Please complete and e-sign this form digitally (not by hand) on your computer. Email it back to the PGME Office as per the instructions and deadline stated in your email.

A CCID is your main portal to accessing an abundance of campus resources. Created using a combination of your first and last name, your CCID provides access to applications like Bear Tracks, Email & Apps and the U of A Library network. 

If you already have a CCID (access to Bear Tracks and your UAlberta email account), you will retain that CCID and access to all your current U of A accounts (it will not be deactivated or changed). The PGME Office will add that information to your residency file on your behalf. 

If you do not yet have a CCID, one will be generated for you and sent to the personal email address provided in your application. That email will instruct you on how to use your CCID, including how to access your Bear Tracks account (see Bear Tracks for further information). 

Per the University of Alberta's fee calendar, you will be assessed tuition, which is required in order to be registered as a learner at the University of Alberta. You will pay this tuition by logging into Bear Tracks with your CCID and password see Bear Tracks for further information). 

Please also note that maintenance of your CPSA license on the educational register is contingent on your University of Alberta registration. This tuition is mandatory for all PGME trainees.

The Office of the Registrar will email you instructions on accessing Bear Tracks, the University’s secure self-service online system. You will use Bear Tracks to view your fee statement and pay tuition fees and update your personal contact information. You will use your Campus Computing ID (CCID) to access Bear Tracks, along with your U of A (Gmail) email account. 

Once you have received your CCID and set up your password, please log into Bear Tracks, select the “Profile” tile and ensure that all of the following sections are up-to-date: 

  • Mailing Address
  • Preferred Name
  • Gender
  • Emergency Contact
  • Banking/Direct Deposit Information (not for payroll, but for potential expense reimbursements throughout training)
For assistance navigating Bear Tracks, please see Bear Tracks Help.

Your U of A ONEcard is separate from other ID Photo cards that you require for training. The ONEcard is your official U of A identification card that also provides you with access to University-owned buildings (including library and fitness facilities), student discounts with campus partners and the ability to pay for meals and printing services on campus! 

If your program office and/or residency is located in a University-owned building, Your ONEcard (not your AHS ID badge) will provide you with access. 

PGME does not organize the printing or distribution of the physical or virtual ONEcards. Trainees should visit the ONEcard website or office (9104 HUB Mall), should they require one.

Digital Citizenship has been designed primarily for junior trainees to further educate them on the professional use of social media platforms. This course is mandatory for all PGY1 residents (completion is tracked).
 
Delivery Method: Asynchronous online learning module (please note that access is via UAlberta CCID, so if you get a 404 error then you must ensure you are logged into your UAlberta Google account in your browser before clicking the link).
Time Commitment: Approx. thirty (30) minutes
CanMEDS Roles: Communicator, Professional
Learning Objectives:
  • Gain strategies and suggestions on how best to use Social Media;
  • Reflect on some conflicts and potential pitfalls when using digital technology in patient care;
  • Recognize some of the jeopardizes of the digital world.

Developed by: Sandy Dong, MD, MSc, FRCPC, DRCPSC, DABEM

Deadline to Complete: Within the first two (2) months of your residency start date
Access Digital Citizenship Module Now

If you require a work permit, you should start the process immediately following receipt of documentation from our office. 

Do not submit your application until you receive the work permit documentation from (this includes the formal letter of employment). You are responsible for submitting all IRCC application requirements. Once you have done this, it can take up to six (6) months to finalize/approve the application. Once the IRCC has reviewed/approved your application, you will receive an email confirming that you are able to travel to Canada.

You will also need to submit a copy of your work permit to PGME once you have it.

Per the Electronic Communication Policy for Students and Applicants, our office and your fellowship program office will only contact you using your @ualberta.ca email for the duration of your training. You are expected to check this email frequently to ensure you are not missing critical information. You can access your U of A email (Gmail) account through the Email & Apps portal.

You will also need your CCID in order to access the various systems used for assessment & evaluations.

Residents: You will automatically be subscribed to our PGME resident digest, which is distributed at least once per block. Please do not unsubscribe from this newsletter or you risk missing critical information, such as licensing information, national exam deadlines and more.

ORIENTATION

PGME Orientation is always held in the last week of June for incoming trainees. Aimed to facilitate the transition into residency training, the format of the orientation is designed as a mini-conference. Trainees will have the opportunity to connect with their colleagues, attend a variety of onboarding sessions, and meet key PGME partners at our Market Hall. More detailed information, including the schedule and maps, will be circulated via email.

2026 Orientation Dates: June 24-25, 2026

*The detailed schedule will be distributed to incoming trainees by the end of April 2026

  • Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 0930-1600
    • Location: Virtual via Zoom
  • In-Person Orientation: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 0800-1605

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND?

Attendance is mandatory and tracked for both the virtual and in-person orientation days for the following trainees: 

  • Incoming PGY1 Residents
  • New Sponsored Trainees in Residency (any PGY level)
  • Re-Entry Residents

Please be sure that you are available to attend and that you are not on holiday, out-of-province, etc. Please note that incoming PGY1 residents who matched to Family Medicine Rural sites (Camrose, Grande Prairie, Red Deer, Yellowknife) are not expected to attend the in-person orientation, however, they are expected to attend the virtual orientation.

Attendance is optional for all other trainee types, but is strongly recommended for trainees who are new to UAlberta. Registration is required to attend the in-person orientation; click here to register now!

OFF-CYCLE TRAINEES

National Transfer Residents, AFC Trainees, or Fellows starting their training after July 1 will be sent information via email about obtaining your AHD ID Access Badge and Pager prior to your first day of training.