# Dash for University of Alberta students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Canvas, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with University of Alberta. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/alberta/edmonton/ualberta Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at U of A - Mon, Nov 9, 2026: Fall reading week begins; some faculties and placement terms excepted ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) - Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Remembrance Day; university buildings closed ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) - Fri, Nov 13, 2026: Fall reading week ends; some faculties and placement terms excepted ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) - Wed, Dec 9, 2026: Fall examinations begin; exceptions may apply ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) - Tue, Dec 22, 2026: Fall examinations end; exceptions may apply ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) - Fri, Dec 25, 2026: Winter closure begins; university buildings closed ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) - Thu, Dec 31, 2026: Winter closure ends ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) - Fri, Jan 1, 2027: New Year's Day; university buildings closed ([source](https://calendar.ualberta.ca/content.php?catoid=69&hl=&navoid=20884)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Canvas (https://canvas.ualberta.ca) - Student portal: https://www.beartracks.ualberta.ca/ - Edmonton and Area Distress Line: 780-482-4357. Support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone thinking about suicide. (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/current-students/need-help-now.html) - Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 for help in English or French, 24/7, for yourself or someone else thinking about suicide. Call 911 for immediate risk of harm. (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/current-students/need-help-now.html) - ACCESS 24/7: 780-424-2424. Mental health resources available to Albertans, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/current-students/need-help-now.html) - Counselling + Clinical Services: Free, confidential therapy, group therapy, workshops, psychiatric services, consultations and referrals for eligible students. In-person or remote appointments subject to availability. Not intended for crisis situations. (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/current-students/counselling/index.html) - Student Service Centre / Registrar support: Help with registration, timetabling, exams, transcripts, academic records, tuition and fees, scholarships, bursaries, emergency funding and student loans. (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/services/student-service-centre/our-support-options.html) - Scholarships, Awards + Financial Support: Information on scholarships, awards, bursaries, emergency funding and student loans. Contact the Student Service Centre to speak to an advisor. (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/registrar/scholarships-awards-financial-support/index.html) - Accessibility assistance for financial support applications: Students with a permanent disability who need accessibility support to complete their application can contact arrec@ualberta.ca. (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/registrar/scholarships-awards-financial-support/index.html) - Canvas technical support: Email eclass@ualberta.ca or call 780-492-9372 for support. (https://support.eclass.ualberta.ca/Knowledgebase/Article/View/565/0/using-canvas-for-students) ## About U of A - Marion Kirby Alexander suggested green and gold after drawing inspiration from the autumn colours of Edmonton’s river valley. ([source](https://web.archive.org/web/20120102172817/http:/www.toolkit.ualberta.ca/en/VisualIdentityGuidelines/OurColours.aspx)) - GUBA got his name through a name-the-bear contest won by student Dave Zaharko, who later became a CFL linebacker. ([source](https://bearsandpandas.ca/staff-directory/guba-great-university-bear-of-alberta-/358)) - The university’s Cheer Song began with a Students’ Union contest in 1935, with lyrics written by two undergraduates. ([source](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/chancellor-and-senate/senate/university-traditions.html)) - The first varsity hockey team formed in 1908 and hosted games on an outdoor rink on McKernan Lake. ([source](https://bearsandpandas.ca/sports/2020/11/4/athletics-history.aspx)) - GREEN+GOLD Fridays encourage students to wear school colours and unlock special offers across campus. ([source](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/campus-life/we-are-green-gold.html)) - More than 450 student groups offer opportunities to get involved—or start a new group. ([source](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/campus-life/index.html)) - The Student Service Centre connects students with academic, financial, mental and physical well-being support. ([source](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/campus-life/index.html)) - First Peoples’ House supports personal and academic growth for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners. ([source](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/campus-life/index.html)) - Campus libraries provide online research help, computer access and touchdown spaces. ([source](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/campus-life/index.html)) ## Questions ### What learning system does U of A use? University of Alberta uses Canvas (canvas.ualberta.ca). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password. ### When is reading week at U of A? U of A's reading week is Nov 9–13, according to the school's academic dates. Dash can text you a heads-up the week before. ### When are final exams at U of A? Fall examinations begin; exceptions may apply starts Wednesday, December 9. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### How do I contact the registrar at U of A? Student Service Centre / Registrar support: Help with registration, timetabling, exams, transcripts, academic records, tuition and fees, scholarships, bursaries, emergency funding and student loans. ### Where do I get financial aid help at U of A? Scholarships, Awards + Financial Support: Information on scholarships, awards, bursaries, emergency funding and student loans. Contact the Student Service Centre to speak to an advisor. ### Is Dash affiliated with University of Alberta? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Alberta. ### How do U of A students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at U of A. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.