# Dash for Portage College students

> Dash is an AI sidekick students at Portage College (Lac La Biche, Alberta) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Moodle, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with Portage College. Start at https://textdash.ai/start

Page: https://textdash.ai/alberta/lac-la-biche/portage-college
Checked: 2026-10-14

## Key dates at Portage

- Fri, Oct 16, 2026: Fall reading week ends ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Mon, Oct 19, 2026: Classes resume after fall reading week ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Fri, Nov 6, 2026: Awards deadline ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Remembrance Day — college closed ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Tue, Dec 15, 2026: Winter term tuition fees due ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Fri, Dec 18, 2026: Fall term ends ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Mon, Dec 21, 2026: Holiday break begins — no classes ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Fri, Jan 1, 2027: Holiday break ends ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Mon, Jan 4, 2027: Winter term begins; classes resume ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))
- Fri, Jan 15, 2027: Awards deadline ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/important-dates/))

## Tools and offices

- Learning system: Moodle
- 24/7 suicide crisis support: Call 988, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For emergencies, call 911. (https://portagecollege.ca/counselling-wellness/)
- Alberta Mental Health Helpline: 24/7 helpline: 1-877-303-2642. (https://portagecollege.ca/counselling-wellness/)
- Counselling appointments: Confidential in-person or telephone/video appointments; walk-ins welcome. Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Call 780-623-5551 or 1-866-623-5551. (https://portagecollege.ca/contact-counselling/)
- Mental Health Navigator: Confidential guidance, connections to on- and off-campus services, and wellness tools. Alanna Ansell serves Cold Lake and Frog Lake; Debbie Jansen serves Lac La Biche and St. Paul. (https://portagecollege.ca/mental-health-navigator/)
- Registrar’s Office: Call 780-623-5551 for advanced or transfer credit information. The office also handles course-change forms and official transcript requests. (https://portagecollege.ca/student-policies-procedures)
- Financial aid: Information about Alberta Student Aid, Canada student loans and grants, apprenticeship assistance, Foundational Learning Assistance, and Indigenous student funding. Alberta Student Aid recommends applying at least two months before the program or courses start. (https://portagecollege.ca/financial-aid/)
- Learning Technology Support: For forgotten passwords and login assistance, call 1-888-623-5717. (https://portagecollege.ca/faculty-and-staff/login)
- IT Helpdesk: For account lockouts after five failed login attempts, call 780-623-5700, Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (https://portagecollege.onelogin.com/custom_branding/login_instructions)

## About Portage

- The college began in 1968 as Alberta NewStart, an adult education initiative in Lac La Biche. ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/about/history/))
- Indigenous students saved the school from closure with a 26-day sit-in in 1970; it then became Pe-Ta-Pun, meaning “New Dawn.” ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/about/history/))
- The institution adopted the name Portage College in 1999. ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/about/history/))
- Portage College has seven campuses across northern Alberta. ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/about/))
- Most classes have between 16 and 24 students, according to the college’s athletics student guide. ([source](https://athletics.portagecollege.ca/Student-Athletes/What_is_a_Voyageurs))
- Student Services program advisors help students choose programs and classes. ([source](https://athletics.portagecollege.ca/Student-Athletes/What_is_a_Voyageurs))
- Student Learning Services offers help with study skills and time management. ([source](https://athletics.portagecollege.ca/Student-Athletes/What_is_a_Voyageurs))
- Fans can meet mascot Eddy Rocks at Voyageurs home games and school activities. ([source](https://athletics.portagecollege.ca/Fan-Zone/mascot))
- The annual Educational Round Dance in Lac La Biche brings people together for Indigenous education, ceremony, drumming and dancing. ([source](https://portagecollege.ca/news/educational-round-dance-links-young-and-old-past-and-present/))

## Questions

### What learning system does Portage use?

Portage College uses Moodle. Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password.

### When is holiday break at Portage?

Portage's holiday break is Dec 21–Jan 1, according to the school's academic dates. Dash can text you a heads-up the week before.

### How do I contact the registrar at Portage?

Registrar’s Office: Call 780-623-5551 for advanced or transfer credit information. The office also handles course-change forms and official transcript requests.

### Where do I get financial aid help at Portage?

Financial aid: Information about Alberta Student Aid, Canada student loans and grants, apprenticeship assistance, Foundational Learning Assistance, and Indigenous student funding. Alberta Student Aid recommends applying at least two months before the program or courses start.

### Is Dash affiliated with Portage College?

No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Portage College.

### How do Portage students start using Dash?

Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at Portage. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.