# Dash for Red Deer Polytechnic students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at Red Deer Polytechnic (Red Deer, Alberta) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Brightspace, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with Red Deer Polytechnic. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/alberta/red-deer/red-deer-polytechnic Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at RDP - Mon, Oct 19, 2026: Credit classes resume ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Remembrance Day — Polytechnic closed ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Fri, Nov 13, 2026: Final exam schedule posted ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Wed, Dec 9, 2026: Last day of Fall classes ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Wed, Dec 9, 2026: Last day to withdraw from Fall term courses and receive a WD ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Mon, Dec 14, 2026: First day of final exams ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Fri, Dec 18, 2026: Last day of final exams ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Thu, Dec 24, 2026: Polytechnic closes at noon ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Fri, Dec 25, 2026: Polytechnic closure begins (December 25–31) ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) - Thu, Dec 31, 2026: Polytechnic closure ends (December 25–31) ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar/important-dates)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Brightspace (https://rdp.brightspace.com) - Student portal: https://rdpolytech.ca/MyRDP - 24/7 Student Assistance Program: Confidential mental health and wellness support, available 24/7, 365 days a year through the SARDP domestic student assistance program. Dialogue’s 24/7 bilingual call centre: 1-855-853-0565; immediate access to clinicians for crisis situations. (https://sardp-domestic.alumo.ca/mental-health-coverage) - Counselling Services: Free, confidential counselling for RDP students. Call 403.343.4064 or email counselling@rdpolytech.ca. Room 1402; Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. Fall and Winter walk-ins: weekdays 1–3 pm, with extended Wednesday hours of 10 am–6 pm (last appointment at 5 pm). (https://rdpolytech.ca/student-life/student-services/counselling-services) - Office of the Registrar: Help with registration, fees, academic records, important dates and graduation. Call 403.342.3400 or 1.888.732.4630 toll-free within Canada; email registrars@rdpolytech.ca. Located in the main hallway of the main campus. (https://rdpolytech.ca/about-us/services-departments/office-registrar) - Financial Aid & Awards — Student Connect Centre: Help navigating student loans, grants and awards. Room 1102; open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. Financial aid drop-ins: Monday and Friday, 9–11:30 am; Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11:30 am and 1–3:30 pm. (https://rdpolytech.ca/student-life/student-services/student-connect-centre) - IT access help: Instructions for accessing Brightspace and email when MyRDP is unavailable. For further help, search the IT Services portal or sign in with your RDP email and password to submit a support ticket. (https://answers.rdpolytech.ca/technology/faq/14675) ## About RDP - RDP opened in 1964 in temporary quarters at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, starting with 119 students. ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/news/historic-60-year-timeline-rdp)) - The campus has 4,200 solar panels. ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/news/historic-60-year-timeline-rdp)) - In 1979, the Students’ Association opened its own building—the first student-raised building at an Alberta technical institute or college. ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/news/historic-60-year-timeline-rdp)) - Dance and rodeo joined RDP Athletics as Kings and Queens teams for the 2024/2025 season. ([source](https://rdpolytechathletics.ca/general/2024-25/releases/20240815jaic3j)) - The Students’ Association runs the FarSide Bar & Grill and The Lift, and hosts events throughout the year. ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/student-life)) - All RDP students can access three free, course-specific peer tutoring sessions through the Students’ Association. ([source](https://sardp.ca/programs-services/)) - Welcome Week includes crafts, info fairs, free food and opportunities to meet other students. ([source](https://rdpolytech.ca/events/welcome-week)) - The on-campus Food Bank is available through a referral from the Student Connect Centre. ([source](https://sardp.ca/programs-services/)) - The Students’ Association offers a special student rate for Red Deer Transit passes. ([source](https://sardp.ca/programs-services/)) ## Questions ### What learning system does RDP use? Red Deer Polytechnic uses Brightspace (rdp.brightspace.com). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password. ### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at RDP? Last day to withdraw from Fall term courses and receive a WD (Wednesday, December 9, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar. ### When are final exams at RDP? Final exam schedule posted starts Friday, November 13. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### How do I contact the registrar at RDP? Office of the Registrar: Help with registration, fees, academic records, important dates and graduation. Call 403.342.3400 or 1.888.732.4630 toll-free within Canada; email registrars@rdpolytech.ca. Located in the main hallway of the main campus. ### Where do I get financial aid help at RDP? Financial Aid & Awards — Student Connect Centre: Help navigating student loans, grants and awards. Room 1102; open Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. Financial aid drop-ins: Monday and Friday, 9–11:30 am; Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11:30 am and 1–3:30 pm. ### Is Dash affiliated with Red Deer Polytechnic? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Red Deer Polytechnic. ### How do RDP students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at RDP. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.