# Dash for University of Ottawa students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at University of Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Brightspace, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with University of Ottawa. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/ontario/ottawa/uottawa Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at uOttawa - Thu, Oct 15, 2026: Fall 2026 exam schedule posted in uoZone ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Sun, Oct 25, 2026: Fall 2026 reading week begins — faculty and program exceptions apply ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Sat, Oct 31, 2026: Fall 2026 reading week ends — faculty and program exceptions apply ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Fri, Nov 20, 2026: Fall 2026 final withdrawal deadline — no financial credit ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Wed, Dec 9, 2026: Fall 2026 classes end; usual Monday course schedule applies ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Thu, Dec 10, 2026: Fall 2026 exam period begins ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Tue, Dec 22, 2026: Fall 2026 exam period ends ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Tue, Dec 22, 2026: Holiday closure begins at 5 p.m. ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Thu, Dec 31, 2026: Fall 2026 term ends ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) - Fri, Jan 1, 2027: Winter 2027 term begins ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/important-academic-dates-deadlines)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Brightspace (https://uottawa.brightspace.com/d2l/home) - Good2Talk — 24/7 mental health support: Bilingual post-secondary student helpline in Ontario: call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868; for French, text ALLOJECOUTEON. (https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/immediate-support) - Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 in Canada. Bilingual support available 24/7. (https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/immediate-support) - Ottawa Distress Centre: 24/7 bilingual support: 613-238-3311 in Ottawa and region; 1-866-676-1080 in Gatineau and region. (https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/immediate-support) - Student Assistance Program: Mental health and wellness services available 24/7 through Dialogue. Bilingual call centre: 1-855-853-0565. Eligibility depends on plan coverage. (https://uosu.alumo.ca/student-assistance-program) - Graduate student counselling support: Graduate students can speak to a counsellor immediately, 24/7, 365 days a year: 1-855-649-8641. (https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/getting-help-students/student-in-crisis) - Protection Services — campus emergencies: Call 613-562-5411 for immediate on-campus safety concerns, 24/7. For off-campus emergencies, call 911. (https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/immediate-support) - Brightspace technical support: Help is available 24/7, 365 days a year through a support portal with chat, a support form, or by phone at (866) 811-3201. (https://saea-tlss.uottawa.ca/en/about-tlss/persona-student/virtual-campus-brightspace-for-students) ## About uOttawa - Founded in 1848 as the College of Bytown, uOttawa taught students in both English and French from the beginning. ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/administration-services/information-archives-management-service/history-uottawa)) - uOttawa is the world's largest English-French bilingual university. ([source](https://uottawa.ca/about/)) - The Gee-Gees name comes from the initials of garnet and grey; a gee-gee is also the lead horse in a race. ([source](https://www.geegees.ca/sites/default/files/documents/football/fanguide-en.pdf)) - Established in 1881, uOttawa's football team is the third oldest university football team in Canada. ([source](https://teams.geegees.ca/landing/gee-geestradition/welcome)) - 101 Week welcomes first-year students with campus activities, Shinerama and friendly inter-faculty competitions. ([source](https://www.seuo-uosu.com/student-life/101-week)) - The annual uoShow is a free Welcome Week music festival attracting up to 6,000 students. ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/why-uottawa/student-life)) - The Panda Game pits the uOttawa Gee-Gees against the Carleton Ravens in a football rivalry. ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/panda-fest)) - The Dining Hall hosts more than 70 special events. ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/study/why-uottawa/student-life)) - Campus wellness resources include the Student Health and Wellness Centre and Food Support Hub. ([source](https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/)) ## Questions ### What learning system does uOttawa use? University of Ottawa uses Brightspace (uottawa.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 reading week at uOttawa? uOttawa's reading week is Oct 25–31, according to the school's academic dates. Dash can text you a heads-up the week before. ### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at uOttawa? Fall 2026 final withdrawal deadline — no financial credit (Friday, November 20, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar. ### When are final exams at uOttawa? Fall 2026 exam schedule posted in uoZone starts Thursday, October 15. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### Is Dash affiliated with University of Ottawa? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Ottawa. ### How do uOttawa students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at uOttawa. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.