The ABCs of UCalgary: Common terms and phrases

UofC, UCalgary, TFDL…TL;DR?

Whether you’re new to campus or a seasoned upper-year student, this helpful guide will help you understand some of the most common UCalgary acronyms, words and definitions. You’ll be speaking like a Dino in no time!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Active Living: Offers a variety of recreational facilities and programs—including fitness centres, sports gyms, gymnastics, aquatic facilities, racquet courts, and adaptive programs—to support wellness and leisure across campus. 

Administration Building (AD): The central administrative hub on campus, housing UCalgary’s Executive Leadership Team and administrative offices. It’s one of UCalgary’s very first campus buildings, completed in September 1960—originally named the Arts & Education building

The Atrium: Tucked inside the Administration Building, the Atrium UCalgary’s tropical sanctuary and a study spot favourite. Originally exposed to the elements, a glass roof was added in 1970 to keep the space green and vibrant all year long, even during Calgary’s cold season

Aurora Quad: Aurora Hall Quad, the green space between Aurora Hall and the Dining Centre where many residence events take place, especially during Welcome Week (such as the BBQ and Movie Night).

B

Biological Sciences or "BioSci" (BI): Biological Sciences is where many researchers in diverse areas of life sciences do their work, from biomolecules to the biosphere. In addition to labs, there are some classrooms here-and some dinosaur fossils!

C

Campus Food Hub: The Campus Food Hub, run by CCPD, is on the first floor of Crowsnest Hall. This space is designed for students to seek out food and education to provide relief from the challenges of food insecurity. They offer great nutrition-focused programs like Ladle Up ($2 soup every Wednesday), the Affordable Food Market and more!

Centre for Career and Personal Development (CCPD): Centre for Career and Personal Development. The CCPD provides resources for all students at the University of Calgary to enhance their career and personal journey. You can book a meeting with a career advisor and join one of their many workshops and fun events.

CJSW: CJSW 90.9FM is Calgary's only campus and community radio station, providing live radio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located in MacEwan Hall, they’re part of the Tri-Media Alliance (along with The Gauntlet and NUTV).

Craigie Hall (CH): Originally known as “Calgary Hall” upon its opening in 1966, this building was renamed in 1987 to honor former Vice‑President Peter Craigie. Nowadays, it’s a cultural hub on campus, housing the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), music, drama, and linguistics programs.

D

D2L (Brightspace): The online learning management platform used at UCalgary for course content, submissions, discussions, quizzes, grading, and announcements. Every course automatically has a D2L site—activated at each instructor’s discretion.

Dinos: The UCalgary Dinos aren't just our athletics teams, it's also what we call current, former and future members of the UCalgary community. We're all Dinos!

Downtown Campus: Located in Calgary's downtown core, this campus offers select graduate-level and executive educational programming through the Haskayne School of Business and The School of Public Policy. The university's Alumni Association is headquartered here, in a learning hub that also offers convenient meeting and function space for the city's business community.

E

Earth Sciences (ES): Listed among UCalgary’s buildings under the “Earth Sciences” designation. 

Education Block (EDC), Education Tower (EDT): Both are included in the comprehensive buildings list on UCalgary’s Facilities site, representing core parts of the Education faculty infrastructure.

Energy Environment Experiential Learning (EEEL): Energy Environment Experiential Learning building on the north of the university campus. You will find student classrooms, laboratories, as well as study spots.

Engineering Complex (EN): Originally composed of several separate buildings (or Blocks)—E, A, B, C, D, and later F. In 2016, all the Engg Blocks were consolidated into the Canadian Natural Resources Limited Engineering Complex (EN), with the addition of Block G. Legend has it the building used to contain a mysterious “door to nowhere”, a door in the wall that didn’t connect to any hallway. It’s just a dose of the many mysteries and legends about campus!

F

Foothills Campus: Home to the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, this campus is located about a kilometre south of the main campus, next to the Foothills Medical Centre.

Faith and Spirituality Centre (FSC): The Faith and Spirituality Centre seeks to cultivate a pluralistic community by encouraging cultural and religious literacy, community building, and social change. They have many events throughout the academic year, as well as multi-faith spaces where students can practice their spirituality.

G 

The Gauntlet: As UCalgary's independent student-run publication, The Gauntlet reports on campus news. The physical editions cover the latest news on campus, reviews and previews for events happening around the city and opinion pieces about the socio-economic state of the world. The website includes all that and then some, including regular fashion columns and podcast recommendations.

H

Hunter Student Commons (HNSC): Hunter Student Commons. A building with classroom spaces and many study spots. It's also home to the Office of the Registrar, Enrolment Services, the Prospective Students’ Hub and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking.

I

Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Information and Communication Technology. Houses mainly classrooms and various food vendors such as Good Earth.

International Student Services (ISS): International Student Services provides resources to support international students, exchange students, and new-to-Calgary students throughout their journey at the University of Calgary, such as immigration advising, transitional support, and fun social events throughout the term.

J

K

Kinesiology Complex (KNA and KNB): Kinesiology building. It’s home to the Dinos varsity teams, Olympic Oval, Active Living programs, the Outdoor Centre and the Sport Medicine Centre, as well as the Fitness Centre and racquet sports centre!

L

M

MacEwan Student Centre (MSC) and MacEwan Hall (MH): Sometimes also referred to as just "Mac Hall". Here you will find many food vendors and many University of Calgary offices, such as the Centre for Career and Personal Development, Student Wellness Services, and International Student Services.

Main Campus: Located at 2500 University Drive NW, this is the primary location for most faculties and operations at UCalgary.

Mathison Hall (MTH): A brand-new expansion for the Haskayne School that opened in 2023. Thanks to a $20 million gift from philanthropist Ronald P. Mathison, this modern four-storey facility adds 10,000 m² of space and room for 4,000 more business students

N

NUTV: Explores media arts through learning, creativity and fun, capturing stories for the campus community.

O

The Olympic Oval (OO): The Olympic Oval is a legacy facility of the 1988 Olympic Games. It’s a speed-skating and research facility, a training facility for varsity athletes, and a public facility to serve the University community. They have recreational skating hours open to the public, and discounted (sometimes free) entry for students!

P

Peer Support: A confidential way to talk to trained student volunteers about challenging experiences in navigating university life, mental health, and personal concerns.

Q

R

Rex: Rex is the official mascot of the University of Calgary and the Dinos' #1 fan. He proudly supports the Dinos on and off the field, court, and ice. You can usually find him at Dinos games and major campus events. Fun fact: Rex's full name is Rex O'Saurus.

Reading Week/Term Break: UCalgary officially calls this "Term Break". It's a designated week in the fall and winter terms with no classes, so students can catch up on coursework, study or rest. It typically takes place in mid-November (Fall term) and mid-February (Winter term).

The Rock: You'll find three painted rocks around campus, which were once part of one single rock unearthed during construction of campus in the 1970s. It was split into three in a failed attempt by a rival school to steal it using explosives. These rocks are now used for artistic expression, voicing opinions, and promoting clubs or events.

Rosza Centre (RC): The Rosza Centre is home to Eckhardt-Gramatte Hall, where the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) hosts many dance and music performances. Did you know? Students can get free for some performances through the Claim Your Seat (CYS) program!

S

Scurfield Hall (SH): This building is the dedicated home to the Haskayne School of Business. It was constructed in 1986, thanks to significant donations from Ralph Scurfield and his family, as well as Nu-West Group. 

Spy Hill Campus: UCalgary's Agricultural Research Centre was established on more than 500 acres in northwest Calgary. Today, the Spy Hill Campus houses facilities related to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and is also the site of the university's advanced High-Density Library storage facility.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS): works with the campus community to create an accessible, equitable and supportive learning environment to enhance students' academic and personal development.

Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre (SSC): Usually called the Student Success Centre (SSC) for short, the SSC offers advising and academic support; you can ask questions and learn more about strategies that support your learning.

Science Theatres (ST): Contrary to the name, both science and non-science lectures are located in this building. It's also home to the Science Collaborative Space, where most of the events hosted by the faculty of science will take place. The Zipper statue can also be found here.

Student Wellness Services (SWS): Student Wellness Services is your on-campus resource for health and wellness support, with a wide range of service options. Visit their Health and Wellness Clinic for medical and mental health care, chiropractic and massage services, as well as free wellness workshops and peer support.

T

Term: The school year is divided into three terms, each lasting four months: Fall - September to December, Winter - January to April, and Spring/Summer - May to August. There are typically about 12 weeks of classes, followed by roughly a two or three weeks of exams.

TFDL: Taylor Family Digital Library, the university library where you will find what you need for your studies. What is inside? Good Earth Coffee, Nickle Galleries Museum, and Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre (on the third floor).

TFDL Quad: The green area outside the Taylor Family Digital Library and the MacEwan Student Centre. Many outdoor events take place in this space, such as campus or career expos, and students are always welcome to use it as an outdoor study space when the weather is nice!

The Dining Centre (DC): Home to the Residence Services office, Vitruvian Space, and most importantly, The Landing (on the second floor). If you have a meal plan, this is where you'll find an all-you-care-to-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. 

The Paperclip: Formally called "The Spire" (1987) by Charles R. (Bob) Boyce, a red sculptural arch at the entry to the Olympic Oval has long been known by its nickname, "the Paperclip". The sculpture represents a progression of human movement from crawling to walking, running, jumping, and flying.

The "Prairie Chicken": This abstract sculpture by George Norris is actually "Untitled" (1975), but was lovingly nicknamed the Prairie Chicken. It's become an iconic landmark on campus, perched on the small hill in Swann Mall.

Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning (TI): Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. Find classrooms, study spaces, and the iconic floating study pods (make sure to get there early as spots fill up quickly!).

U

UCalgary/UofC: The University of Calgary.

UCID/Unicard: University of Calgary identification card that contains your student number. You will use this for printing, accessing buildings, taking exams, and any appointments at the university, so make sure to always keep it with you!

UPass: University pass for transit (C-Train and buses). This digital pass allows unlimited access to Calgary Transit services, and it is included in your tuition fees if you are a full-time student. You can download the app on your phone.

University Theatre (UT): The University Theatre, inside Craigie Hall (CH), is where the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) will host many dance and drama shows throughout the term. Students get FREE tickets using the Claim Your Seat (CYS) Program.

V

W

Women's Resource Centre (WRC): Women's Resource Centre provides a safe and supportive place to advance gender equality and build community through sharing, learning and teaching. They have many events throughout the academic year, as well as resources and volunteer opportunities.

X

Y 

Yamnuska Hall (YA): A modern, LEED‑certified residence completed in 2011. In addition to student residences, the main floor has food outlets like Starbucks, Subway and Domino’s that anyone can access. It’s also the home of the UCalgary Recovery Community Hub.

Z

The Zipper: Made in 1985, The Zipper is kinetic welded steel and chrome sculpture by Calgary artist Katie Ohe, located in Science Theatres. Legend says that if you spin the zipper, it will bring you good luck during your exams-unless you're in engineering!