Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Canadian Unitarian Council’s AGM? 

The AGM will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET (find your local time).

Where can I find information about the Canadian Unitarian Counci’s AGM?

Information about the Annual General Meeting is available on the CUC website. 

How do I register for the Canadian Unitarian Council’s AGM?

Register online for the CUC’s AGM. 

I heard that the symposium is a multiplatform event. What does this mean?
You can attend the symposium in person or online. Many of the events will be multiplatform events; in-person and virtual attendees will participate in these events at the same time. Virtual attendees will be able to join these events via Zoom or YouTube. 

Is there a program for children and families?
Yes! Visit our Kids & Junior Youth page for more information. This program is only available in person.  

Is there a program for teenagers?
Yes! There is a weekend conference called CanUUdle for youth ages 14-19 and their adult advisors. It happens in person, in Ottawa, at the same time as the National Symposium. Visit the CanUUdle pages for more information.

Is there a program for young adults?
Young adults get the best of both worlds - full participation in the symposium as well as some optional activities just for the YA community. Visit the Chorus pages for more information. 

When will registration close?
Registration will close on May 1, 2023, at 12:00 am PT | 1:00 am MT | 2:00 am CT | 3:00 am ET | 4:00 am AT   | 4:30 am NT. Here are the links to register for the symposium. 

How do I register for the symposium, Chorus, CanUUdle, or the children’s program?
Registration is online. Go to the registration page and follow the link to the appropriate registration form on the CUC website. 

Who can I contact to help me with registration?
Email conference@cuc.ca or phone 416-489-4121 for assistance. You may also call us toll-free (888-568-5723).

I am 18 to 35-years old. Do I need to register as a young adult?
It is up to you. If you register as a Young Adult (YA), you will get the best of both worlds: access to all of the regular national symposium programming, as well as special activities just for the YA community.  
If you do not plan to attend Chorus activities, register as an adult. Visit the Chorus pages for more information. 

Can I register onsite during the symposium?
You can register for the symposium or AGM in the lobby of Robert C. Gillett Student Commons, (Building E). We will accept credit or debit cards, cheques, cash, and electronic transfers. 

I would like to attend a different stream than the one I selected when I registered for the symposium. Is this possible? How can I make the change?
Some sessions may be full; arrive 15 minutes before the stream begins and check with the facilitator.

How much does it cost to register for the Symposium?

We offer a sliding scale for registration. Proposed rates range from $75 to $450 for in-person attendance and from $25 to $200 for virtual participation. Here are some guidelines to help you determine where you might land on the scale.

How much does it cost to register for CanUUdle (the youth con)?

We offer a sliding scale for registration. Proposed rates range from $75 to $170. Here are some guidelines to help you determine where you might land on the scale. All meals and accommodations are included in the registration fee. (CanUUdle participants will sleep at the First Unitarian Church of Ottawa, not at Algonquin College.)

How much does it cost to register for the children’s program?

We offer a sliding scale for registration. Proposed rates range from $10 to $100 per child or junior youth. Here are some guidelines to help you determine where you might land on the scale.

How much does it cost to stay on campus?

The cost is $62.50 per room per night plus 13% HST, bringing the total to $70.63 per night. Please note that there is no sliding scale available for accommodations due to fixed costs. More information is available on the Accommodations page.

How much do meals cost on campus?

The Sunday banquet is included in the cost of registration for all in-person attendees. You can order all other meals individually when you register for the symposium. Daily menu options and prices are available on the Meals page. 

I am on a fixed income. Are there any scholarships or subsidies?

Money should not be a barrier to your participation in the symposium. You may apply for a subsidy if needed. Subsidies are available for all ages. Please visit the Registration page for more information. 

Can virtual attendees participate in all of the activities and events at the symposium?
Virtual attendees can participate in most of the activities and events. They cannot participate in the networking sessions, multigen activities, or most social events. Please consult the Schedule at a Glance to find out which events are multiplatform and which ones are in-person only. 

Where do I find the Zoom links for the sessions?
After registering for the symposium, you will receive an email confirmation. In that email, you will be given a link to a password-protected page on the CUC website that has all the bitlys (links) for the virtual sessions.  Please do not share this link with anyone.

What do I do if I can't get into a session?

While we do our best, there are times when technology does not cooperate. You can phone 416-489-4121 or toll-free  888-568-5723, or email conference @cuc.ca

What is the Sunday service collection? How do I contribute?
The Host Team will select the charities that will benefit from the  Special Collection taken at the Sunday service during the symposium.

How do I donate to the CUC?
Donate to the Friends of the CUC. Learn more about the Friends of the CUC on the CUC website.  You can also donate at the symposium. Visit us at the Welcome Desk. 

I can't find a building. Is there a campus map?
Most workshops and meals take place in the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons (Building E ). Accommodations are at the Algonquin College Residence (Building R). See the Algonquin campus map here.  

Where should I park?
There are several options for parking on campus. Please see the travel page for detailed information.

Where is the welcome desk?
The  Welcome and Registration Desk is in the lobby of the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons, (Building E).

Where are meals served?
All meals are served in the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons, (E Building). 

Where is the exhibit area?
The exhibit area is in the lobby of the Robert C. Gillett Student Commons, (Building E), to the left of the CUC Welcome and Registration Desk. 

I have my congregation’s banner. Where do I take it?
Banner drop off is on Friday, May 19th between 2:00 and 5:00 pm at the Theatre, Robert C. Gillett Student Commons. Please pick up your banner by 5:00 pm ET on Sunday, May 21st. 

I am staying in residence. Where do I check in?
Check-in at the Welcome and Registration Desk upon arrival. You will receive your attendee package including lanyard,  and meal tickets. You also will receive the Chalice Circle you are assigned to with your welcome package at check-in.  

What is the wifi password?

No wifi password is needed. You should be able to connect to the network without one.

Are there fitness facilities on campus?

The Jack Doyle Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC), ARC, is available to campus guests. The cost for a day pass is   $20 + HST. A signed waiver ARC Waiver is required.

Are there medical professionals on-site?
Please call 911 for emergencies. For less urgent concerns, go to the Welcome and Registration Table. There will be staff and volunteers on site with Emergency First Aid/CPR certification. We also will have a first aid kit available.

Where is the nearest medical facility?  
The Queensway Carleton Hospital at 3045 Baseline Road is closest in distance and driving time to Algonquin and has an emergency dept. The phone number is 613-722-7000 .

What Covid protocols are in place?

The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) requires all participants, volunteers, and event presenters to be fully vaccinated (at least two vaccinations for adults) against Covid-19, and to wear masks, at the symposium (except for meals). 

Please be prepared to show your proof of vaccination. Proof of vaccination could be: a provincially-issued vaccine card, a federally-issued proof of vaccination, or your wallet-sized immunization record card. 

Is billeting or home hospitality available?
Yes. If you would like to stay with a local host, please select that option on the registration form. Spaces are on a first-come first-served basis.  For more information, visit the accommodations page of this website. 

Can I stay on campus?
You can stay at Algonquin College Residence, Building R. Please see the accommodations page to learn how to book accommodations on campus.

How do I find out who I will be sharing my suite with?
If you are staying on campus and have requested to be matched with a suitemate, you will find out who this is when you check-in. Check your welcome package. 

Are there special accommodations for young adults?
No. Young adults who would like to stay on campus and share a suite with another young adult should arrange their suitemate before registering, and then indicate who they'd like to share with when they fill out the accommodations form. 

I have an issue with my room or suite. Who do I contact?
If there is something related to maintenance, electricity, or the room itself, contact the staff at the residence. The staff at the front desk can answer any question you may have or put your call through to the appropriate person for what you need.  From within the room, dial 4990 to reach the front desk.  Dial 5000 for medical or other emergencies.   From outside of your room, via your cell phone, dial 613-727-7698 to reach the front desk.  The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. 

The vegan option looks really good, can I have that instead of what I ordered?
At meal services, ask for your preferences from the catering staff.

Can I buy tickets onsite for individual meals?
There is a limited number of meal tickets available for purchase at the registration desk.

Can I get a refund for a purchased meal?    
No, refunds for meal tickets are not available. All meals have been ordered in advance, and the CUC is responsible for paying for this number of meals.

Where can I get a cup of coffee?
Complimentary coffee, tea, and water will be available at designated stations during break times.
There is a Starbucks in the Commons building and there is also the 35th Street Market Cafe in the student residence. These may not be open during the long weekend of the symposium.  

How do I attend the live broadcast of the Sunday Worship Service?
The Sunday service will be livestreamed on the CUC's YouTube Channel. 

Can I attend the Sunday Worship Service in person?

If you are in Ottawa, you can join us at the Theatre in the Robert C. Gillet Student Commons on the campus of Algonquin College.  The service will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Please note our Health and Safety policy.

I would like to talk with a minister. Is there someone I can talk with?   
Yes! We have two ministers providing pastoral care on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Email ministeroncall@cuc.ca to book an appointment. Once confirmed, go to  Room 306, T Building 3rd Floor.