Shad Carleton Guide
Amanda Goth, BEd, MSc, GPC
University Secretary
Amanda’s (she/her) journey with Shad began in 2009 as a Program Assistant. She later became Assistant Program Director in 2020 for the Online Shad Antares Program. Amanda started as Program Director at Shad Carleton in 2021.
What draws her to Shad is her passion for teaching and science literacy. Every year she is excited to welcome sixty students on campus, showing them Carleton University, and her hometown.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Integrated Science and a Master of Science in Biology from Carleton University, as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. In addition, she holds a Management Development Program for Women professional certificate from the Sprott School of Business, and a Governance Professionals of Canada Designation. She is currently completing a professional Master of Business at Carleton University in the Sprott School of Business.
Amanda has been part of the Carleton community for nearly 20 years. First as an undergraduate and then a graduate student, she had many professional roles in the university such as Executive Assistant, Lab Coordinator, Teaching and Research Assistant and Manager for programs like Let’s Talk Science. Currently, she holds the position of the University Secretary at Carleton University and is responsible for the coordination of the Board of Governors, Senate and the Corporate Records and Archives. As University Secretary, Amanda provides a link between the governing bodies of the University to ensure a healthy culture of governance.
Amanda is an avid gardener, you can be sure to find her sprucing up the office with a variety of indoor plants or tending to her perennial and vegetable gardens at her Manotick home. Being an enthusiast of fiction and non-fiction books, she is always looking for book recommendations. Most recently, she has been exploring Latin and ballroom dance.
Shad2025 runs from June 29 to July 25. Participants are expected to arrive on campus in the afternoon on June 29.
The first official meal provided by the program will be dinner.
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements, including the cost of transportation between the airport and the university. Participants often arrive by taxi, train, bus, or airport shuttle service, depending on the distance from the airport. Some campuses have team members at the airport on arrival day to support transportation to the university.
Residence
Shad participants will be living on campus in residence. Shad Team Members will also be living in residence. Bedding and linen will be provided (pillow, blanket, sheets). There are many different styles of residences across Shad campuses, including double rooms, single rooms, and apartment-style suites.
While living on campus, there may be other paying guests using the residence accommodations on other floors. Participants will have key/card access to their rooms and in many instances their floor. Participants have the responsibility of keeping their property safe and keeping the room door locked.
Food
Shad campuses eat all of their meals together, usually in the cafeteria. While the food may not be like your home-cooked meals every day, there will be variety from day to day.
Cafeterias are used to accommodating a range of dietary requirements and allergies. Participants will have the opportunity to share dietary requirements when they submit their medical form.
Laundry
There will be washers and dryers available in residence. At most campuses, a reloadable laundry card will be available for purchase, while some laundry machines are coin-operated. Campus teams will share more information before participants arrive.
Banking
We recommend that you bring some pocket money with you for transportation to and from the airport, laundry, optional Shad wear, and purchasing souvenirs.
We advise against bringing large amounts of money or other valuables (expensive jewelry and watches). There is no need for such items, and we cannot accept responsibility if they go missing.
There are bank ATMs available on campus or nearby should you need to withdraw additional funds.
Computers
We recommend that participants bring a laptop or tablet for research, word processing, and other tasks related to the program. Wi-Fi access is available in residence and elsewhere on campus. Shad team members will assist you with Wi-Fi setup upon arrival. The University and Shad Canada do not take any responsibility for lost/damaged/stolen valuables or property.
Clothing – Accessories
- Jacket/Raincoat with hood
- Baseball-type hat (sun/rain)
- Hoodie or sweater
- Long pants and shorts (long pants may be required in labs)
- Long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Socks
- Swimwear
- Comfortable clothing for daily recreation activities
- One or two dressy outfits for events like design presentations, Open Day and Banquet
Footwear
- Business attire/formal shoes
- Athletic shoes (for indoor and outdoor use; closed toe shoes required in athletic facilities and labs)
- Sandals or flip / flops (for shower use)
- Water safe shoes / water shoes
- Hiking shoes / boots
Personal Items
- Towel, face cloth
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, etc.)
- Other personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, tissues, deodorant, etc.)
Documents and Medication
- Health Card
- Medical insurance card (if available)
- Bank card (if you choose to bring one)
- Medication (if needed)
- Extra pair of glasses/contacts (if you wear them)
- Prescription refill note (if taking medication)
Outdoor Gear
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking hat or baseball cap
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Umbrella
- Small backpack (for hiking/day trips)
- Flashlight (NOT your phone)
- Sleeping bag
- Beach towel
Other
- Laptop or tablet
- Alarm clock (Especially if you are at an Unplugged campus!)
- Camera (Especially if you are at an Unplugged campus!)
- Reading material
- Basic sports equipment (baseball glove and ball, football, etc.)
- Musical instruments (along with sheet music)
- Pocket Money (for things like laundry, taxi to / from airport, and souvenirs)
- Extra pillow (for more of an “at home” feeling)
- Extra hangers
Do Not Bring
- TV / gaming PC / game system (e.g., Switch, Steam Deck)
- Pets (service animals exempted; please inform your program director for accommodations)
- Any vehicle, motorized or not, unless required for accessibility
- Any dangerous goods or weapons
- Cigarettes or vapes/e-cigarettes
- Alcohol or illegal or recreational drugs, including cannabis
- Expensive jewelry or other valuables
- Strongly scented products: Shad is a fragrance free environment. Please leave perfume and cologne at home.
Please note that Shad is not liable for any lost, stolen or damaged personal items.
Diverse & Inclusive Community
A diverse and inclusive community is an important value of the Shad program. You will meet students from across Canada, with different lived experiences and backgrounds. Some of you have experience with complex, high responsibility activities such as traveling or being away from home, while for others, this may be your first time being apart from family. Respect for all individuals is a requirement for a successful community.
Community must be preserved and protected in the Shad program. There are no exclusive relationships at Shad, whether for the purposes of romance, clique, gender, ethnicity, or any other reason. Relationships that exclude (or attempt to exclude) others will not be accepted. Intentionally excluding others is a form of bullying and could result in dismissal from the program. The month at Shad provides you the opportunity to make connections with a community of other exceptional students. We hope that this tight-knit community that forms at Shad will continue for many years after the program.
Supportive Team
The Shad team is here to support you. Your program team is made up of leaders who are committed to working with students to meet their needs.
Supervised Community
Shad is a supervised community. Every member of the program team is charged with the responsibility of ensuring your safety and protection. We take this responsibility seriously! This means that we will need to know approximately where you are and what you are doing at all times. This level of awareness ensures that in case of an emergency, we can account for your whereabouts quickly.
You are also a partner in ensuring your own safety and the safety of the Shad community. You are expected to ensure that your behaviour is always aligned with the Shad values.
Just because the community is supervised does not mean that you won’t have freedom to engage in a range of activities across the university campus. We take advantage of many of the various programs, departments, recreational facilities and spaces on campus to ensure that you enjoy an exciting university experience.
Schedule
You can expect life at Shad to be busy, but don’t worry, we have downtime and recreational activities built into the program as well. Each day, you can expect a different combination of lectures, workshops, recreational and cultural activities, as well as unscheduled time that you can use to connect with your peers, rest, connect with family, work on your design project, and reflect on what you’ve learned and accomplished so far.
Tech-etiquette: Appropriate usage
The ability to rapidly access relevant information can be key to innovation. There is no question that effective use of technology can be a useful tool. That said, the appropriate use of technology is essential for an effective learning/teaching/cooperative environment. There is etiquette for the use of technology. Rather than provide a long list of rules that will define acceptable use of technology, our technology policy is governed by the same core values as Shad.
All use of technology — including cell phones, notebooks, tablets, translators and the like — must uphold the principles of excellence, responsibility and creativity. While you might be an exceptional multitasker, maintaining devoted attention to a task at hand is a hallmark of responsibility and maturity. When it comes to the use of technology, know what’s right, do what’s right and be respectful!
Unplugged: For those attending a ShadUnplugged campus, these same rules apply. Though your campus will provide you with more specific details about the program, being unplugged means still adhering to the same core values throughout this unique experience.
Recreation at Shad
There will be opportunities for recreation throughout your time at the program including physical and creative activities. Each campus takes advantage of their unique surroundings and plans fun, exciting ways to engage within your Shad community.
Energy Management
Shad is most enriching when we have sufficient energy to be fully engaged in all program activities. After a long and busy day, everyone needs adequate rest. We also need to respect others and allow them to re-energize themselves by getting the rest they need. Please manage your energy levels appropriately and allow others to do the same by going to bed at the appropriate time.
- Complete all forms and waivers sent by Shad Canada and your campus team
- Your campus team may invite you to prepare for some activities ahead of time. This information will be provided before the program begins, if applicable at your campus.
- Read through your campus-specific information guide and any other information provided by your Program Director
What happens when a diverse group of high school students from across Canada come together in the spirit of science, technology and entrepreneurship? Shad Open Day is a day to put your campus and your accomplishments on display for the community.
On the final Thursday of the program, family, friends and community members are invited to join in virtual celebrations. Many campuses have in-person celebration opportunities as well. Details will be shared with participants close to the program start date.
The Shad program concludes on the morning of Friday, July 25 and Shad will ensure that all participants are transferred to parents, or are on their way home within the program end window (typically sometime between 8-11am, depending on your campus).
Please note that transportation to and from your campus is the responsibility of the participant. If you have a bus / train / plane to catch, you will need to make arrangements to get from the campus with plenty of time before your scheduled departure time. If your parents / guardians are picking you up by car, they should plan to do this before the program end time.
Special accommodation requests
Q: I have a special accommodation request. How do I submit my request and will you be able to help me?
A: You will need to inform us of the special accommodations that you require ahead of time. We will let you know what we can do to support you as best as possible. We want to help make sure your experience here is exceptional.
Visitors
Q: Can I have visitors (family, friends) during Shad? Can I leave campus for a non-emergency reason?
A: No, for the safety of participants, we cannot accommodate visitors or participants leaving campus during the program.
Contact During the Program
Q: How can my parents contact me during Shad?
A: Your parents can contact you on your cell phone (although you may not be able to answer due to program activities) or via email. Emergency contact information will be provided closer to the program.
Free Time
Q: How much free time will I have?
A: Shad is a busy month with an ambitious schedule of activities. Most of your time will be spent engaging in the plethora of activities we have planned for you! There is often time every day for you to take time for yourself, to rest, or to call home as needed. Given the immersive nature of Shad, participants will not have the time to engage in other commitments during the month of July (i.e., summer school, online courses, or additional projects, studying, practice, or training). Full-time commitment to Shad is expected.
Outside Food
Q: Can I order food?
A: Most meals will be eaten on campus. Keep in mind that it is a university, so the food may not be like your home cooked meals. There will be a variety of food that accommodates most tastes. Please include any dietary accommodations or allergies in your medical form. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and snacks are included in your program fee. Participants should not bring money expecting to purchase meals or to order “outside food” as meal replacements. Depending on allergies within the community, outside meal delivery services and snacks may not be permitted during the program.
Instruments
Q: Will I have access to a piano to practice regularly?
A: Many campuses have instruments, like piano and guitars, available for participants. Shad is a wonderfully musical place with many spontaneous jam sessions. We encourage Shads to bring their sheet music or other instruments with them. Note that access to instruments is limited by the program schedule and the residence’s quiet hours. Therefore, regular daily practice is not guaranteed.
Gym Access
Q: Will I have access to athletics facilities such as a gym or pool?
A: Access to recreational areas such as a gym or other athletic facilities on a regular basis are typically not available. Your campus will create opportunities to participate in recreation and fitness activities as part of the schedule.