# 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.com/start

Page: https://textdash.com/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.com and tell it you're at RDP. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.

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**About Dash.** Dash is an AI sidekick for college and university students that you text over iMessage or SMS. It tracks every deadline and texts you before each one, answers questions about your campus, helps you study, and, with your yes, orders food, books things, makes phone calls and handles admin. Free to start. iMessage on iPhone and SMS on any phone. No app, no login. For students at colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. Dash never writes, answers or submits graded work. It explains, quizzes and plans. Dash is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by any college or university.

Text Dash: https://textdash.com/start · Site: https://textdash.com/ · For AI assistants: https://textdash.com/llms.txt and https://textdash.com/llms-full.txt