Academic Expectations, Resources, and Support for Your Student Cindy Bourne: Math & Science Centre & Supplemental Learning Amanda Brobbel: Library/Writing Centre Christine Squire: Advising & Involvement Centre Deanna Simmons: Disability Resource Centre

Expectations and Challenges Expectations in post secondary classrooms Attend class Complete the assignments Take ownership of learning (autonomy) Organize and manage time Collaborate with classmates

Expectations and Challenges Challenges Fast pace Large classes Time management Developing strategies to succeed Knowing where to find resources

Characteristics of successful students Successful students attend all classes manage time monitor their own learning apply their learning collaborate with colleagues - shared learning use the resources provided! What are some of these resources?

Supplemental Learning Focuses on high risk classes Assigns a successful senior student (SL leader) to the class SL leader attends all lectures SL leader facilitates out of class sessions to work with material SL is well attended – more than 2900 – Sept 15 to Oct 31 5 or more SL sessions make a difference SL has had a direct impact on retention SL is offered in Chem, Math, Physics, Applied Science (1 st year Engineering), Psychology, and a number of other classes

Math and Science Centre Tutoring for first and second year math, science, and engineering Tutors are senior students and grad students Tutors are recommended by faculty Back to Basics Exam Jam

Library/Writing Centre Located in Library 237 (north/west entrance of library) Open: Monday – Friday from 10 AM – 5 PM Writing support for all undergraduate students for any kind of assignment at any stage of the process Writing Consultants (all upper level or graduate students) Book an appointment on-line: On-line writing support 24/7 through WriteAway! Research support always available at the Library front desk

Peer Mentor Program Every new student is paired to a Peer Mentor Peer Mentors are successful senior students in their same faculty Peer Mentors volunteer to be a helpful resource and friendly face during the entire year for the incoming class Peer Mentors ed their mentees in July and will meet in person at Create Orientation Peer Mentors support all students with non-academic issues, create and invite mentees to events, and refer students to the right resource depending on mentees’ needs Your student has not heard from their Peer Mentor?

Disability Resource Centre Students who have: 1.Permanent Disability - Learning, physical, sensory 2. Chronic Illness - Mental health, mental illness, physical 3.Injury - Head injury, broken bones Who Do We See at the DRC? What Do We Do at the DRC? Accommodations : 1.Exam – Extended time, distraction reduced environment 2.Classroom/Instruction – Note takers, specialized seating in class 3.Procedural – Priority placement on-campus housing, disability parking pass

Advising & Involvement Centre Academic Advising Career Services Get Involved Go Global

We do this by providing information: Program Requirements Majors/Minors Determining best use of electives Essential tools for degree planning Dealing with disappointing grades Academic Success – coaching on study skills, exam strategies, etc. Impacts of withdrawals or failed courses Explaining UBCO policies and procedures Connecting students with campus partners who can further assist them Academic Advising

What YOU can do support your first-year student Show interest in their assignments, deadlines Ask them to describe some of their challenges Ask them how they prepare for papers etc… Remind them that they KNOW a lot or they would not be here Remind them that we have resources…lots of them

Thank you for your time Cindy Bourne –Learning Resources & Supports Amanda Brobbel – Library/Writing Centre Deanna Simmons – Disability Resource Centre Christine Squire – Advising and Involvement Centre