Academic support resources are available to undergraduate students on a course by course basis as well as through learning skill development programs. We encourage all students to speak to their instructor(s) about their academic directly, this includes but is not limited to faculty, teaching assistants and lab coordinators. Visit your professor or Teaching Assistant (TA) during their office hours and come prepared with specific questions about the concept or issue you would like to discuss. Your course and/or discipline area **may** also have a Help Room or Study Lab and this information would be in your course’s CourseLink page.
In addition to content and skills help areas listed below you can also have options to talk to support services about your program and course choices. Those include us at the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre (www.uoguelph.ca/uaic [1]) and academic advisors called Program Counsellors & Faculty Advisors (see www.uoguelph.ca/uaic/academicadvisors [2]).
The following resources are made available by a number of units through the combined expertise of instructors, University staff, and student staff.
Accessibility Services (please see Student Accessibility Services and Library Accessibility Services below).
The Academic Action Program [3] is a semester-long program for undergraduate students who would like to enhance their academic potential. Students work with an academic coach to identify goals, create a realistic plan, and build skills. Applications are open in the fall and winter semesters, until the end of the fourth week of classes or until all places are filled.
Academic coaching and appointments [4] are available through the library. You can book a single appointment to address a specific concern or question or meet regularly throughout the semester to collaboratively create and follow through on an action plan. Learning experts are available to help you develop your time management, studying, or presentation skills.
Academic Integrity Website [5] provides information about the University’s academic code of ethics. It also includes a tutorial that provides illustrations of how to avoid unintentional academic misconduct and plagiarism.
Academic Support in Residence [6] provides information about resources available to students living in University of Guelph residence environments.
Library Accessibility Services [7] (LAS) provides adaptive software and technology supports designed to help students who are registered with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) with reading, writing, note-taking and studying.
Library Guides [8] are available on the Library website and searchable by course, general purpose and topic (or subject).
The Quad is an online platform available to students entering programs in engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, and mathematics and statistics that offers an academic hub as well as virtual connections. Read about The Quad at https://news.uoguelph.ca/2020/07/new-u-of-g-engineering-students-get-ready-with-the-quad/ [9]
Research assistance [10] is available in the library. Students can get help with narrowing their research topic, finding and evaluating sources, learning advanced search strategies, and other related topics.
The Pearson Family Student-Athlete Mentor Program [11] provides resources and assistance tailored to the unique needs of student-athletes. The program includes Student Athlete Mentors who are upper year, academically successful student-athletes trained in learning strategies and referral.
Science Commons [12] (Help Rooms) is a “one-stop learning” resource centre on Level 3 of the McLaughlin Library that offers one-on-one help to students in mathematics and statistics, physics and chemistry courses. It is staffed by teaching assistants from high-enrolment and challenging courses.
Student Accessibility Services [13] (SAS) helps students who experience disabilities with full and equitable participation in academic life, they strive towards creating a barrier-free environment where all students can achieve their potential.
Student Experience offers programs named ReSTART and Bounceback that accept applications on a rolling basis in Fall and Winter semesters. They match you with an upper year student that helps you identify the source(s) of challenge you are experiencing and then helps you identify/connect with resources that will help you address those. Please see START website [14] for more information.
Study skills and time management assistance [15] is available through appointments, workshops, resources and programs. Students can get support with planning and using their time efficiently, preparing for exams, reading and note-taking, reducing procrastination, and other related topics.
Supported Learning Groups [16] (SLGs) are peer led structured study groups that help students navigate challenging course material and show them new ways to approach difficult course concepts.
Tutoring [17] directs students to information about finding tutor services in the appropriate area of study.
University of Guelph Mathematics Post Secondary Preparation Package (MP3) is a preparation resource for students taking university-level math-based courses. The Mathematics and Statistics Learning Centre is also at https://mathstat.uoguelph.ca/tutoring [18] .
Writing assistance [19] is available through appointments, workshops, resources and programs. Students can get support at every stage of the writing process. Specialized support in English language skills for students enrolled in degree programs is available as well.
