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GOAL: A Golden Hawk’s Orientation to Accessible Learning
Welcome Golden Hawks!
A Golden Hawk’s Orientation to Accessible Learning introduces you to the services, supports, and resources available at Laurier—helping you start your university journey with confidence. You’ll gain practical tools, strategies, and insights to support your success, so we encourage all newly registered Accessible Learning students to take part and set themselves up for success from day one.
⇒ TIP - Bookmark and visit these GOAL resources throughout the academic year.
Tuesday July 7th at 6pm on zoom
Join this virtual session to learn how Accessible Learning supports you at Laurier. Explore available services, understand your rights and responsibilities, and gain practical steps to help you manage your disability and access needs—plus get answers to common questions.
Register here.
Friday August 14th from 10am - 4pm
Join us in-person on campus in Waterloo for GOAL Transition Day, a fun and informative event for students registered with Accessible Learning. It’s a great way to get a head start on university life before classes begin.
During the day, you will:
- Explore campus
- Meet the Accessible Learning team
- Learn how to use your accommodations
- Discover supports, resources, and strategies for success
- Connect with other incoming students.
Want to know what to expect?
View the invitation package (insert link) for details, schedules, and helpful information.
Ready to join us?
Register here (insert link). Advance registration required by August 3.
We can't wait to welcome you and help you prepare for your first year at Laurier!
Start the semester feeling connected, informed, and ready!
Join us this September on the Waterloo or Brantford campus. These drop-in events are open to all students with disabilities—whether you’re new to Accessible Learning or need a refresher.
Learn about your accommodations, meet our team, and explore supports to help you succeed.
Event Details
Waterloo Campus
Thursday, September 17
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Peters Building, 2nd Floor, P224
Brantford Campus
Tuesday, September 22
10:30am – 1:30pm
One Market, Accessible Learning Suite, OM-207
What to Expect
- Meet the Accessible Learning Team
Ask questions and learn how we support you. - Information Booths
Get tips for using your accommodations and services available to you. - Exam Centre Tour
See the accommodated exam space before your first test or exam. - Prizes and Activities
Visit booths and enter to win! - Free Pizza
Available starting from 11:30 a.m. (While supplies last)
No Registration Needed
Drop in anytime! Get the information, support and confidence you need to start your year strong.
Student Programs
We offer hands-on, semi-structured and drop in programs specially designed to help students with disabilities thrive at Laurier. From learning how to use your accommodations and connecting with like-minded peers to building self-advocacy skills with instructors, our programs empower you to gain confidence and independence throughout your academic journey.
Join fellow students and Accessible Learning staff for a cozy time with warm drinks and simple crafts—no experience needed!
This relaxed drop-in is a great opportunity to unwind, meet other Laurier students, and connect with our team in a welcoming space.
Waterloo
Peters Building, Room 224
Brantford
OneMarket, OM207-47
Looking for a space to relax, connect with peers who understand, and stay on track throughout the semester? Join our COMPASS program—a supportive community for students with disabilities.
Enjoy fun, laid-back activities like crafts and board games while building meaningful connections. Each week, take part in a short self-reflection to help you stay organized and focused. Get guidance on navigating campus services and making the most of your accommodations.
COMPASS is your space to:
- Build community
- Strengthen self-advocacy
- Find support when you need it
Snacks, warm drinks, and good company included! Drop in—registration not required!
Waterloo
Peters Building, P224
Brantford
OneMarket, OM207-47
Not sure how to organize your due dates—or just need a little help getting started? Take the stress out of planning—let's do it together.
In this session, you'll learn how to:
- Find and organize the due dates for each of your courses.
- Fill our your calendar and map out the term.
- Create a weekly routine that works for you.
- Discover tips and tricks for staying on track.
What to Bring
- The syllabi for each of your courses
- Your paper or electronic calendar
Email Mackenzie - mmorgan@wlu.ca to register for one of the times below.
Waterloo
Peters Building, P224, In-Person
Virtual
Need structured study time to stay accountable? Prefer studying around others to help you focus? Join us for Study Hall—a focus-friendly enviornment designed to keep you on track.
Here's what you'll find:
- A quiet, supportive space for studying.
- Learning strategy support for organization and study tips.
- The benefits of body-doubling (working alongside others).
- Warm drinks and snacks to keep you fueled.
Whether you need accountability or just a calm place to work, Study Hall is for you.
Drop in during any of the times below.
Waterloo
Peters Building, P119
Brantford
OneMarket, OM207-47
Personal Success Plan
After your intake appointment, you will be invited to meet one-on-one with a Learning Strategist to create your Personal Success Plan—your next step in setting yourself up for success at Laurier.
In this session, you will:
- Talk about your strengths, goals, and learning preferences.
- Discuss any challenges you may have learning and studying at university
- Learn how to manage your disability and access needs
- Build a personalized plan with clear goals, strategies and supports.
Your Personal Success Plan is tailored to you. It can help you improve study habits, manage your workload, use your accommodations with confidence, and feel more prepared for university life.
Why book a Personal Success Plan appointment?
Starting university can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Personal Success Plan helps you to:
- Find strategies that fit your learning style
- Build confidence using your accommodations
- Develop skills for academic success and self-advocacy
- Connect with services and supports that meet your needs
- Start your university experience feeling prepared and supported
Because every student is different, your plan is designed with you in mind—focusing on what matters most to your success.
⇒ Visit Step 3: Meet Your Learning Strategist to learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first Personal Succes Planning session.
Learning Strategies and Resources
As an incoming student, you are encouraged to explore the resources below which we carefully selected to support your smooth and successful transition to Laurier.
Learning Strategies
Connect with the Learning Strategists Team at Accessible Learning for personalized success planning, study and learning strategies or questions about using your accommodations. We are here to help.
YOU are the author of successfully using your academic accommodations at Laurier— it starts with your attention and follow-through.
Follow these tips for staying on track:
- Save Your Follow Up Email - After your first meeting with your Accommodation Consultant, save the follow-up email. It includes important instructions and links to help you activate and use your accommodations.
- Bookmark and Check the Using Your Accommodations Page Regularly - This is your go-to resource for step-by-step instructions and videos.
- Don't Miss Out - Stay aware of Exam Booking Deadlines for Accessible Learning to ensure your accommodations are in place.
- Review the Accessible Learning Exam Protocols - Know what to expect and how to prepare for accommodated exams at Laurier.
Self-Advoacy means:
- Understanding Yourself - Know your strengths, skills, and areas for growth.
- Clarifing Your Goals - Reflect on your academic and personal goals—and adjust them as you grow.
- Knowing Your Responsibilities and Rights - Be informed.
- Communicating Clearly - Express your access and learning needs with confidence and clarity.
To support your success as a student with a disability at Laurier, you are responsible for:
- Registering with Accessible Learning - Confidentially identify yourself to Laurier as a student with a disability by registering with Accessible Learning.
- Submitting Documentation - Provide documentation of your disability and inform Accessible Learning of any changes or new concerns.
- Preparing for Your First Meeting - Come ready to engage in your initial meeting with your Accommodation Consultant.
- Responding to Communications - Act on emails from Accessible Learning — including appointment bookings, activating or re-activating accommodations, and booking accommodated exams.
- Reading Your Service Agreements - Ensure that you understand the service agreements included with your accommodation plan.
Your Rights
Laurier is committed to upholding your rights as a student with a disability guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Learn more about Laurier's committment to advancing the rights of people with disabilities in the life and work of the University.
As a student with a disability at Laurier, you have a right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect.
- Equal opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and achieving academic success.
- Confidential, timely, and personalized support.
- Fair and impartial resolution of your concerns.
Review the Accessible Learning Policies and Procedures pages for more information.
_____
Transition From High School
At Laurier, the process for receiving academic accommodations is different from what you may have experienced in high school. Here are some key differences:
- You must self-identify. You must let Accessible Learning know yourself that you need supports because you have a disability. No one can do this on your behalf.
- You need current documentation. This documentation must confirm your disability and outline your functional limitations. High School IEPs are not sufficient.
- We work directly with you, not your parents. Privacy laws prevents us from speaking with your parents about your accommodations or academic progress, but we encourage you to keep them informed.
- Accommodations support access, not outcomes. Accommodations remove barriers to learning - they do not modify academic requirements or guarantee success.
Need More Support?
We encourage you to connect with any of the following services and supports designed to help you succeed at Laurier.
- Laurier Residence - Accommodations for living in residence
- Funding Options for students with disabilities
- Library Accessibility Hub
- Career Resources for students with disabilities
- Accessibilty at Laurier
- Student Wellness - family physician, nursing, and counselling services
- HawkWalk - A safe escort by foot or van during daily evening hours
We also encourage students to visit this free resource - Transition Resource Guide for Postsecondary (TRG) Students with Disabilities. TRG is a free, four module asynchronous course to designed to help students with disabilities start their first semister at university with confidence.