First-year students: Start your term strong with Academic Success

We know that the transition to university can be challenging as you navigate the new learning environment, but there are many academic supports and resources here to help you! Be sure to take advantage of these services early and often to help you achieve your academic goals.

All appointments and workshops will be available for booking and registering by the first day of classes. Be sure to check back for updated program offerings!

First-Year Peer Academic Coaching

First-Year Peer Academic Coaches are a team made up of successful senior students that want to help you succeed in your first year at Laurier.

Supports and resources include:

• One-on-one appointments: Chat with a senior student coach about whatever questions are on your mind, including creating a schedule, reducing procrastination, taking meaningful notes, and more!
• The First-Four workshop series: The First-Four series focuses on upgrading time management, note taking, exam preparation, and motivation strategies. Students who attend all four workshops are eligible to add this workshop series to their Laurier Experience Record.

Visit the Student Success Portal to register for a workshop or book an appointment with a First-Year Peer Academic Coach.

Supplemental Instruction (Waterloo Only)

Supplemental instruction is a peer-led program to help you navigate select first-year courses. Student leaders will facilitate weekly study skills sessions that will review course content and show you the best ways to learn and study course concepts.

SI sessions are offered for: BU111, BI110, CH110, CH202, PS101, MS161.

Writing Support

With peer tutors and professional writing consultants offering individual appointments as well as general writing workshops, the writing services team aims to help you develop your writing skills and prepare for course writing assignments. You can visit them to help you get started, get feedback before submitting and assignment or book a time to review a past writing assignment to you grow as a writer.

Supports and resources include:

• One-on-one appointments: Chat with a writing tutor and learn strategies to help you become a better editor and writer.
• Workshops: Covering a variety of special writing topics, these interactive workshops are designed to enhance your writing skills and knowledge.
• Online resources: From citation style guides to grammar tips, there are many resources to help you when writing your next paper.

Visit the Student Success Portal to register for a workshop or book an appointment with a writing consultant. 

Math and Stats Support

If you are taking a math or quantitative course (like economics or computer science) we encourage you to check out the resources available through Mathematics and Statistics Learning Support (MaSt). With peer-led homework help, directed study sessions, mock and exams, one-on-one appointments, and group mentoring, the MaSt team is busy making sure you have all the support your need to be successful in your courses.

Supports and resources include: 

• Drop-in support: Connect with a senior undergraduate student for one-on-one peer assistance.
• One-on-one consultations: Chat one-on-one with professional support staff.
• Course-specific assistance: Through directed homework sessions (100-level courses) and problem sessions (200-level courses), you can make sure you’re keeping up with course material and understanding the concepts that are taught. 
• Mock tests and review sessions: Offered for select first-year math courses around midterm and final exams.

Indigenous Student Academic Success Programs

Indigenous students can find culturally relevant academic programming and support at the Indigenous Student Centres (ISC) on both our Brantford (111 Darling St.) and Waterloo (157 Albert St.) campuses.

Supports and resources include:

• One-on-one appointments: Connect with our Learning Consultant – Indigenous Academic Success Programs to improve your time management and study skills through one-on-one appointments.
• SEEDS: A first-year undergraduate transition program that encourages students to get involved on campus and in the ISC through attending monthly community sessions, academic events, social events, and cultural events. Students can earn $1000 per year or $500 per term participating the program and completing the program requirements.
• Taco Teach-Ins: All Indigenous students are invited to come out to the Indigenous student centres to learn about different learning skills and eat some tacos!
  
  • Time Management: Sept. 20 at 12:30 p.m., Brantford Indigenous Student Centre
  • Time Management: Sept. 22 at 12:30 p.m., Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre
  • Goal Setting: Sept. 27 at 12:30 p.m., Brantford Indigenous Student Centre
  • Goal Setting: Sept. 29 at 12:30 p.m., Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre

Stay Connected!

 @laurierstudentsuccess

Follow us on Instagram for daily informational and inspirational content related to your academic success. From weekly workshop lineups to reminders about important academic dates, this account will be your one-stop shop to keep you on track toward your academic goals.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to our team by emailing studentsuccess@wlu.ca.