Black Student Academic Success Program

The Black Student Academic Success Program (BSASP) supports Black students at Laurier in achieving their full academic potential by providing tailored academic support and guidance in navigating the university system. The program addresses barriers that may impact academic success and offers resources to help students effectively access campus services, manage coursework, and build confidence in their academic journey.

Multicampus:

Academic Success & Equity Support

One-on-One Support with Elizabeth.

Connect with a Learning Consultant. Elizabeth is here to support you in building essential learning and study skills for success throughout your academic journey.

Elizabeth works closely with the Transition and Learning Services team and the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to coordinate Academic Equity Programs. Her role also focuses on improving student access by helping to remove barriers to education and offering transition support as students adjust to a new academic environment.

Elizabeth is a resource for equity-deserving students, offering culturally relevant and holistic academic support based on individual learning needs. If you’d like to connect, you can book an appointment or email emclarke@wlu.ca to find a time that works for you.

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate

Black Student Study Hall

The Black Student Study Hall (BSSH) supports Black students at Laurier by providing a dedicated space to study, connect with peers, and build community while working toward their full academic potential. The space fosters a supportive environment where students can share experiences, exchange resources, and find solidarity as they navigate university life.

Through BSSH, students can also connect directly with Student Success Services and access a Black Peer Academic Coach to ask questions, receive guidance, or book a one-on-one appointment for personalized academic support. BSSH aims to empower Black students to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Locations and Dates:

  • Brantford
    • Tuesdays starting Jan. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. in One Market, room OM209
    • Wednesdays starting Jan. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in One Market, room OM207-3
  • Waterloo
    • Wednesdays starting Jan. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Peters Building, room P224
    • Thursdays starting Jan. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Peters Building, room P224

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate

The Kickback

This monthly drop-in space is created for Black students to connect with Black students, staff and faculty in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you're looking to decompress, build community, ask questions, or simply take a quiet moment for yourself, this space is here for you.

No registration required - come for the support, stay for the community, and drop in whenever you need.

Locations and Dates:

  • Brantford Campus – Location: TBD
    • Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Waterloo Campus – Location: TBD
    • Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate 

Peer Academic Coaching

Connect with a peer academic coach for support with building a weekly schedule, discussing note-taking methods, learning effective study strategies, and more. Peer academic coaches are successful seniors students who have navigated the transition to university and can help you get off to a strong start or back on track. One-on-one 25-minute appointments are booked on the Student Success Portal under First-Year Peer Academic Coaching or general Peer Academic Coaching appointments. 

Brantford Specific:

Winter Start

Friendship Launch: Find Your Circle

Whether you joined Laurier in the fall or are starting this winter, January is full of opportunities to meet new people, explore campus life, and get involved. Join us for a fun and interactive drop-in designed to help you intentionally meet new people and build meaningful friendships. Through guided activities and small-group conversations, you’ll connect with peers who share similar interests, experiences, and goals. Come ready to meet, mingle, and start forming your campus community!

Location and Date:

  • Date: Tuesday Jan. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Senate and Board OM210

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate 

Writing Services, Indigenous Student Services and Academic Equity Programs

Stories of Us: Black, Indigenous and Racialized Students Writing Drop-Ins

The Writing Drop-In for Black, Indigenous and Racialized Students offers a supportive space to receive one-on-one help from a Writing Services Consultant and tutor at any stage of the writing process. Peer Academic Coaches will also be available to introduce you to Student Success Services, including study skills and time management.

Drop in to get writing support, ask questions, and connect with peers in a welcoming, culturally affirming environment - no appointment needed.

Location and Date:

  • Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate 

Waterloo Specific:

Winter Start

Friendship Launch: Find Your Circle

Whether you joined Laurier in the fall or are starting this winter, January is full of opportunities to meet new people, explore campus life, and get involved. Join us for a fun and interactive drop-in designed to help you intentionally meet new people and build meaningful friendships. Through guided activities and small-group conversations, you’ll connect with peers who share similar interests, experiences, and goals. Come ready to meet, mingle, and start forming your campus community! 

Location and Date:

  • Location: Paul Martin Centre
  • Date: Thursday Jan. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate 

Black Scholars Writing Network

Writing Our Way Forward: Academic Writing for Black Student Success

This workshop helps students develop four key academic writing skills: quoting, citing sources, paraphrasing, and the responsible use of generative AI tools. Through a sample journal article and practical examples, students will practice proper quoting and paraphrasing techniques, learn to format citations accurately in APA, MLA, and CSE styles, and explore ethical approaches to using AI in their writing. The sessions are designed to strengthen both confidence and academic integrity while integrating emerging technologies into the writing process.

Location and Date:

  • Date TBD: Feb. 2026 from Noon to 2 p.m.

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate 

The Kick-Forward

Drop in to access academic support from Student Success’s Study Skills, Writing Services, and Math & Stats. Whether you’re looking for help understanding course material, improving your writing, organizing your workload, or navigating academic expectations, our staff are here to support you. You can ask questions, explore resources, or simply get guidance on how to stay on track throughout the term.

No registration required - and drop in whenever you need. 

Locations and Dates:

  • Waterloo Campus – Location: TBD
    • Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate