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 students in building essential learning and study skills for success throughout their academic journey.

Elizabeth work 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.

Location and Date:

  • Brantford
    • Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. in One Market, room OM207 -1
  • Waterloo
    • Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Peters Building, 2nd floor, room P244
    • Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. in Peters Building, 2nd floor, room P244 

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate

Money Moves: General Student Profile and Financial Tips with Financial Specialist

Join us for Money Moves, a drop-in session designed to support Black and racialized students in navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities. This is a relaxed and open space where you can complete the General Student Profile and faculty-specific profile with guidance from Cherish, our financial specialist.

Whether you have questions about funding options, need help with your application, or just want a supportive space to work through the process - you’re welcome to drop in at any time.

All students are welcome to attend.

Location and Date:

  • Brantford
    • Thursday September 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in One Market, Senate and Board Chambers room OM206 -10
  • Waterloo
    • Tuesday September 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Peters Building 2nd Floor, room P224

Audience: Undergraduate, Black, Racialized – All Students Welcomed

Rooted and Rising

A two-part workshop series designed to support first-generation Black and racialized students in navigating their academic journey and personal growth at Laurier.

Part one: Rooted focuses on laying a strong foundation for academic success. In collaboration with Student Success, this session helps students get grounded in their learning, understand how to navigate the institution, and access the tools and support systems available to thrive academically.

Part two: Rising invites students to explore their identity, reflect on their lived experiences, and find their place within the university community. In partnership with CSEDI, this session features guest speakers - including staff, faculty, and community members—who share personal stories, knowledge, and resources to support student well-being and success beyond the classroom.

Rooted and Rising creates inclusive and accessible spaces where students can connect, learn, and grow - academically, personally, and collectively. 

Workshops:

  1. Welcome & Navigating University Life
  2. Identity, Belonging & Finding Your Space on Campus
  3. Understanding the University System: A Path to Academic Success

Audience: Undergraduate, First Year, Black and Racialized. 

The Kickback

This monthly drop-in space is created for Black students to connect with Black 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.
Join us to share, reflect, and access support as you navigate your journey at Laurier. No registration required - just drop in when you need.

Location and Date:

  • Brantford Campus in the Senate and Board Chambers (One Market, OM206 -10)
    • Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. 
    • Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • tentatively Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Waterloo Campus – Tshepo office P2199
    • Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    • tentatively Wednesday, Dec. 3 , 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. 

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate 

Waterloo Specific:

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: Waterloo, Peters Building, Room: P224, Sept. 26 from Noon to 2 p.m.

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate 

Soul Space

A biweekly drop-in space for Black and racialized students to pause and reconnect with themselves (and each other) in a community space.

Inspired by Racial Wellness: A Guide to Liberatory Healing for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu Iyamah, this is a Black staff facilitated space that will center identity, rest, and reflection. Each session will offer activities that affirm who we are – beyond systems of oppression - and nurture the journey back to ourselves and our communities. Students will be invited to explore themes like ancestral strengths, self-worth, rest as resistance, and joy as liberation.

It’s a drop-in style, so you can join any session that works for you!
Sessions:

  1. Oct. 21: Reclaiming Our Wholeness
    • Theme: Self-worth beyond racialized narratives
    • Activity: Self affirmation wall/letters to my self
  2. Nov. 4: Legacy Mapping
    • Theme: Honouring ancestry
    • Activity: legacy mapping
  3. Nov. 18: Session 3 - Rest as Resistance
    • Theme: Nervous system care
    • Activity: Rest ritual cards
  4. Dec. 2: Session 4 – Liberated Joy
    • Theme: Joy as power
    • Activity: small acts of joy, “Liberated Joy” playlist

Location and Dates: Waterloo In person in room P119, Peters Building from 4 to 5 p.m. from Oct. 21 to Dec. 2, 2025

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate