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: Black Undergraduate and Graduate Students

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.

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

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.

• Brantford Campus – Location: One Market, room OM209
  
  • Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2026 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Waterloo Campus – Location: Peters Building, room P119
  
  • 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 Students

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!

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

Audience: All Undergraduate and Graduate Students

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.

• Dates:
  • 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.
• Location: One Market, room OM207-47

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Semester Success Series

Semester Success Series is a two-part event created to help you stay on track and feel connected during the semester. Each session starts with a supported study hall led by Peer Academic Coaches, giving you a focused, low-stress space to study, ask questions, and get things done. Afterward, unwind at a fun social event designed to help you relax, meet other students, and recharge. You’ll also learn about helpful campus resources and enjoy food and giveaways featuring local Brantford businesses. Come study, connect, and succeed - together. The events in this series are made possible by the Laurier Brantford Student Life Levy - Stay tuned for more. 

January: Kickstart Your Success: Study, Set Goals, and Paint Your Path Forward

Kick off the new semester strong with our “Kickstart Your Success” event! Start with a focused study session guided by Peer Academic Coaches, where you’ll get support, accountability, and tips to set meaningful goals for your academic journey. Then, unwind and get creative with Painting Your Way Forward - a guided painting night activity paired with delicious local food, designed to help you connect, have fun, and celebrate your path ahead.

Join us for this unique two-part experience that combines academic success and community connection because your goals deserve both focus and fun!

Registration is required for the Paint Night event. 

• Date: Jan. 22, 2026
• Location: One Market Atrium
• Times:
  • Academic Study Hall: 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Paint Night Event: 6 to 8 p.m.

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate Students

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! 

• Date: Friday Jan. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Location: Peters Building, P224

Audience: All Undergraduate and Graduate Students

The Kick Forward

Drop-in to access academic support from Student Success’s Study Skills, Writing Support, and Math & Course Support. 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, just drop-in!

• Dates:
  • 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.
• Location: Peters Building, room P119

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.

• Date: Mar. 5 2026 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Location: Peters Building, P224

Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate Students