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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.
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
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.
Audience: Black Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Multicampus Events and Supports:
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
- Tuesdays starting Jan. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. in One Market, room OM209
- 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
- Wednesdays starting Jan. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Peters Building, room P224
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.
- Thursday, 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
Brantford Campus Specifc Events
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.
February: Mid-Semester Momentum - Press Play: Speed Friending & Games Night
Take a break from the mid-semester grind and press play on connection! Join us for a fun, low-pressure evening of speed friending, games, and community building. This event is designed to help students meet new people, unwind, and build meaningful connections while staying motivated through the semester.
Whether you’re looking to make new friends, enjoy some friendly competition, or just take a well-deserved study break, there’s something for everyone. Expect interactive speed-friending rounds, board and card games, and a welcoming space to relax, laugh, and recharge. Come solo or with friends - everyone is welcome!
- Date: Feb. 26, 2026
- Events
- Study Hall
- Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
- Location: One Market Student Commons
- Speed Friending and Game Night
- Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
- Location: One Market Kitchenette
- Study Hall
Audience: All Undergraduate Students
Waterloo Campus Specific Events
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
Audience: Black and Racialized Undergraduate and Graduate Students
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