Student Supports and Services
The University of Guelph cares about the success of our students. In order to promote success, we have a number of academic supports and student services to help students meet their academic goals.
The transition from one institution to another, whether it be secondary school, other post-secondary institutions or colleges, always involves change. While some students adapt to the change easily, others can find the transition challenging. These challenges can come in many forms, from academic to personal. The University of Guelph tries to address and provide services and supports for a wide variety of needs as well as students.
Academic Supports
Learning Commons
This unit is located in the McLaughlin Library and brings together a number of individuals and services aimed at helping students develop skills related to numeracy, writing, learning, research and use of technology. Throughout the year, there are a number of workshops offered that are geared towards the above topics. Students can also book a one-on-one appointment with a learning specialist or peer helper who can address the student’s specific needs as they relate to test-taking, study methods, learning strategies and time management. There are also a number of handouts available for students who want immediate information. Check out Learning Commons' website for more information.
Supported Learning Groups (SLGs)
These peer-led content-specific learning sessions are offered through the Learning Commons. Students who have previously and successfully completed a course in good standing, for which an SLG is offered, will attend the lectures for the course and then at a set time each week offer a group session to review content taught in lecture. The session is designed for all students, regardless of grades and is free of charge. More information about the SLG program is available on the SLG website.
Science Commons
Located on the third floor of the McLaughlin library, the Science Commons includes specific help rooms where students can access one-on-one help for chemistry, physics and math. The Science Commons website has full details of the hours of operations and services available.
Academic Learning Communities
For students interesting in living with other students who are in the same degree program, academic learning communities or a cluster is a great option. You will have a cluster leader who will have completed some of the same courses you are going to complete in your first year. There are a number of activities scheduled throughout the semester to help you adjust to the academic and personal challenges of university life.
Student Accessibility Services
The goal of the centre is to assist students with disabilities in fully participating in university activities and to take full advantage of the university campus. Students do need to register with the centre and provide appropriate documentation. The process to register can be longer than that in high school, so students are encouraged to contact the centre as soon as possible. Full details of the services offered by the centre and how to register can be found on the Student Accessibility Services website.
Academic Program Counsellors
Their role is to provide you with advice regarding your academic program. The B.Sc. and B.O.H. Program Counsellors are located in the Science Complex, room 1329. The B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences Program Counsellor can be found in Johnston Hall.
Program counsellors provide support regarding:
- Policies and procedures of the institution
- Changing majors
- Academic consideration
- Academic standing
- Courses required to meet graduation requirements
- Admission and transfer information
- Referring to appropriate supports on campus
- Liaison to faculty, staff, chairs, etc. regarding academic concerns and requests
Non-Academic Supports
Departmental Resources
EDI Little Library
In the spirit of equity and inclusion, HHNS has established an EDI Little Library with a select of fiction and non-fiction books. You can find the EDI Little Library in ANNU 341A, next to the mailboxes. To borrow a book, just sign it out and return in two weeks.
ANNU Quiet Room
A quiet room is available for booking in the Animal Wing of the ANNU building, room 173a. The room can be used by a single person at a time (or a person with a baby) for prayer, meditation, lactation, sensory and mental health breaks and other activities requiring a quiet and private space. Studying is not permitted. The room can be booked through the front office staff.
University Services
Student services available to University of Guelph students:
- Health Services: provides confidential and comprehensive medical services by licenced physicians, including a walk-in clinic
- Counselling Services: personal and confidential counselling appointments available, including drop-in appointments and after-hours support
- Wellness Centre: provides semesterly programming on a variety of topics related to physical and mental health
- Health and Performance Centre: a suite of health care professionals ranging from physiotherapy to dieticians and sports therapists
About
The College of Biological Science is a globally recognized academic faculty with a mission to expand the understanding of life, from DNA to cells to complex ecosystems. It produces intrepid and interdisciplinary research in a student-centred learning environment that encourages and promotes comprehensive understanding of the systems that govern life.