The Bridge
Special Issue 2001/2002
Student Services
Making the Grade at Concordia
by Mary O’Malley
Coordinator, Student Learning Services
At Student Learning Services, we’re in the business of helping students make the grade at Concordia. We know what student success is all about and our services are designed to help you get the grades you want and avoid burnout and dropout. Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of a variety of students: Cegep or out-of-province high school grads who are making the transition to university learning, mature students who are returning to school after a number of years, and students who come to Concordia from other countries and whose first language isn’t English. A s well, we offer services to both undergraduate and graduate students throughout their academic career at Concordia. Here’s an overview of our free learning services.
Workshops
At the beginning of each semester we provide workshops that are designed to help students, particularly first year students, develop the effective learning strategies and study skills required for university learning. For example, we can show you how to read efficiently so you can handle the book load, how to take good notes in class and learn from them, how to study for tests and exams and avoid exam anxiety, how to write research papers, how to make oral presentations, and how to manage your time as a student.
Individual Help
In addition to group workshops, we offer individual help to students at all levels, both undergraduate and graduate. You can consult with a Learning and Study Skills Specialist who will work with you individually, using your own course materials, to help you understand how to read/write/study/learn effectively in a particular course. We can show you techniques for reading a variety of academic material more efficiently as well as strategies for reading when English is not your first language. We can work with you on any type of writing assignment, explaining the general design of academic papers and strategies for researching, writing, and editing them. Whatever your level, undergraduate or graduate, we can show you the best strategies for dealing with all kinds of academic tasks so that you truly get value from the time you spend on school work.
Writing Assistance
Trained peer Writing Assistants are also available to work with you on any written assignment including book reviews, research papers, case studies, journals, technical reports, and English compositions. They can help you understand your assignment, show you effective writing strategies, and/or provide helpful feedback on a draft. They can also help you prepare for the University Writing Test.
Math Assistance
Trained peer Math Assistants tutor small groups of students in some basic math courses. Tutors not only help you do the math by explaining what you don’t understand but also teach strategies for succeeding in math courses and provide ongoing encouragement to build your confidence. This help is ideal for students who have been away from math for a while or who suffer from math anxiety.
English Conversation Groups
If English is not your first language, you can join one of our conversation groups to improve your spoken English. Groups meet weekly and are led by trained TESL students.
Lunch ‘n’ Learn
These noontime seminars feature free bagels and tips on learning and writing in a casual, friendly atmosphere. You can meet new friends, munch a bagel, and pick up some new skills and strategies to help you become a more effective student. Topics are often geared for English Second Language (ESL) students.
Online Help
You can access all kinds of study skills information and resources through Student Learning Services web site. We’ve put some of our own most popular handouts online as well as links to some of the best learning materials at other universities across North America. Be sure to visit Learning Support Services.
So if you want to “make the grade” at Concordia, and especially if you want those grades to reflect your potential, take advantage of Student Learning Services’ resources. They’re designed with YOU in mind!
Counselling and Development
SGW: Hall-440,848-3545
LOY: 2490 West Broadway, 848-3555
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