As you begin your studies, it is important to set yourself up for success. Along with the following tips be sure to complete all student orientation activities along with any orientation materials unique to your program.
Use a calendar to help you manage your time and tasks. Be sure you block out time, every day, to participate in course activities, connect with classmates, work on assignments, and attend to other school activities. Depending on the course and program, you should expect to spend 20-30 hours, or even more, each week engaging in activities related to school.
Students will have access to their courses for about four weeks after the last day of the term. After this four-week period, old courses will not appear on the online campus and students will not be able to access old lectures, assignments, etc. It is strongly recommended that students download and save any material they wish to keep such as assignments, projects etc.
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. – Pele
You are expected to be an independent learner: motivated to learn, ready to commit to your studies, able to manage time effectively, and willing to reflect on your learning struggles and successes. But successful independent learners are not alone – you have important allies.
At school, your allies include:
Small class sizes, interactive discussions, and engaging learning activities create meaningful and supportive connections with each of your instructors. The following tips will help you benefit from those connections.
Participate in class activities and discussions: offer insights, extend the conversation, ask questions. Whether you are participating online or on-campus, share your experiences and ask instructors to share their professional expertise. This adds depth to every discussion and helps instructors remember you, which will be especially important when you need an academic letter of reference in the future.
Your peers can be important allies, providing a different perspective on course discussions and activities, supporting you through challenging times, and offering feedback on your work. Take every opportunity to build connections.
Make Time to Network. You may never be surrounded by so many people with similar interests again, sharing the same experiences again. Now is the perfect opportunity to build your professional network.
Program Advisors are your first line of communication. They are always available to point you to resources, provide information, and, generally, to assist with any challenges you may be facing. Program Advisors can explain your plan of study, provide options that will help with work-life balance, and connect you with other supports.
To connect to your Program Advisor, submit a support ticket.
In addition to your instructors and program advisors, the Student Success Unit offers a wide range of supports related to mental health and wellness, academic accommodations, tutoring, and career services.
Email us to speak to an Accessibility and Accommodations Specialist.
Book a confidential appointment through PHIPA compliant software.
If you are…
• feeling desperate and hopeless
• worried you might hurt yourself, someone else, or commit suicide
• alone with no one to talk to
Please reach out to a Support Hotline in your region immediately for help.
Emergency responders and the 9-1-1 call centres who dispatch them fall within the jurisdiction of provincial, territorial and municipal governments.
Crisis Services Canada, enables callers anywhere in Canada to access crisis support by phone, in French or English: toll-free 1-833-456-4566 Available 24/7
24 Hour Hotline: 1-855-242-3310
ConnexOntario 24-hour Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
Good2Talk 24-Hour Hotline: 1-866-925-5454 or Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Quebec National Crisis Line – All Ages: 1-866-277-3553
Prince Edward Island Crisis Line – All Ages: 1-800-218-2885
Alberta Crisis Line – All Ages: 1-403-266-4357
Manitoba Crisis Line – All Ages: 1-877-435-7170
New Brunswick Crisis Line – All Ages: 1-800-667-5005
British Columbia Crisis Line – All Ages: 1-800-784-2433
Here2Talk, 24/7: 1-604-642-5212 (Toll Free: 1-877-857-3397)
Newfoundland and Labrador Line All Ages: 1-888-737-4668
NWT All Ages 24/7: 1-800-661-0844
Good2Talk 24-Hour Hotline: 1-833-292-3698 or Text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868
Nunavut Line – All Ages, 24/7: 1-800-265-3333
Saskatchewan Crisis Line – All Ages: 1-306-525-5333
Yukon Crisis Line – All Ages 7pm-3am (PDT): 1-844-533-3030
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24/7: 1-800-273-8255
Trans LifeLine – U.S.A.: 1-877-565-8860
The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
SNEHA A Link With Life: 91-44-2464-0050
Beijing – Befrienders: 03-5286-9090
Hong Kong – The Samaritans: 2896-0000
Shanghai – Life Line: 021-6279-8990