STEPS Program

S.T.E.P.S. ( Strategies toward Establishing Personal Success ) is a student success program which is offered by Student Services, in partnership with the Deans of all three academic Faculties (Arts, Science, and the Sobey School of Business).  This program provides a service to SMU students who have been unable to maintain the GPA required by their faculty and are therefore required to withdraw from the University.

This interective program is designed to help students develop not only effective learning strategies, but essential life skills as well. Included in the S.T.E.P.S. program are professional group workshops which are held twice weekly throughout first semester, as well as interaction with SMU faculty and staff and instruction and support from the Program Coordinator.  Regular one on one Academic Coaching with a professor is another valuable component which will take place throughout the entire Academic year.   S.T.E.P.S. is a non-credit program that will require up to three hours each week, as well as a high level of commitment to the various workshops and opportunities.  Students may be eligible to register for nine credit hours in conjunction with taking part in S.T.E.P.S. and Special terms of Probation will be outlined by the Dean of your Faculty.

Students must be recommended for the S.T.E.P.S program by the Dean of their Faculty and complete the online application in order to be considered for admittance to the program.  Please note that a limited number of the students who are required to withdraw will be accepted based on their likelihood of success, level of motivation, and our capacity to advise each student.  Upon acceptance into the program, there is an administrative fee of $595 (equivalent to .5 credit hour course) which will be applied to your student account. 

Student Success Workshops:

  • Building effective study habits and success strategies: Note taking and Retention, Test preparation, Reading to Remember/ Concentration strategies

  • Learning styles

  • Goal setting (SMART format)

  • Motivation and commitment

  • Time Management

  • Exploring Majors and Careers

  • Stress Management/ Adaptability

  • University Writing

  • Research

  • Relationships (Managing conflict, Communication)

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Lifestyle choices and how they affect academic success (i.e. sleep, exercise, diet)/ Taking responsibility for choices

  • Forming Academic Alliances

What students who have participated in the program are saying:

  • “STEPS is an amazing program!  I learned that I am not alone and that my bad habits can be broken with a little hard work, motivation and effort.  I personally feel proud of myself because my grades now reflect what great potential I have.”
  • “I am a much better student now because of STEPS.  I take better notes, I manage my time better, I read the material before class, and I attend every class!  STEPS has made me a more motivated student.”
  • “STEPS was a wonderful experience and I will remember all of this forever.  Thanks for all the help!”

Our goal in S.T.E.P.S. is to assist students in addressing their challenges and concerns in order to increase the chance of achieving both personal and academic success.  Saint Mary’s University is dedicated to helping you succeed and reach your goals. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the S.T.E.P.S. program, please feel free to contact me via email at success@smu.ca or by phone at 902.496.8797.

Sincerely,

Bobbi Beuree

Student Success Coordinator, Student Services

902.496.8797