Advice & Advising
We care about your success at Saint Mary’s. There is a lot of information and support here to help you. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I make the most of my first year at university?
I want to make sure that my degree program is on track. What do I do?
What can an Academic Advisor do for me?
My situation might be different from some other students…
Honestly, I’m not sure what my question is….
How do I make the most of my first year at university?
- Consider your first year a Transition Year -- learning a new system, making personal contacts, exploring new fields of study. You just might end up changing direction.
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your plans, even if you don’t have any specific plans right now.
- Get to know your professors.
- Keep an eye on key dates and important information with the help of SMUPort, and the web site, Orientation programs, the Academic Calendar, bulletin boards, student newspaper,
- Check your Saint Mary’s email account regularly for important information and opportunities.
- Manage your time.
- Participate actively in your education.
- Monitor midterm and final results.
- Learn from study skill and program workshops, information sessions and handouts.
- Use resources provided by the university and fellow students. Did you notice the menu of choices to the left?
- Ask for help if you need it!
I want to make sure that my degree program is on track. What do I do?
- Get to know the Academic Calendar – your contract with Saint Mary’s. Consult this document for the regulations which apply to your degree program. The Academic Calendar also explains important terms like “pre-requisite” and what courses you’ll need for a major or minor.
- Consult the web site for your faculty for important notices and to find out about academic advising.
- Make contact with your Academic Advisor and meet with that person at least once a year. See “Who is my Academic Advisor?” below.
- After your first-year grades are in the system and you have declared a major, you can track your progress on line through the CAPP program (on Banner Self-Service).
What can an Academic Advisor do for me?
“Through academic advising, students learn to become members of their higher education community, to think critically about their roles and responsibilities as students, and to prepare to be educated citizens of a democratic society and a global community.”
Academic Advisors can help you to:
- choose your program or major
- sequence your courses for best use of your time
- understand degree requirements and academic regulations
- plan strategies to achieve your educational and career goals
- understand the impact of poor grades -- probation and withdrawals
- take the right steps to cope with unexpected situations (illness or family circumstances) which affect your studies
- take courses at other universities via “letters of permission”
- fit study-abroad programs into your degree
The Advisors can also help in tricky situations to:
- liaise with other university departments
- informally resolve concerns and questions and, if that fails---
- help you to understand how to make an Appeal
Academic Advisors can recommend a skills service such as a workshop, tutoring, or library resource. They can also recommend other specialized services such as family care, accessibility services, career resources, or the international student advisor. Academic advisors might also refer students to confidential services such as health, psychological and crisis-response services. You can feel comfortable approaching academic advisors with any type of concerns.
If you are in a bachelor’s degree program, you should consult staff of the:
Sobey Building Room 208 | Sobey.BComm@smu.ca | 902-420-5527
McNally Main 2nd floor, McNally Arts Commons | smarts@smu.ca | Tel 902.420.5437
Science Building Room 221/222 | science@smu.ca | Tel 902-420-5661
Diploma in Engineering Office
McNally Main 304 | engineering@smu.ca | Tel 902-420-5695
Once you have declared a major you may be assigned a Program Advisor. This person is a faculty member (a “professor”) who has specialized knowledge about your subject and can help you to plan for advanced-level studies.
If you are in a program of graduate studies, you will access academic advice though your Program Director.
Finally, you should also talk to your instructors, the Chair of your department, and the Associate Dean for your faculty.
What are my responsibilities as a Saint Mary’s student?
- You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the requirements of your academic program (Academic Regulation 3a).
- It is up to you to take advantage of support services, including academic advising, and to ask for help when you need it.
- Be honest with your advisors, professors -- and with yourself -- regarding your program, your progress, and your interactions with the university community.
- The University expects you to participate in the free exchange of ideas and to respect a wide a range of opinions and ideas (Academic Regulation 19).
My situation might be different from some other students…
Staff offering these specialized services would be glad to hear from you or welcome you to their offices:
Access and Support for Students with Disabilities
International Student Services
Study-Abroad / International Learning
Still need help to find a service, a person, or a location on campus? You’ll find helpful staff to point you in the right direction:
In the McNally Building:
- The Switchboard, in the lobby
- Student Accounts Office, in the lobby
- Security Desk, ground floor
- Registrar and Records Office, McNally Main 134
In the Student Centre:
- The Info Desk, Ground Floor
- Student Services, 4th Floor
- SMUSA, 5th Floor
In the Library/ Atrium
- Services Plus Desk
In the Loyola Building
- Help Desk of IT Systems and Support. 2nd Floor Intersection with Sobey Building
- Residence Security Desk
In the Burke Building
- The Writing Centre, Main Floor
- Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Main Floor
In the Science Building
- Dean of Science Office, Science 221
At the Tower
- Front Desk
Honestly, I’m not sure what my question is….
We understand. It’s often helpful to just talk things through, with another student, a member of the Student Association (SMUSA), or one of the many University staff who can help you figure out what your question really is. Any one of us will be glad to refer you to the right person or resource on campus to find the answers. Most important? Just ask!
This page last modified Thursday, 17-Nov-2011 11:48:23 AST