BCOM Academic Success Program

The BComm Academic Success program provides free academic support and resources for undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Commerce program in the Sobey School of Business. The academic success programming strives to provide BComm students with a safe and inclusive environment to access free sessions and to build on and improve learning and academic confidence and skills.

Students can expect the following support offered by the Academic Success program:

  • BComm Peer Academic Support (PAS) Program. Offered for students by students.
  • Access to flexible of academic support sessions for many BComm core courses that are offered online and on-campus.
  • Free resources on academic wellness, time management, study skills, and more.
  • PASS and Study Hall sessions are held for students throughout the academic year.
  • BCOM Core Course  and Academic Success information, tools, and resources. 

What courses can I get support for?

Currently, the BComm courses where support is offered include:

  • ACCT 2241 - Introductory Financial Accounting
  • ACCT 2242 - Introductory Managerial Accounting
  • CISY 1225 - Introduction to Computer Applications
  • ECON 1201 - Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECON 1202 - Principles of Macroeconomics
  • MGSC 1205 - Quantitative Methods I
  • MGSC 2207 - Introductory Statistics
  • FINA 2360 - Business Finance I
  • FINA 3361 - Business Finance II

PAS Program Schedule?

View the PAS program schedule on the BComm Academic Success Program Brightspace or at the following link. Winter 2023 BCOM PAS Schedule (PDF)

How do I access more information about the PAS Program?

A Brightspace course has been created to support the BComm PAS Program. All online sessions will be accessed through Zoom on Brightspace. The PAS Program is available for anyone to self register through the Discover heading on the SMU Brightspace homepage. Follow these instructions  to self register in an open course.

How can the PAS Program help me?

The PAS program supports student academic success through free student to student support as well as modeling student behavior, and studying and learning skills. Students can attend Study Hall or Peer Academic Study Sessions (PASS) online or on-campus to get free academic support. Online sessions, program information, schedules, and student resources can be found on the BCOM Peer Academic Support Brightspace. 

Peer Academic Leaders are students who have previously done well in the course and act as model students and facilitate the sessions in the program. A Peer Academic Leader works with students to increase their confidence and comprehension of important course concepts and help enhance student learning by modelling good study habits and encouraging students to learn from each other. Peer Academic Leaders do not re-teach or lecture, rather they help students learn study habits and how to study in the course. Peer academic support also encourages student success through connecting with peers in your program, learning good study habits and learning important skills to help with your success in the BCOM program.

What will I find on the BComm Academic Success Program Brightspace?

Students will find the following on Brightspace:

  • PAS Program Information
  • PAS Schedules
  • Links to Zoom Meetings for each course throughout the week. These can be found in the upcoming events or Zoom heading on menu.
  • BCOM Core Course Resources such as videos and other supplementary information
  • Peer Academic Leader Profiles
  • BCOM Academic Success Sessions
  • BCOM Academic Success Student Resources
  • Resources for academic and personal support at SMU.

How do I become a Peer Academic Leader?

About the role:

Peer Academic Leaders provide academic support to undergraduate students in various formats including guided Peer Academic Study Sessions and drop-in one-on-one academic support offered via Study Halls. 

As a Peer Academic Leader, you will work with students to increase their confidence and comprehension of important course concepts and help enhance student learning by modelling good study habits and encouraging students to learn from each other. Some examples of providing academic support include assignment review, practice problems, problem solving strategies, test preparation, and encouraging independent learning.

Peer Academic Leader positions are merit-based, and students are compensated for their time and effort via an hourly wage. Peer Academic Leaders are expected to work, on average, four hours a week with sometime required to prepare for group study sessions. Training will be provided for Peer Academic Leaders to help them understand the role, how to use the technology required, and how to interact with students.  

Why become a Peer Academic Leader?

Becoming a Peer Academic Leader in the BComm program can provide students with the opportunity to: 

  • Support a positive teaching and learning experience for your peers.
  • Receive training in student leadership and peer support. 
  • Develop and enhance your leadership skills and grow your CV. 
  • Support and participate in the Sobey School of Business community. 
  • Apply your skills and knowledge in a learning environment. 
  • Engage with faculty and professional staff in a meaningful way.

Am I qualified?

Peer Academic Leader positions are typically assigned to current undergraduate students within the program.  They will need to have completed and normally achieved a minimum grade of A- in the courses that they assist and have an overall CGPA of a 3.50 or higher.

How to apply:

Students can apply for Peer Academic Leader positions using the link below:

Peer Academic Leader Application Form *Applications for 2023-2024 is now open. The deadline to apply is July 3, 2023.

*Applying does not guarantee a Peer Academic Leader position. Successful candidates will be contacted.  Applicants will need to use their Saint Mary’s University email to apply.

BComm Peer Academic Leader Community Website

Current Peer Academic Leaders have access to an internal website dedicated to providing access to content and resources to assist them in their roles. 

PALs can access the website here.

Have a question or concern?

Email:  bcom.advising@smu.ca 

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