Everything You Need to Know About Academic Supports at Western

Written by: Safa Awed, 3rd Year Integrated Science specializing in Synthetic Biology
Photo by: Western Communications

The inevitable ending of July is fast approaching, and that means we are officially entering the final stretch of summer. And as September looms, it's important to get started on that back-to-school checklist.

Whether you are finalizing your class schedule, organizing funding, scholarships, or OSAP, or my personal favourite, retail therapy for school supplies, early planning goes a long way. Whether you are a new Western student or returning, taking those extra measures now can help ensure a smooth transition to campus this fall.

One way to prepare is by getting familiar with the academic supports Western has to offer. Most of the core hubs are located at the Western Student Services Building (WSSB), where you can learn about many resources. Here are some major academic supports you should know about:

Accessible Education

Accessible Education at Western helps determine the academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Their purpose is to provide students with a fair opportunity to successfully engage with academic activities without removing essential course requirements. Some available accommodations include accommodated exams, note takers, assistive technology, accessing quieter study spaces, and many more. For an overview of services, visit Accessible Education Website. In the meantime, here are some tips about accessing support:

Register early with Accessible Education:

It's important to register with Accessible Education early to ensure that the supports are in place before classes begin. To get started, complete the online registration form and provide supporting documentation that verifies your disability. Once that is complete, students will be scheduled to meet with an Accessible Education Facilitator to work together to come up with an accommodation plan tailored to your specific needs. Visit here for the online registration form and information about documentation requirements.

Note down important deadlines for accommodations:

If you require accommodations, contact your facilitator early to ensure everything is in place before classes begin. Whether you need a note taker, assistive technology, or exam accommodations, planning ahead helps avoid delays. Visit here for important exam accommodation deadlines.

Access Ed Peer Mentorship program:

If you are newly registered with Accessible Education, the peer mentorship program can match you with an upper-year student with shared disabilities, area of study, or interests. The mentorship program is designed to help students navigate support thetransition to post-secondary, and a way to connect and network with peers. Visit here for details on the program and online registration form.

Learning Supports

The Learning Development & Success team at Western offers resources and support to help students transition and stay on top of university workload. They provide support and resources to identify strengths, develop new skills and strategies that build confidence and support academic success here at Western.

Explore full-service details on the Learning Development & Success website, and check out these highlights:

1-1 Appointments: you can book a 30-minute appointment with a student learning specialist to learn time management strategies, prepare for tests and exams effectively, take useful lecture notes, and learn how to set goals. (Tip: Complete their quick online self-assessment before your meeting).
Presentations & Workshops: attend sessions throughout the school year which cover various topics including overcoming imposter syndrome, bouncing back from academic setbacks, studying for STEM exams and many more. Visit here for presentation schedules for the academic year.
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Centre: located at Western Student Services Building (WSSB) room 4139, PAL offers free drop-in tutoring sessions with upper-year learning peers. Check their online schedule for course-specific sessions starting in the fall.

Writing Support Centre

The Writing Support Centre provides year-round guidance to help you master university-level writing, polish your assignments, and refine professional applications. Check the Writing Support Centre website for details and online resources. In the meantime, here are a few key services they offer:

Online Feedback: submit a writing draft through the online writing assistance form; advisors will provide general comments on how to improve your work.
1-1 Appointment with an advisor: free 50-minute appointment with a writing advisor for help with course writing, resume help, CVs, personal statements, cover letters and applications.
Drop-in support: During peak periods, drop-in support can be accessed at Weldon Library Mezzanine floor rooms M14 and M15, for 25-minute sessions with a writing advisor.

Need help choosing courses?

Academic Advising can help with course selection, degree requirements, academic progression and questions regarding course registration.

For incoming main campus undergraduate students, Academic Advising provides information on how to register for courses here. One of their supports includes 1-1 Course Advising, where you can meet virtually with an advisor for help selecting courses, using DraftMySchedule, and preparing for the academic year.

For incoming students at affiliated colleges visit King's and Huron websites for Academic Advising support.

University is a major transition, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Take the time to bookmark these pages, register for support, and get familiar with campus resources to make your transition infinitely smoother!

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