With classes in full swing and midterms underway, this can be an overwhelming time for students. Managing responsibilities becomes harder and students may feel they are falling behind.

For students in residence or living off-campus, occasional roommate problems and feelings of homesickness may also surface.

Some of what are students are focused on

1. They may be having difficulty balancing social life and studies. Ensuring they can get down to business requires having the tools to do so. The Student Academic Success Centre (SASC) offers one-on-one academic advising, learning support, study skills appointments, peer assisted study sessions, and writing tutorial services, that will help students set their sights and sharpen their skills. They can find out more at carleton.ca/sasc.
2. On an ongoing basis, Writing Tutorial Services (WTS) offers one-on-one assistance to all students, regardless of program, in all aspects of academic writing. WTS also maintains a webpage that comprises links to various web resources and information about their various learning sessions.
3. Some students may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of schoolwork they have on their plate. We have services to help them manage those feelings. The FIT: Action program provides one-on-one support, in the form of weekly meetings, with a program staff member who will help craft an individual plan for managing stress and getting back on track. The most common ways we help are: time management, stress management, coping skills, learning strategies and test-taking strategies.

What can they do to ease their transition?

1. Take in a movie or take part in one of the many events being held by the Campus Activity Board (CAB). The CAB operates and is advised under the Student Experience Office, and is led by students who facilitate the ideation, planning, promotion, execution, and evaluation of a diverse range of on-campus events and activities.
2. Students interested in traveling while they learn should attend an Exchange Information Session being held throughout October and November. Students can choose from more than 140 partner institutions in over 30 different countries.
3. Check out one of the many leagues offered by Carleton Athletics.

We’re here to help: Student Academic Success Centre

The Student Academic Success Centre (SASC), located in 302 Tory building, helps undergraduate students achieve their academic goals. SASC programs and services foster independence by providing students with the decision-making and academic skills they need to be successful.

SASC offers a range of services, including centralized academic advising, Learning Support Services, Peer Assisted Study Sessions, and Writing Tutorial Services to meet individual learning needs. Academic advisors help students develop effective study skills and concrete strategies for success, understand academic rules and regulations, and more.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions are free, weekly workshops available to students in traditionally difficult courses. Attendance is both voluntary and anonymous and sessions are led by well-trained and knowledgeable PASS facilitators. The Writing Tutorial Service helps students shape their academic writing skills through appointments with a writing tutor or writing workshops.  All students are welcome.

Visit carleton.ca/sasc for more information.

We’re here to help: Learning Support Services (LSS)

The (LSS) mission is to educate Carleton students on the skills and strategies needed to be independent and active learners, and to achieve academic success. LSS programs and services promote learning and development in students by helping them strengthen academic skills and by teaching them the strategies necessary for achieving their goals. Learning Support Services, located on the 4th Floor in the MacOdrum Library, also provides effective referrals to various services on campus and within the Ottawa community for assistance with common student challenges.

The Tutor Referral Service (TRS) connects students with peer tutors when they need assistance with undergraduate course work. Tutors can help with course concepts or topics that a student may be having difficulty with.

To become a tutor listed in the Tutor Referral Service, students must be a current Carleton student, maintain an Overall CGPA of 7.00+ and a Major CGPA of 7.00+

• have earned at least a final grade of “A-“ in the course you want to tutor
• Attend a Tutor Orientation Training workshop in order to remain or become an active tutor in the TRS database.

If you know of a student who would fit these criteria and who might be interested in becoming a peer tutor, please refer them to learningsupport@carleton.ca.

Likewise, if you have any students expressed an interest in receiving peer tutor support, please refer them to learningsupport@carleton.ca.

LSS programs include:

• study skills workshops (find out more)
• 1-on-1 study skills appointments (find out more)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) conversation groups (find out more)

LSS services include:

• requesting tutor referrals (find out more)
• reserving group study rooms (find out more)
• scheduling Writing Tutorial appointments (find out more)
• pick up Top Ten Tips advice (find out more)
• access networked computers (find out more)