It’s the beginning of the academic year and our newest students have started down a new road. Everyone reacts to the university transition in their own way, but there are some common issues they can encounter as the fall term begins.

They are orienting themselves on campus, learning the universities policies and procedures and adjusting to different class sizes and academic expectations. Keeping up with lectures, assignments, financial pressures, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities and social engagements means time management will be a priority.

Our students are thinking about some things more than others

1) Finances: Students are familiarizing themselves with scholarships and awards offered for academic achievement and bursaries offered for financial need. They can also find out more by visiting the Awards website at carleton.ca/awards. The deadline to apply for a bursary is October 31.Employment: Students looking for part-time jobs, as well as on-campus work opportunities, are encouraged to go to myCareer via Carleton Central.

2) New classes: They’re getting to know their instructors, each at their own pace. You have a significant influence on a student’s educational outcome and we encourage students to take extra time to meet with you.

3) Getting involved: They’re still in the early stages of figuring out what’s happening on campus. We suggest they become well acquainted with all aspects of their campus environment. They can begin by bookmarking the student website at carleton.ca/students. They can also check out the clubs and societies offered by CUSA or visit the Student Experience Office for a list of extracurricular activities.

What can they do to ease their transition?

1) Download Carleton Mobile, the mobile app for current students.
2) Look through the Learning Support Services Study Skills Workshops.
3) Keep up-to-date on registration and fee deadlines.
4) Visit the Bookstore.
5) Pick up their U-Pass.
6) Pick up their Campus Card.

We’re here to help: Student Experience Office

The Student Experience Office (SEO) is the first stop when a student arrives at Carleton University. Their role is to ensure new students make a successful transition to university life by preparing them to achieve their personal and academic goals.  They continue to support students through their time at Carleton University by offering helpful services and programs to encourage student engagement.

The Student Experience Office provides relevant and helpful services to encourage student engagement. The SEO provides transitional support for first-year students through Summer, Fall, Winter and Academic Orientation programs.

It also offers leadership development and community service learning initiatives to help all undergraduate students make connections between classroom learning and community service experience through programs like Alternative Spring Break and Carleton Serves.

These programs and services encourage student engagement both on and off campus.

Check out their website for more on the services they offer.

We’re here to help: Student Affairs

Carleton University is committed to providing a living and learning environment that promotes student success both inside and outside of the classroom.

There are many elements that contribute to student success; the Office of Student Affairs is responsible for directing several programs, policies or services that aim to make the university community’s on campus experience a positive one.

This office oversees the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy, is responsible for centralized support for the Academic Integrity policy, including managing appeal procedures and oversees the Alcohol policy and alcohol awareness activities.

Student Affairs also supports student event risk management practices, administers the Student Activities Fund, and offers resources for students coping with crisis.

Visit their website for more information.