Academic S.O.S.
ARE YOU HAVING A HARD TIME…
- balancing your school work, relationships and hobbies?
- grasping the material in your classes?
- finding a career path that interests you?
- staying motivated at school?
It’s fair to assume that at one point in our academic career, we have all come across some sort of struggle that we didn’t know how to approach. The most important step is to identify the issue; this makes it much easier to find effective supports and resources. Consider first, the following most common academic setbacks:
TIME MANAGEMENT | Time management is probably one of the most important skills you will develop throughout university. Check out online applications like Istudiez pro, or make use of your electronic calendar, that you can tailor to your hectic lifestyle. Use reminders- whiteboards, post-its on your bedroom wall or a notification on your Smartphone to keep you on track.
STAYING MOTIVATED | In order to stay motivated and make the most out of your academic journey, it’s important to enjoy the process. Other than the required courses, take time to pick electives that spark your interest. It is also by trying new things or new areas of study, that you come to know what you enjoy or what you are drawn to, which can help you find your passion.
OVERCOMING BEING OVERWHELMED | It’s important to learn the best way for you to prioritize, keeping in mind a realistic timeline. When you feel that dreaded sense of “ahhh!” coming on, take a pause and try to make a list of all the things that you need to accomplish. Some students may prefer to get some smaller and easier tasks out of the way first to get that sense of accomplishment started, and then prioritize the bigger projects!
McMaster has many helpful resources for you that will cover any question you might have about your academics and more.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE | Gilmour Hall, Rm. 110, studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca
The Student Success Centre offers support services in the areas of academic and life skills development, writing support services, education planning, English Language Support and the tutoring service Need a Tutor/Be a Tutor.
ACADEMIC ADVISORS | Various locations across campus
For information on program requirements, degree audits and course selection, speak with your Academic Advisors within your specific Faculty.
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES | MUSC B107, http://sas.mcmaster.ca
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) supports students who have been diagnosed with a disability or disorder, such as a learning disability, ADHD, mental health diagnosis, chronic medical condition, sensory, neurological or mobility limitation. SAS assists with academic accommodations, learning strategies, assistive technologies, note-taking and test/exam administration.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and want to talk with a supportive person, there are a number of additional resources available to you:
STUDENT WELLNESS CENTRE | MUSC B101 & MUSC B118, wellness.mcmaster.ca
The Student Wellness Centre offers individual and group counselling support for students in need. The SWELL (MUSC B118) offers weekly programming, centered on student health and wellness.
If you are looking for peer support, try these:
STUDENT HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE (SHEC)
MUSC 202 (for in-person peer support)
PEER SUPPORT LINE (PSL)
ext. 28888 (for phone-line peer support)
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