University can feel like a maze of assignments, deadlines, decisions, conflicts, policies, questions you never expected to face, and challenges that can leave you feeling unsure where to turn. The good news is that your options do not begin and end with one office or one process. Waterloo’s support network is broad, and knowing who does what can make navigating challenges much easier.
Here is a simple guide to help you understand the different types of support available when things get complicated.
Academic Advising: Your Program Level Guide
Every program and Faculty has an Academic Advisor, and they are one of the best first stops for academic questions tied to your specific degree path.
Advisors can help you:
- Understand program and Faculty requirements
- Explore course options, sequences, and impacts of dropping or adding courses
- Navigate program changes, transfers, or exceptions
- Discuss challenges that affect your academic progression
If your concern is tied to your program or degree, your Academic Advisor is the place to start.
Student Success Office: Skills, Support, and Strategies
The Student Success Office supports your learning and development more broadly. Their focus is not program-specific advising, but skill building, resources, and transition support.
They can help you with:
- Learning strategies and study skills
- Time management support
- Academic development workshops
- Immigration consulting for international students
- Tutoring and peer support programs
- Orientation, leadership development, and transition supports
If you are looking to build capacity in your skills, habits, or strategies, the Student Success Office is in your corner.
AccessAbility Services: When Disability or Impacted Ability Affects Learning
If a disability, chronic condition, mental health concern, temporary injury, or any other factor impacts your ability to meet academic requirements, AccessAbility Services helps you explore accommodations.
They support students with:
- Academic accommodations
- Exam and testing arrangements
- Classroom or learning environment adjustments
- Guidance around required documentation
Their role is to reduce barriers so you can access your education on an equitable basis.
Conflict Management Office: When You Need Help Navigating Tension or Disagreement
Not every challenge is about academics. Sometimes it is about people, group work issues, communication breakdowns, or situations where something does not feel respectful or manageable.
The Conflict Management Office can help with:
- Conflict resolution and coaching
- Mediation and facilitated conversations
- Restorative approaches
- Support navigating interpersonal challenges
They focus on building understanding, repairing relationships, and helping students work through difficult interactions constructively.
Student Led Supports: WUSA and GSA
Some of the most meaningful support can come from your peers. Waterloo’s student-led organizations offer resources created by students, for students.
Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA)
WUSA provides community, advocacy, and peer-driven services, including:
- MATES: Peer support for students navigating stress, academic pressure, or personal challenges
- Centre for Academic Policy Support (CAPS): Guidance for students exploring policy-related questions or academic concerns
- Glow Centre: Support and community for 2SLGBTQ+ students
- RAISE: Supports focused on anti-racism and inclusion
- WUSA Services and Clubs: Spaces to build connections, find community, and access support
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Graduate students have additional supports through the GSA, including:
- Advocacy for graduate student needs
- Peer-led programs and initiatives
- Services tailored to the graduate experience
If you are looking for student community, peer support, or help understanding academic policies from a student perspective, these services can be a strong first stop.
Office of the Ombudsperson: A Confidential, Impartial Place to Understand Your Options
The Ombuds Office provides confidential and impartial support to help students understand policies, explore next steps, and reflect on what fairness looks like in their situation.
Students often reach out when:
- A situation feels unclear or confusing
- They are trying to understand how a policy applies to their concern
- They are preparing for a conversation or decision point
- They are feeling stuck between multiple processes or options
The Office is not part of any formal process and does not take sides. Its role is to help students navigate systems with clarity.
So Where Do You Start?
Ask yourself two questions:
1. What is the issue?
- Program or degree questions → Academic Advising
- Skills, strategies, or transitions → Student Success Office
- Disability or impacted ability → AccessAbility Services
- Group conflict or interpersonal tension → Conflict Management Office
- Peer support or community → WUSA or GSA
- Not sure where your concern fits → Ombuds Office
2. What do you need right now information, skills, clarity, or community.
No office is the right or wrong starting point. Each one can help point you in the direction that fits your concern.