SMF Student Advising Resources

The SMF Honours major level academic plan requirements are noted below.

• A minimum cumulative Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies major average of 70%
• A minimum overall cumulative average of 60%
• At least eight (8) academic course units (16 courses) in SMF and SMF approved courses including:
  • SMF 101 - Introduction to Relationships and Families
  • SMF 205 - The Dark Side of Sexuality
  • SMF 207 - Parents, Children, and Family Relations
  • SMF 208 - Introduction to Systemic Therapies and Anti-Oppressive Practices
  • SMF 220 - Research Methods
  • SMF 230 - Introduction to Statistics in SMF
  • SMF 310 - Sexual and Relational Ethics
  • SMF 400 - Capstone Seminar
• One (1) of SMF 204 - Intro to Human Sexuality, or PSYCH 236 - A Psychological Analysis of Human Sexuality
• Two (2) of:
  • SMF 304 - Human Sexuality in Relationships
  • SMF 305 - Social Issues and Controversies in Human Sexuality
  • SMF 306 - Intimate Relationships & PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R - Interpersonal Relations (anti-requisite courses, can only complete one of)
  • SMF 307 - Conflict in Close Relationships
  • SMF 365 - Special Topics in Human Sexuality
  • SMF 366 - Special Topics in Couples, Marriages, and Family Studies
• Five (5) additional SMF/SMF approved courses, of which two (2) must be at the 300-level or above:
  • One (1) course from the approved SMF humanities list
  • Four (4) courses from:
    • Any additional SMF courses
    • Any SMF approved courses

Course descriptions, list of SMF Approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

The SMF 4-year general major level academic plan requirements are noted below.

• A minimum cumulative Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies major average of 65%
• A minimum overall cumulative average of 60%
• At least eight (8) academic course units (16 courses) in SMF and SMF approved courses including:
  • SMF 101 - Introduction to Relationships and Families
  • SMF 205 - The Dark Side of Sexuality
  • SMF 207 - Parents, Children, and Family Relations
  • SMF 208 - Introduction to Systemic Therapies and Anti-Oppressive Practices
  • SMF 220 - Research Methods
  • SMF 230 - Introduction to Statistics in SMF
  • SMF 310 - Sexual and Relational Ethics
  • SMF 400 - Capstone Seminar
• One (1) of SMF 204 - Intro to Human Sexuality or PSYCH 236 - A Psychological Analysis of Human Sexuality
• Two (2) of:
  • SMF 304 - Human Sexuality in Relationships
  • SMF 305 - Social Issues and Controversies in Human Sexuality
  • SMF 306 - Intimate Relationships & PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R - Interpersonal Relations (anti-requisite courses, can only complete one of)
  • SMF 307 - Conflict in Close Relationships
  • SMF 365 - Special Topics in Human Sexuality
  • SMF 366 - Special Topics in Couples, Marriages, and Family Studies
• Five (5) additional SMF/SMF approved courses, of which two (2) must be at the 300-level or above:
  • One (1) course from the approved SMF humanities list
  • Four (4) courses from:
    • Any additional SMF courses
    • Any SMF approved courses

Course descriptions, list of SMF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

The SMF minor academic plan requirements are noted below.

• A minimum cumulative average of 65%
• Successful completion of a minimum of four (4) academic course units (8 courses) in SMF and SMF approved courses including:
  • SMF 101 - Introduction to Relationships and Families
  • SMF 207 - Parents, Children, and Family Relations
  • SMF 310 - Sexual and Relational Ethics
• One (1) of SMF 204 - Intro to Human Sexuality or PSYCH 236 - A Psychological Analysis of Human Sexuality
• One (1) of:
  • SMF 304 - Human Sexuality in Relationships
  • SMF 305 - Social Issues and Controversies in Human Sexuality
  • SMF 306 - Intimate Relationships & PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R - Interpersonal Relations (anti-requisite courses, can only complete one of)
  • SMF 307 - Conflict in Close Relationships
  • SMF 365 - Special Topics in Human Sexuality
  • SMF 366 - Special Topics in Couples, Marriages, and Family Studies
• Three (3) additional courses, of which one (1) must be at the 300-level or above:
  • One (1) course from the approved SMF humanities list
  • Two (2) courses of:
    • Any additional SMF courses
    • Any other SMF approved courses

Course descriptions, list of SMF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

The SMF Counselling Specialization plan requirements are noted below.

The Counselling Specialization is open to all students majoring in SMF in either the Honours or General level plan. This specialization is not open to SMF minor students or students in major plans other than SMF as the specialization builds off of the core SMF major curriculum.  The Counselling Specialization is a great foundation for those looking to pursue further education and training in the field of counselling.

The Counselling Specialization requires successful completion of four (4) courses:

• SMF 208 – Introduction to Systemic Therapies and Anti-Oppressive Practices
• SMF 301 – Communication and Counselling Skills
• SMF 308 – Couple and Family Therapy
• SMF 309 – Sex Therapy

While SMF 208 is required for SMF majors to complete; SMF 301, SMF 308, and SMF 309 can count toward the "5 additional SMF course requirement" section of SMF major plans. The SMF Counselling Specialization can fit within the 16 required SMF major course requirements.

Course descriptions, list of SMF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

The SMF Human Services Practicum Specialization academic plan requirements are noted below.

This helpful PDF overviews the Practicum experience.

In combination with the Honours SMF plan-level requirements listed above, students interested in pursuing the Human Services Practicum Specialization will be required to fulfill the following requirements:

A minimum SMF major average of 75%.

Successful completion of four (4) additional courses, for a total of 10.5 academic course units (20 courses) in SMF:

• One (1) of: SMF 494, SMF 496, SMF 498 (Seminar classes)
• One (1) additional SMF course at the 300-level
• SMF 490 (Practicum Part 1), SMF 491 (Practicum Part 2) - each 0.75 units
  • This course involves an assigned unpaid apprenticeship in a human services setting combined with regular seminar meetings. The practicum will require 15 hours per week. Paid or volunteer positions that are obtained outside the context of this course are not eligible for credit in this course.

Course descriptions, list of SMF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

The SMF Research Intensive Specialization academic plan requirements are noted below.

In combination with the Honours SMF plan-level requirements listed above, students interested in pursuing the Intensive Research Specialization will be required to fulfill the following requirements:

A minimum SMF major average of 75%.

Successful completion of four additional courses, for a total of 10.5 academic course units (20 courses) in SMF:

• One (1) of: SMF 494, SMF 496, SMF 498 (Seminar Classes)
• One (1) additional SMF course at the 300-level
• SMF 499A (Thesis Part 1), SMF 499B (Thesis Part 2) - each 0.75 units
  • Under supervision of a faculty member, students normally will review literature, design a study, present a research proposal, analyze data, write a scholarly research paper, and deliver an oral presentation based on the paper

Course descriptions, list of SMF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

Course selection:

• You can select courses anytime during the Course Selection Period (i.e., not on a first-come, first-served basis).

• You are not enrolling in courses at this stage, rather simply submitting a ‘wish-list’ of courses. There is no instructor information or scheduling information at this stage.

• You can also modify your requests or change your priorities at any time during the course selection period (i.e., as often as you like!). Just go back into Quest and resubmit your course selections.

• How to generate your wish list of courses: When it's your time to select your courses, this is what you need to do (see Quest instructions for selecting courses. Note: Course selection cannot be completed on Quest mobile.):
  1. You pick your desired course.
  2. You pick your preferred campus location for that course.
  3. You set the priority order of consideration for that course.
• Repeat steps 1-3 for as many courses as will complete your course load.

Helpful resources:

• List of course descriptions
• Course Selection Offerings List
• Quest help pages

Course enrollment:

Step 1 (pre-Add/Drop/Swap period):

• Check Quest to see when your enrollment appointment access day/time begins for the add-drop-swap enrollment period. This information will be updated in Quest one week prior to the beginning of the add-drop-swap period.

• Review the updated Schedule of Classes including enrollment information (i.e. you can see which courses are full and which still have capacity, along with the days/times the course is scheduled)

• If you participated in course selection, you can check your schedule in Quest to see which courses you gained enrollment in and what your current schedule looks like for the following term.

Step 2: (after your add/drop/swap enrollment appointment access opens):

• Review and make any necessary course enrollment changes in Quest to solidify your next terms courses and schedule.

• Classes can be added or swapped; subject to availability and eligibility. Components (e.g., TUT or LAB) of a course can also be swapped. 

• Didn’t gain enrollment in a course? Receive a Quest error? Need a course override? The Arts Enrollment Problems and Override Resource will help you navigate the next steps to try and secure enrollment in a course. If the course is a SMF course, please connect with the SMF Advisor for an override.

• The timing of when you participate in the Add/Drop/Swap period matters - it is on a first-come, first-served basis (unlike the Course Selection period).

• Keep in mind that enrollment will fluctuate during the first week of the Add/Drop/Swap period, so check the schedule of classes/quest often to see if a spot opens up in a course.

Helpful Resources:

• Arts Course Descriptions 
• SMF Course Descriptions
• List of online courses
• Schedule of Classes

The following scheduling and sequencing information applies to SMF core courses and is subject to change from term to term. Please consult the Schedule of Classes and Quest to confirm SMF course offerings/scheduling for a future term, and connect with the SMF Advisor if you have additional questions.

** Review course pre-requisites and plan to ensure seamless progression in the SMF major.

One-on-one, Peer Support  

• SJU Peer Academic Leader (PAL). PALs provide peer success coaching and peer support to students across all programs. In addition, you can find the PALs hosting group study sessions and student support events across campus.  

• 1-1 Peer Success Coaching - Students can meet 1-1 with an upper year student/Peer Success Coach, and work on developing and/or strengthening their academic skills (e.g., time management, note-taking, and studying etc.). This program is available to all students, in all faculties and students can book either virtual or in-person appointments. 

Academic Skills, Writing Support, and Learning Resources

• Learning Resources - Students can independently review our academic skills resources and find learning templates to help them develop their academic skills throughout the winter 2023 term. 

• Learning Skills Self-Assessment - Students can use our learning skills self-assessment, to determine their existing learning strengths and to gain insight into which skills/areas they should focus on developing. 

• Tutor Connect - Undergrad and Grad students can sign-up to be a tutor or search for tutoring support through the Tutor Connect platform. 

• The Writing and Communication Centre has some great virtual services such as one-on-one appointments, workshops, and self-serve learning resources to help you succeed on assignments. They also have Waterloo Ready to Write with tip sheets, workshops, and events to support you as you tackle papers, reports, presentations, and other assignments.   

• Use theAssignment Planner tool to help you plan your time and make big assignments more manageable.  

• AccessAbility Services provides academic accommodation support to students with known or suspected disabilities/medical conditions. If your ability to engage in academics has been impacted by a known or suspected disability/medical condition, we encourage you to connect with AccessAbility Services. You can review their website for information on Documentation information & forms and how to apply. 

Exam and Test Support 

• Exam prep, study tips and preparing for finals

• Quick tips and tools articles written by learning specialists on study strategies and taking exams 

Campus Wellness and mental health supports

• Campus Wellness and Counselling Services offers individual one-on-one appointments to students residing in Ontario, and it is completely free for students. To book an appointment, you can call 519-888-4567 ext. 32655. 

• Empower Me provides phone and video counselling appointments for students (within Ontario and many countries). They are available 24/7, 365 days at 1-833-628-5589 (see website for non-Ontario phone number). 

• Counselling Services also offers group workshops on various topics, including alleviating anxiety, motivation, and low mood. These are great to join for some additional tips and resources.  

• MATES is a volunteer peer support program for students. This is a more informal option and can be a great place to connect with other students for social and mental health support. 

• We have spiritual care-givers and chaplains at St. Jerome’s and Waterloo from many faiths who are available to support students on their life, faith, and spirituality journeys.  

• RAISE is student-led and serves to address racism and xenophobia on campus through peer-support, education and advocacy, and community building.  

• The Indigenous Student Center provides support and community for Indigenous students.  

• PRISM is SJU’s queer student association and provides community, education, and advocacy. You can connect with them on Instagram, X, and TikTok at @SJUPRISM, or email: sjuprism@gmail.com 

• UW GLOW Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity. 

Do you know of a helpful resource that isn’t listed here? Please email SMF Advisor, John Arnou, to let them know.

The SMF Student Society is a student-led body dedicated to representing the needs of undergraduate students enrolled in the SMF major or minor. The SMF Society aims to strengthen communication between students and faculty, build a sense of community through programs and social events, and provide resources for academic support. 

We can be contacted by email at uwsmfsociety@gmail.com. You can also visit us on Facebook or Instagram!