Supporting student success through a change of plans

The Student Success Office (SSO) will begin the winter 2022 term offering a variety of services and resources remotely. Connect with us online through our Live Chat Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. 

Academic and leadership development

• Online Learning Resources are available for students looking to independently build strong study habits. Use the Learning Skills Self-Assessment to determine your existing strengths and gain insight into which areas you should focus on developing if you’re unsure where to start.  
• Register for the Planning for Academic Success: Making the Most of Your Winter Term workshop to set up for success this term.
• Warrior Virtual Study Halls are weekly supported study sessions facilitated by a Peer Success Coach to introduce new academic skills, help you create study goals and answer your study questions. 
• Peer Success Coaches offer virtual one-on-one appointments for personalized support addressing academic challenges and creating a plan for success. Our coaches are upper-year students with experience overcoming their own study roadblocks.  
• Student Leadership Program provides opportunities to develop your leadership skills and apply your new knowledge in a campus leadership role.  
• Foundational Training Program for Peer Leaders can help you develop core skills for working in a peer-to-peer program at the University of Waterloo.  
• Mentor resources are available online to support students in mentor or peer leader roles.

International student experience 

• Chat live with an international student experience expert for support with travel and quarantine plans or other international student resources. We’re online Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. 
• The International Peer Community will begin the term online, with plans to resume some in-person events later this winter as permitted by Public Health Guidelines. Online Discussions continue to be offered to enhance the student experience from home.  
• International pre-departure drop-in sessions will continue to be offered on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m. for students seeking answers to their travel-related questions.
• Book 1:1 quarantine support any day of the week (including weekends).
• Immigration Info Sessions will continue online for international students to learn how to apply for and maintain their documents. You can also book a virtual Immigration Consulting appointment.

Global learning

• Students who are interested in going abroad in fall 2022 or winter/spring 2023 can attend an online information session to learn how to apply by the January 27 deadline.  
• The Global Experience Certificate is a good way to showcase your achievements in internationalization. 

Support for Staff and Faculty

• Instructor resources have been updated with Five Minute Academic Skills Presentations for both virtual and in-person teaching, as well as this term’s Early Engagement Quick Tips.
• Advisor resources are available to support staff and faculty in advising roles. Keep an eye out for your invitation to the 2022 Waterloo Advising Community Conference later this term!

As you adjust to beginning the term online, you can count on the SSO for flexible support. If you have questions about any of the services listed above or how to better support students you work with, please contact us.