Student Services

What Student Services are available at Brandon University?

Student Services assists students in their intellectual, vocational, personal and social development and is dedicated to helping Brandon University’s students achieve their potential. However, as the primary point of contact for most university students, faculty can also play a crucial role in facilitating student success. Working in partnership, teaching faculty and Student Services professionals are better able to meet the changing needs of today’s broad spectrum of university learners. To that end, we encourage faculty to familiarize themselves with the various services available to our students and adopt a proactive role in referring students to the appropriate service when applicable.

Academic Advising

New students are required to meet with an academic advisor to discuss course selection, prior to registration. An advisor who is sensitive to the needs of international students is also available to assist students with the transition to university life in Canada.

Academic Skills Centre

The Academic Skills Centre offers a broad range of academic support services to assist both students and faculty. The Centre’s primary goal is to help students become more efficient learners, equipped with greater confidence, motivation and skill. Students are encouraged to access the Centre’s services through either individual appointments designed to address specific learning issues or group workshops that deal with some of the most common learning issues facing students. Faculty who notice students falling behind in their studies or having difficulties are encouraged to refer them to the Centre as soon as possible. Learning skills professionals are also available to design and present individualized class presentations, ranging from a five-minute introduction of services for students to a workshop on learning, writing or math strategies specific to the course.

The Math Centre

The Math Centre offers mathematical assistance to individuals and groups of students who feel uncomfortable using math in the context of other disciplines, or who desire to strengthen their mathematical background. Students can discuss, review and clarify basic mathematical concepts and their application and interpretation in the context of interest. This assistance is provided on a one-to-one appointment basis as well as group workshops.

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre is a teaching service intended to help students improve their writing skills. Staff members help students learn how to identify and correct mechanical errors, perfect the structure and organization of their writing, and use prescribed essay format/referencing styles. Writing Centre professionals do not advise students on the content of their assignments, nor do they edit or proofread papers. Faculty are encouraged to refer students at any stage of the writing process, from preliminary outlines through to semi-final drafts. They are also encouraged to forward their assignment guidelines to the Writing Centre to facilitate appointments with students concerned with specific assignments.

Learning Skills

Learning Skills services are available to assist the under-prepared or over-whelmed student with the transition to university, and to help all students succeed while at university. Common issues addressed include: time management, preparing for exams, reading textbooks effectively and memory strategies. Faculty may also wish to have their text information included in a common listing on the Learning Skills webpage.

Disability Services

The Disability Services Office assists students with disabilities to integrate as fully as possible into the university setting. The Disability Services Office also works with students to support their learning needs through assistive technology training or individualized learning skills assistance. Faculty members are encouraged to inform students that they must identify themselves to the Disability Services Coordinator if they require accommodations to assist in their learning. Official notification stating that the student requires accommodation will be provided to individual faculty members as appropriate.

Career Services

The Career Planning and Placement Office hosts Career Fairs and posts employment opportunities across campus, including the “Jobs Board” located in Student Services. The “Jobs Board” posts information, received daily, about part-time, summer and permanent employment as well as volunteer opportunities. Workshops are scheduled on writing résumés and cover letters, on interviewing and job search techniques, and in Internet job search skills. The Career Resource Centre has all the information students need to make sound career decisions. Visit us online at www.brandonu.ca/careers

Indigenous Peoples’ Centre (IPC)

The Indigenous Peoples’ Centre provides culturally sensitive services to Brandon University’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Services available through the IPC include orientation programming, holistic and developmental advising, cultural programming, academic advising, personal counseling and a thriving Elders Program. The Centre also strives to promote cross-cultural understanding on campus.

Office of International Activities (OIA)

The Office of International Activities assists all international students at Brandon University by providing assistance from the enquiry stage to and past graduation. Students can receive assistance with: transportation to and from the airport in Winnipeg; accommodation in residence or a homestay; immigration applications for study permit extensions, temporary resident permits and work permits; and health insurance coverage. The office hosts a specialized orientation program for incoming students to help them feel more at home while attending Brandon University and the International Students’ Organization provides social activities to allow international students to gain insight into Canadian culture. The OIA provides ongoing student advocacy and makes referrals to student advising, learning skills and personal and career counseling services available through Student Services. The English for Academic Purposes program provides instruction to students who need to improve their English language skills prior to studying in an English-speaking educational institution. Students also enroll in the program for professional or personal reasons.

Personal Counseling

Seeking the advice and perspective of a counselor can help students regain their certainty and help rebuild their confidence. You may want to refer a student if you notice physical, cognitive or emotional reactions. Difficulties managing stress, depression, anxiety, identity concerns, poor self-esteem and relationship problems are only a few of the reasons for which people may choose to engage in the counseling process. University students seek counseling for the above issues along with more population-specific concerns, such as career indecision, exam anxiety, academic pressures, homesickness, adjustment to their new surroundings, and difficulties balancing work, school and home life.