Students often may think about how they could do better. If you would like to improve your course performance, you are encouraged to use the many academic support programs and free resources in your home department/school, in the Faculty of Health, and at Calumet and Stong Colleges. These can support you in your own learning and success.
In the Course:
- Course Outline – Consider the Course Outline as your primary source for course information. This is what you go to first. The essentials of what you need are there. Please read the Course Outline thoroughly to identify the course requirements, course assignments and evaluations, penalties, timelines, office hours, and other resources. The Course Outline also includes information on academic honesty/integrity, accommodations, library support, health and wellbeing, and College-based Student Support Programs. Course outlines can be accessed on eClass or by contacting the Course Director/Instructor.
- Course Director/Instructor – Attend the office hours that the Course Director/Instructor has set for students, or book an appointment, to help you understand course material and assignment expectations – or to get answers to your questions. Feel free to search York Atlas, York University’s phone and email directory. (Tip: contact information is in the outline!)
- Teaching Assistant (TA) – Connect with your Teaching Assistant to further your understanding of course material, assignments, lab/tutorial activities, and additional support. Their contact information should also be in the Course Outline.
- Course Representative – If your course is supported by Course Representatives, contact them to share your thoughts on how to enhance your in-class experience and to find out how to join a study group. Your Course Representatives are your classmates who serve as liaisons between you and your Course Director/Instructor and share your questions or concerns about the class. Course Representatives also host study sessions and make weekly in-class announcements.
- For Peer Tutoring and Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (P.A.S.S.) resources specific for your courses, refer to the section below on “Calumet and Stong Colleges”.
In the Unit/Program (Department or School):
- Unit/Program Website – A lot of information is found on your school or department website. Go to the Faculty of Health website and find your program in the ‘Programs’ dropdown menu. Look for links to the program website or degree requirements.
- Department/School Advisor – Email the undergraduate department/school office for information on policies, petitions, deadlines, etc. The Undergraduate Program Assistant and the Undergraduate Program Director or Coordinator can help you with understanding prerequisites to courses, enrolment, your GPA, program policies, petitions, deadlines, etc. Find your program.
- GPA Requirements (Honours): All students need to maintain a certain GPA to continue in their program. This is really important. Check out this link to calculate your GPA. If the required GPA is not maintained, you may not be able to continue in your program, and may have to transfer to another one.
In the Faculty of Health:
- Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS) – Connect with an Academic Advisor in OSAS to ask questions about your degree requirements, policies on repeating a course, important dates and drop deadlines, academic rules, resources to assist you with setting and achieving your educational goals, and options for success.
- Academic Petitions – Have questions about withdrawing from courses past the deadline, enrolling late, pursuing a course overload, etc.? Use this resource to liaise with the Petitions Coordinator about matters relating to academic petitions.
- Academic Resources – Consult this resource for matters related to using the Degree Progress Report, GPA calculation, and General Education requirements and assessment.
- Academic Honesty – Look over the many resources about Academic Honesty to familiarize yourself with York University Senate Policy on Academic Honesty and to complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial and Quiz. As well, check out the brief Academic Honesty animation videos that were created to help you understand the policy, processes, penalties and your options.
- Program Change – Thinking about making a change? Submit an application to change your major/academic program by the posted deadline.
- Manage My Academic Record – Consult this resource to submit an application to change your major/academic program by the set deadline, or to access your Degree Progress Report and additional resources.
In Calumet and Stong Colleges:
- Peer Tutoring – Reach out to a Peer Tutor to help you figure out more difficult course material. Peer Tutors will not complete your assignments but will help you understand difficult concepts. They can help you to succeed. Calumet and Stong Colleges Peer Tutors are available for free one-on-one tutoring sessions for courses in GH, HLST, KINE, NURS and PSYC. Visit the link provided to view the drop-in schedule.
- If you are taking courses in the Faculty of Science (BIOL, CHEM, MATH, PHYS, STS), consult with the Bethune College Peer Tutoring program.
- Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (P.A.S.S) – Attend a P.A.S.S. session offered through the Colleges to build your knowledge in your course and to acquire learning skills in a group setting.
- If you are taking courses in the Faculty of Science (BIOL, CHEM, MATH, PHYS, STS), consult with the Bethune College PASS program.
- If you are taking courses in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS), consult with the LA&PS PASS program.
University Resources:
- SAVY – Consult York’s Student Virtual Assistant designed to help you with tasks related to your academic journey.
- Writing Centre – Consult with a writing tutor to improve on your writing skills and join a session! Get feedback and support for your assignments and papers about every aspect of the writing stage from research compilation to citation. Drop-in sessions and one-on-one appointments are available to all students.
- Student Papers and Academic Research Kit (SPARK) – Consult this guide on how to write successful academic papers, using proper citation skills.
- Student Numeracy Assistance Centre at Keele (SNACK) – Consult with SNACK Peer Tutors to receive numeracy assistance.
- English as a Second Language Open Language Centre (ESL OLC) – Consult with the ESL OLC to improve your English language skills: reading, writing, speaking and writing essays.
- Learning Skills – Check out the many workshops to improve your learning and studying skills, time management, note-taking, reading and other skills to succeed academically.
- Libraries – Access the York University Libraries website to support your research and studying. Also, consult with a Librarian to enhance your academic performance (citations, referencing, searching).
- Academic Integrity – Consult with resources on Academic Honesty/Integrity at York University. Access workshops and recorded sessions presented during the October 2022 Academic Integrity Month.