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  • Campus Safety Tips: Things You Should Know

    Campus Safety Tips: Things You Should Know

    Your college or university campus might feel like a second home, but it is important to remember to keep safe, both during the day and at night. With a bit of consideration, you can ensure your student experience remains a positive and safe one.

    Know Your Campus Safety Resources

    Every college and university wants their students to feel safe and secure while on campus, and usually offer a comprehensive list of safety services and resources available to students. One of your first tasks should be to look up these resources in the student handbook or online, and familiarize yourself with what programs your institution offers, so that you know where to go and who to contact in case of any emergency. Depending on the school, services can include campus police services, safe escort teams to walk with you between campus destinations, first aid and first responder services, and emergency phones or kiosk stations installed across campus. All schools also offer prevention and counselling services for sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. Get to know where these services are located on campus, what their phone and other contact details are, and their hours of operation if applicable, so that you know your options if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe on campus. These services, and the volunteers who run them, are there to help you, and their goal is your safety and the safety of the campus overall.

    Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

    Other ways to help ensure your safety on campus can include planning ahead when you know you will be on campus for class or studying, especially late at night when there are fewer people out and about. When you make your plans, know exactly where you are going, and how you will get there. Learn the location of your parking or public transit stops, and the best path to reach your destination, ideally through a brightly lit, busy street or building. Avoid any shortcuts, shadowed pathways, and unpopulated areas, and be aware of your surroundings. If possible, plan to walk with a friend, or arrange for your campus walking escort service to accompany you. It is also a good idea to carry a cell phone with the campus emergency services’ phone numbers saved in your contacts, and enough cash for a cab ride in case of emergency. Lastly, notify friends or roommates of your plans, including destination and what time you plan to return, and ensure you lock all the doors and windows of your residence room, house or car when you leave.

    Trust Your Instincts

    If you do ever feel unsafe on campus, trust your instincts and take preventative measures. For example, should you be harassed by someone, or feel that you are being followed, act immediately to get to a well lit and busy place, and call your campus security or police service, or 911. Nothing is more important than your safety, and these services are always available and ready to help.

    Campus safety doesn’t just mean safety outdoors. If you or you know someone who is being bullied or otherwise, on a daily basis, let your campus authorities know. The same goes for the online world; many students in university or college can be victims of digital harassment online while at school. Be aware or your surroundings, how much you reveal about yourself and to who.

    Sources:

    Western University – Campus Life: Safety and Police

    http://www.uwo.ca/campus_life/safety_police.html

    University of Toronto – Safety

    http://safety.utoronto.ca/

     

  • University Vs. College: What is Right for Me?

    University Vs. College: What is Right for Me?

    Deciding to pursue a post-secondary opportunity is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you’ve gotten that far, congratulations on your ambitions! There are a variety of options open to you, including attending a post-secondary educational institution—a university or college.

    However, deciding whether to go to university or college is a big decision within itself. There are two different types of institutions, which means different skills to develop, different classroom environments, and even different types of opportunities once you graduate. Universities and colleges also vary greatly within their own categories: for example, a degree at College X may provide a different kind of experience than at College Y (and of course, both would be greatly different from going to University A or B).

    Here are some typical comparisons between universities and colleges.

    Program length

    University: 4 years or more

    College: 2 years or more ( or in some cases, a 1 year intensive course)

    Universities typically (but not always) offer more lengthy degrees than colleges. This can be important considering the kind of investment you want to make. Can you commit to a 4-year program, or would you be more comfortable taking on a 2-year degree? (Note, however, that all institutions are flexible, and if you have concerns about finishing your degree on time, you should speak to a university/college counselor.)

    Classroom environment

    University: large classes, focus on concepts, theory and critical thinking

    College: smaller classes, focus on hands-on learning and application

    If you’re the kind of person who thrives in a hands-on setting, you may have more difficulty adapting to a university setting. Given that classes are typically larger compared to colleges, universities don’t always offer the same opportunities to interact and apply the theory you are learning. That being said, you should also take into account what you are intending to study: a philosophy program (very theory-based) would probably not be taught as well in a college setting as a technology program (more hands-on).

    Typical post-graduation opportunities

    University: graduate school, professional schools (Law, Medicine, etc.), workforce

    College: workforce, apprenticeship, continuing studies programs

    Colleges often provide you with very practical, hands-on skills because this is reflective of what you will need in the workforce. However, pathways to certain advanced educational opportunities (e.g. law school) will almost always require a university Bachelor’s degree. This isn’t to say, though, that university graduates are unprepared for the workforce, or that college graduates can’t go on to pursue further studies. There are many different post-graduate opportunities available following either type of education.

    What should I choose?

    When making your decision, don’t forget to keep the following in mind as well:

    • Factors specific to the university/college (e.g. does one institution have a better reputation?)
    • Factors specific to the program of study (e.g. will this program be taught better at a certain school?)
    • General educational/career goals (e.g. will a degree from this institution help my career path?)

    If you do your research and consider all the factors, you’re bound to make the decision that is right for you.

     

     

  • Fitness in University

    Fitness in University

    Working out in university is almost as believable as the Loch Ness Monster to some people, and with good reason. You spend the majority of the day in a chair or napping in the library because whoever says they prefer hopping on the treadmill over a nap is lying. But there are those moments you’re running late to class and turn into Usain Bolt to get there on time. Aside from that, there’s not a lot of movement happening.

    However, it’s not impossible to get moving. Among the homework and studying there is time to squeeze in exercises here and there in addition to eating healthier.

    Apps are going to be a close friend of yours during university. Ones like MyFitnessPal and N+TC Nike Training App would be the places to start. MyFitnessPal takes your measurements and goals and breaks down the day for you. You plug in what you’re eating into their search engine – and finding what you’re looking for won’t be difficult because they have millions of options – and the app gives you a breakdown of calories, sodium, fat, and other nutrients. It’s a good kick in the butt to keep your food on track so you can have your intake right in front of you.

    Also, if you’re someone who can burn water (like me), the app has constant posts about at- quick recipes, which is something you can use to your advantage. Let’s face it. No one wants to constantly stock up on Pizza Pizza or Starbucks cookies.

    Nike on the other hand will actually kick your butt. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes the app offers training from some world class athletes and celebrities like Alex Hipwell, Kirsty Godso, Marie Purvis, and Christen Press. It’s hard not to make time for these things when some of these workouts are literally six minutes.

    The app offers other incredible features as well, including different workouts depending on the kind of athlete you identify as. It shows you how to do the workouts in little sample videos, offering you a chance to set up a schedule and stick to it for maximum results. It also tells you the amount of calories you’ll burn and gives you Nike Fuel and trophies the more you work out.

    Studentrecipes.com is another great tool. This blog provides recipes for those of us still in school and includes ratings next to them so you can pick and choose which ones you like. There are also categories for what you’d like to cook with that you can scroll through.

    One of the biggest things I want to tell you, is to not put yourself down.. Don’t start to make yourself feel bad by swearing off things you love. You’re doing this to be healthy and feel better, not to make yourself feel like garbage along the way. Having a piece of cake isn’t going to kill you and neither will a 15 minute workout with some great athletes- get busy!

  • College & University: Where to Live and What to Bring

    College & University: Where to Live and What to Bring

    Deciding to attend college or university can lead to an endless stream of decision making. Starting with which schools to apply to, getting more complex from there. What will you study? How will you pay? Will you work? Play sports? Get involved in student politics? Where will you live; on campus in a dorm, or off campus in an apartment?

    There are benefits and draw backs to both. Dorms are close to school and can be quite convenient. They are secure, social, there are planned activities and people around to help you with school work, or comfort you if you are feeling down. The downside is they can be loud. There are rules, and there’s little privacy.

    Apartments can be quieter and provide more privacy. It’s much easier to control who’s coming and going. But it can be a longer commute to campus (you may need to budget for transportation expenses). Apartments can be less secure and expensive if you have to pay for rent, utilities, phone, cable, internet, apartment insurance, groceries, laundry, parking, etc. Often a lot of additional expenses will be included in your dorm fee, like a meal card and internet for example. Having an apartment will most likely come with you having to sign a 1 year minimum lease (however, sometimes you can get out of it if needed).

    The other challenge is pinning down what to bring once you decide where to live. Most colleges provide a list of basic necessities in their orientation package. However, these lists might not be detailed, especially for apartment living. You can use the internet to find detailed lists.

    Here are a few links that may help:

    http://www.dormsmart.com/Dorm-Room-Checklist.html

    http://www.hercampus.com/life/campus-life/what-bring-college-best-college-packing-list-ever

    http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/college-apartment-packing-checklist

    http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/registry/apartmentchecklist

    These sites can help you narrow down what to pack and what to leave behind. You can also use apps like Pinterest, which has packing lists, decorating tips and storage ideas for living in small spaces. There are other apps available at the Google Play Store you can download for free. These apps provide checklists, so you can keep track of what you’ve already purchased and packed, tips on each item, and the ability to add or remove items. You don’t want to over pack. Often times an item seems like a necessity, but will end up unused, taking up space.

    Whether you move into an apartment or dorm make sure you know the rules before you start packing. Know what is and isn’t allowed. If you are moving in with a roommate, check with them so you don’t have two of everything.

    Here’s a list of items you might not think of for Dorms and Apartments:

    Dorms:

    • Shower shoes (like flip flops with good treads so you don’t slip)
    • Dish liquid, washer and dryers
    • Microwavable dishes and storage containers
    • Mini fridge
    • Bed risers
    • Noise cancelling headphones
    • Extra blankets and pillows (for guests, cool nights or extra seating)

    Apartment:

    • Plunger
    • Cleaning supplies (including broom, dust pan, mop, vacuum, toilet brush etc.)
    • Shower curtain
    • Garbage cans
    • Shovel (if you live where it snows)
    • Condiments , spices and olive oil for cooking
    • Tin foil, parchment paper, plastic wrap and storage bags
  • Changing Majors in School

    Changing Majors in School

    When starting college or university, you might feel confident that you chose the right subject to study, but as you learn more, and are exposed to different ideas, you may decide that your current major isn’t quite right for you.

    Before jumping into a new major, research everything you can about the program in which you are interested. Learn any academic requirements, such as grades and prerequisites, as well as any non-academic requirements such as interviews and auditions, extra-curricular activities, or portfolios of work. Learn your new program’s fulfillment requirements, and if any of your completed credits can transfer to your new major. The best way to ensure you are fully informed is to meet with your program’s academic counsellor, who can give you all the specifics.

    One point to consider is where you are in your degree program. Though hopefully you will determine before your third or fourth year whether you want to pursue a career in your program, sometimes it’s only when you reach the higher and more specialized level of studies that you will realize things are not a good fit. If you are close to completing your degree, you might want to consider finishing your current course of study, before pursuing another degree or diploma in your new field. After all, education is never wasted, and you will always have any credentials you earn. It is very common for university grads to enter into a college program for a different subject later on in life, or even directly after they finish their BA.

    Alternately, look at what you have already completed to see if you meet or are close to meeting the requirements for a minor through your institution. Often a minor in most fields of study will not require courses past the second or third level. This way you can still get credit for the work you have already put into your degree, even if you are no longer pursuing the full major.

    If you still decide to change programs, time and money are the other two primary concerns. Make sure you know how much additional time it will take to complete a new degree. Depending on how different your programs are, and how many of your credits are transferrable, it can be an additional one, two, or even four years. Whatever the case may be, have a plan to pay for the additional years of schooling. There are a variety of grants, scholarships and loans available to students, but grants and scholarships can be difficult to attain. Student loan debt can build up with additional years of school, and require significant effort to pay off in the future. If necessary, consider taking a year off between programs in order to work and save up.

    Deciding to switch majors partway through your studies is a difficult decision, with many factors to consider, but in the end if you are not satisfied with your current major, then a change is the best solution. Just remember, don’t decide to change to a new major just because it is considered “more popular” or “more employable”; rather, make sure you choose something you enjoy and are deeply interested in, and which will help you achieve your future dreams.

  • Are You A Solo Studier, or a Group Studier?

    Are You A Solo Studier, or a Group Studier?

    Effective study skills are essential to learning from your class readings, homework, and lectures. To get the greatest benefit from your study time, it is useful to know which type of studier you are, and how you learn best: solo studying, or group studying.

    You might prefer studying alone if you work best somewhere quiet with minimal distractions or interruptions, so that you can give your full and undivided attention to the topics you are reviewing. You may also learn the material best by thinking things through yourself, and independently researching when you are not sure of the answer.

    If you are a group studier, you likely prefer being able to discuss difficult material, ask questions when you get stumped, and explain things to others, in order feel that you have properly mastered the material at hand. You may also like quizzing each other on material, and being able to take a mental break with occasional moments of non-study socializing.

    Regardless of your methods, your top consideration should always be to study the way you feel you get the best understanding of the material. Whichever way you prefer to study, however, there are benefits to occasionally using the alternate method- mix it up.

    If you find your group study sessions become more about socializing than completing your work, or that everyone in your group wants to focus on material that you have already mastered, some solo study time might be a good idea. One solution is to have everyone in the group get through their own most-required material separately, then rejoin for a group review. This way you can focus independently on what you need to learn, and then later participate in a general review in the more social group setting.

    Conversely, if while studying solo you feel you’re not fully understanding the material, that you have trouble finding the correct answer or method on your own, or if the workload is extremely heavy and starts to feel overwhelming, it may be time for some group study. You can benefit from being able to talk through the difficult material with others, or you can take the opportunity to divide a heavy workload and note-taking tasks with a few trusted friends, then have regular review and note exchange sessions.

    Good study habits in school become good work habits, so learning early on what way you study and learn best will carry forward into any future career.

     

     

     

  • Take an Arts Course Along With Your Science Major

    Take an Arts Course Along With Your Science Major

    As a student beginning a scientific degree, you may be tempted to focus only on your required courses. You might be trying to get all your mandatory credits completed as soon as possible, or you may find so many appealing courses in your program that it is hard to narrow down your choices. However, instead of devoting yourself to your course requirements alone, there are many great reasons why taking an Arts and Humanities course is a great idea for students in the sciences, engineering, and math.

    In science and math-heavy majors, the sheer amount of facts, numbers, data and lab work, can sometimes feel overwhelming. Including an Arts course with your electives will give your mind a break, and an opportunity to focus on something different – and chances are you will return to your main coursework clear and refreshed.
    Arts and Humanities courses are more than “books and essays”– they teach valuable and transferable skills such as clear, concise, and informative writing; how to structure, present, and defend an argument or theory; and how to think in critical and creative ways.

    Most colleges and universities offer a wide variety of courses that will enable you to find something that interests you. Some choices may relate more closely to your original major, such as a course on the history of a specific scientific discipline, or the history of scientific progress in a nation or time period. Courses in philosophy and ethics can help you think and argue critically about topics such as how the use or abuse of science and technology can influence our society and culture.

    If you aim for a future scientific career working in a field with international opportunities, language courses are extremely valuable. As the scientific community becomes more international, you will have the opportunity to meet and work with other scientists from countries that may not use English as their primary language. Being able to communicate with other scientists and researchers in their own language holds high value, and gives you the ability to learn directly from their original research, rather than requiring translation into English.

    There are also the more creative options, including literature and the fine arts. Courses teaching artistic skills such as drawing, painting, photography, or graphic design will not only offer you the chance to exercise and explore your creativity, but the skills of artistic analysis and design can be useful for creating lab drawings and illustrations for technical documents. Literature courses teach students different perspectives on human nature, and introduce ideas and thoughts that may originate outside the scientific field, but can influence you to explore different theories and methods of creative thinking. Literature studies also give students the skills to learn independently, communicate effectively, and work harmoniously with a community of people expressing different views and opinions.

    These are only a few of the many options available. Check out your college or university’s Arts and Humanities course list, and find something new and different that will engage and inspire you!

  • Researching a University Campus

    Researching a University Campus

    Going to university is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, so it goes without saying that you want to make the right choice. It’s very important to research different university campuses and weigh all relevant factors before signing off your tuition. Of course, a school’s academic reputation should be one of your top priorities when thinking about post-secondary—you are looking for an education, after all! However, there are other factors that can be just as crucial when you’re searching for your dream school.

    Speaking from personal experience, what’s on the surface of a university can be misleading. I am an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, and before choosing my school, I spoke to current students and did research on forums online. If I had assumed the stereotypes about U of T to be true—that it has a stellar academic reputation, but its students are isolated, mistreated, and overall miserable—I probably wouldn’t have been too keen to attend. However, my actual university experience has turned out to be much more positive. Though the institution lacks in other areas, the factors that were important to me were the vast selection of courses and extra-curriculars and the diversity and cultural community, within the university and Toronto in general. These were all things I considered in my research. You are not just going to school every day, you are living a life there.

    Overall, when researching a campus, it’s important to consult a wide variety of sources. Talk to current and former students (especially those in the program you are applying for), read forums, email departments and offices at the school, or simply go and check out the campus yourself. You should feel confident in your decision to go to university, and that will only happen if you find the school that best fits your needs.

    Aside from academic quality, here are some other things to look out for:

    Location. Do you want to be closer or further away from home? Do you want to be in a big city or a small “college town”? Consider where you will be living (in residence, renting, or commuting from home), as well as the activities and services that are available to you beyond the campus. Also, don’t be afraid to bend yourself a bit and try something new- you may surprise yourself in good way.

    Size. Some people thrive in large and busy environments, while others prefer more tightly knit communities. (Note as well that in general, the larger the campus, the more diverse the offerings of courses and clubs.)

    Social scene. Consider not only what clubs, teams, or other extra-curriculars might interest you, but also what the demographics of the school are (because clubs are often formed out of the interests of the student body). Does the campus suit your interests? If not, is the location of the campus going to make other social opportunities available?

    Cost. University is definitely an investment, especially if you’ll be living away from home. Factor in tuition as well as textbook costs, student fees, food, rent/residence fees if necessary, etc. Also look into scholarships or bursaries available at the school if you are in need of a financial boost.

  • Support Services Available at Post-Secondary

    Support Services Available at Post-Secondary

    Each post-secondary school will have a range of services to support students with disabilities and the wider student population.  These services provide an excellent source of support for students (and are often underused). Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of these resources, and a description of services that may be provided at post-secondary school is given below.

    ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS

    Disability Advisors at each school review the documentation of students with disabilities and determine which accommodations each student needs. Types of accommodations may include:

    • Extended time on exams
    • No more than one exam per day
    • Access to a computer or spell check on exams
    • Note-taker in class
    • Sign language interpreter
    • Alternate format material (ex. Braille)

    It is important to remember that the laws that regulate accommodations at college and university are different than those for high school. Many post-secondary institutions require more specific and comprehensive documentation to show proof of a disability than is required in high school (especially for ADHD and learning disabilities). Incoming students will not automatically receive the same accommodations at college or university that they received at high school. To discuss available accommodations, students should contact their post-secondary school directly.

    DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES

    Many colleges and universities offer other services that cater directly to students with disabilities. These may include:

    • Summer Transition or Orientation Programs: some schools offer workshops for students with disabilities to help them prepare for life at post-secondary school; these programs range from one-day events to week long transition camps
    • Appointments with a Learning Strategist: many schools employ learning strategists in their OSD, to help students with disabilities develop strategies to improve their learning and study skills
    • Peer Mentoring: some schools offer peer mentorships with upper-year students who also have disabilities; these mentorships allow students someone to go to for advice and information about navigating post-secondary life
    • Tutoring Services and Academic Support: some schools may offer academic support that is available specifically to students with disabilities

    OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES

    Colleges and universities offer a wealth of support services to meet the diverse needs of all of their students. These services often include:

    • Student Health Centre: the health centre may be drop-in or by appointment only, may be able to offer all of the same services one would receive from a family doctor, or may offer more limited services (with referrals available to community practitioners)
    • Counselling Centre: support and counselling for students that need help regarding anxiety or mood problems, relationships, depression, substance abuse, or other personal crises
    • Library and Reference Workshops: resources and workshops on how to find and access materials in the library for research or other projects, as well as how to properly cite and reference one’s work
    • Peer Tutoring, Writing/Academic Centres: support for students’ writing (essays, research projects) or other academic courses
    • First Generation Student Centre: support for students whose parents did not attend college or university
    • Career Services: a resource centre providing job boards and career listings, sometimes including placement services, and resume-writing support
    • Child Care Services: on-site and/or subsidized child care is available at some post-secondary schools
  • Offices for Students with Disabilities

    Offices for Students with Disabilities

    Educational institutions have a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations that promote equity for people who have disabilities. To adhere to their legal obligation, provincial/territorial governments provide publicly funded colleges and universities with operating funds to set up special services for students with disabilities.

    Note: Ontario colleges and universities use different names for their office which provides services to students with disabilities.  Many of the names of these offices use the word ‘disability’ or ‘accessibility’, such as Disability Services Office or Accessibility Centre.  The word ‘accessibility’ is becoming more commonly used, as it reflects that the emphasis should be on the environment rather than the individual to adapt and become accessible.

    For the purpose of this guide, we have chosen to refer to the disability/accessibility centres as the “Office for Students with Disabilities” or OSD.  We’ve chosen this name as it is clear and descriptive of the purpose and role of this office. The specific name and location of the centre at each college or university can be found on the school’s website in the Colleges and Universities sections.

    WHAT KIND OF SERVICE DOES THE OSD PROVIDE?

    Staff at Offices for Students with Disabilities assist students in a variety of ways. Given that each student’s needs are unique, services and accommodations are established on an individual basis and based on the documentation of the student’s disability. A complete list of services and required documentation will either be available on the website of each post-secondary institution or by contacting them directly.

    WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OSD?

    • Assess requests for accommodations, on the basis of each student’s submitted documentation
    • Recommend and provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or support services for students with disabilities
    • Provide information regarding policies, procedures, rights and responsibilities to students with disabilities in accessible formats upon request
    • Assist students in communicating with faculty (when needed) about their disability and required accommodations
    • Maintain confidentiality of all information pertaining to a student’s disability

    WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AT THE OSD?

    • When possible, contact the OSD before classes start to make a face-to-face appointment
    • Submit all required documentation to the OSD prior to the appointment (according to the school’s policies)
    • Attend the appointment to create an accommodation plan based on the submitted documentation

    WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL THE OSD REQUIRE?

    Each institution will have its own policies and procedures regarding the required documentation to show proof of a disability. Staff at the OSD can assist students in obtaining up-to-date documentation or assessments as needed. Be sure to check with the OSD at each institution to determine specifically what documentation requirements that they have.

    Some common requirements are:

    • Learning disabilities: a recent psychoeducational assessment (conducted within the last 3-5 years)
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a diagnosis by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician with appropriate training in neuropsychological disorders
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a medical form or letter from a qualified specialist or a psycho-educational assessment
    • Physical and medical disabilities, and mental health disorders: a medical form or letter from a qualified specialist indicating the student’s diagnosis, limitations, and recommendations for academic accommodations
    • Deaf or hard-of-hearing: an audiologist report
    • Blind or low vision: CNIB registration number