Academic Advising

We are officially in the Spring season. The completion of the Fall/Winter academic session is near. It can be a very exciting time of year with thoughts of warm weather, the summer break, and the anticipation of summer plans that lie ahead. Students will need to channel this excitement and begin preparing for their final exams.
Preparing for exams should be a process that coincides with the start of the course. Taking proper notes is vital and highlighting key points as the class progresses is essential. Understanding the course material and being able to effectively communicate that in an exam format is also important to a student’s success. It is easier to review course material before an exam rather that attempting to learn the course material for the first time.
Since many students will experience having two exams in two days or two exams in one day, practicing good organizational and time management skills will be beneficial during this time. Organizing times specific to each exam and knowing the exam format (multiple choice, true/false, essay questions, short answer) can help maximize study time in preparing for exams. Asking the instructor questions about the upcoming exam may prove to be helpful although the answers students receive may not be as specific as they would like them to be.
Finding the right place to study is crucial to exam preparation. Students should avoid distractions as much as possible so they can focus on the task at hand. Distractions such as cell phones, television, and the computer can be detrimental to studying. Even family, friends or roommates can be disruptive. Students must determine what works best for them. Choose a location that is comfortable, has adequate lighting, and has a minimal amount of distractions.
Organizing the course material into sections or points covered in the course while developing study sheets is imperative when preparing for exams. Predicting questions and reviewing previous exams if available in the library can be very useful too. Developing strategies that best suits the student’s needs for exam preparation can be challenging and it may take some time to establish what works best.
A valuable resource available for students is the free learning skills workshops presented by Brock University’s Student Development Centre. Workshops offered focus on such things as: Preparing for your Exams, Handling Exam Anxiety, How to Write Multiple Choice Exams and Last Minute Exam Preparation. For more information regarding the learning skills workshops please visit edit.brocku.ca/learning-skills/workshops
Since it can be very hectic preparing for exams, students must remember to reward themselves with a break. Attempt to choose them at appropriate times as this can enable students to remain sharp and not to be overwhelmed with too much information.
So what are you waiting for? Get studying and best of luck on your exams!

Being a student in University is not all about attending classes, pursuing a degree and receiving your degree at a graduation ceremony. There are many things in between. The University years are also about personal growth, learning and maturing into a strong, motivated, and confident individual. A University education will enable a student to enter the workforce or continue their education and at the same time assist a student to becoming a well-rounded person. In order to experience all that Brock has to offer, it is vital to be involved as much as you possibly can. You must consider maintaining a proper balance with school work, social activities, family life and employment commitments.
Identify your interests and determine if there are any clubs or extra-curricular activities that you can join.
If sports and physical activity are of great interest, you may consider registering for an intramural sports team through the Recreation Services department. You can join individually or as a team. There is a wide variety of sports available including but not limited to volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, basketball, flag football and ball hockey. Intramural sports programs at Brock include over 60 leagues and involve over 6100 participants.
Joining a club within your Faculty if you are looking to supplement your educational experience is another possibility. For example, students in the Faculty of Business can join clubs such as the Brock Finance and Investment Group (BFIG) or the Brock Business Ambassadors (BBA). If you are unaware of any clubs or groups within your Faculty, ask an instructor, administrative assistant of a department, or fellow peers if there are any that you may join.
There are also over 40 clubs that are ratified through the Brock University Student Union (BUSU). These clubs range from Faculty based (Child and Youth Studies Society, PSYC Society), culture-oriented (South Asian Student Alliance, Le Club de Francais) and general interest (Brock Dance, Brock Outdoors Club). They are designed to promote interest and provide and encourage students to learn and participate in a fun and engaging environment. To determine if there is a club of interest to you please visit BUSU’s club web site at busu.net/services/clubs. At this web site, you can also learn how to become a club and how to ratify your club.
If you enjoy assisting others and helping people with their particular services, then volunteering may be something for you. Student Life and Community Experience at Brock can help students get connected with a service or program that can utilize volunteers. Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience and programs in the Niagara Region will certainly use and be very appreciative of any help they receive. Please visit brocku.ca/student-community-outreach for information on volunteering opportunities.
Whether it is registering for intramural sports, joining a club or volunteering your services, it is a great way to meet new people and be actively involved in the Brock community. Participating in different aspects of University life can be a very enjoyable and enlightening experience and can enhance and supplement a University education. So become involved while managing your time appropriately, and most of all have some fun!

As we move into February, it is now a good time to take inventory and assess how the term is going. Keeping up to date with readings and assignments, understanding the course material, and seeking assistance when needed, whether you are in a full credit or half credit course are all paramount to a student’s success.

It is also an appropriate time to review the current major that you are studying, especially if you are early in your university career. At some point in an academic career as an undergraduate student, you may feel an uncertainty of the major you have chosen to pursue. This is a very common feeling. If you find yourself in this situation, you may feel pressure to come to a decision as soon as possible, however it is important to evaluate your feelings and identify your interests so that you may pursue a major that bests suits your needs.

You must conduct a self-assessment to determine: What do you enjoy? Where do your strengths lie? What career aspirations do you have? and What are you passionate about? Your personal assessment will give you an indication of what assistance you will require in finding a major that is right for you, or reconfirm that you are in fact in the right major.

The 2011/12 Undergraduate Calendar is a resource that can aid in your decision of choosing a major. You may review the many programs Brock has to offer and familiarize yourself with the courses of certain programs you are interested in. Once you have done this, you may book an appointment with an Academic Adviser in the Office of the Registrar to discuss options and requirements of different majors. Appointments can be booked by visiting www.brocku.ca/registrar/advising.

A valuable resource on campus is Career Services, located in the new Learning Commons on the main floor of the library. Career Services focuses on self-assessment and research that are regarded as essential first steps toward career exploration. Degree Exploration Guides, Career Cruising and visiting the Job Search section at the Career Services Resource Library are a few tools that can be utilized and assist students in career decision planning.

Visiting your specific program adviser is also essential in confirming if in fact you are in the major you want to be in. You may review not only the courses that you are in, you may also examine the upper year courses that are required for your particular program. You can discuss with your adviser your interests, and establish a program plan that meets your goals and desires. You may contact your specific program adviser by visiting brocku.ca/registrar/advising/departmental-adviser-contact.

This process requires both time and energy. You must be prepared to do the research, use information gathering techniques, meet with the appropriate people, be realistic and be open to suggestions. Keeping all this in mind, finding your passion and finding what excites you is key to eventually being able to say “I love my job”.

Now that you have settled into your classes it is important to stay on top of your readings and assignments.

Did you know that a typical student should be spending a minimum of 8 hours a day either in class or in THE LIBRARY studying.

Going home in between classes most often leads to procrastination, while heading to the library in between classes often leads to success!

If you aren’t getting the results you want in your classes it is time that you met with your Academic Adviser to review your current study habits and map out a plan for success.

As a new year is upon us, it is often a time for reflection. Students may reflect on the past year and begin looking ahead to the upcoming year. This is an excellent time for students to assess their year and analyze the areas they did well on and the areas that may need improvement. It is important to recognize trends or patterns so you can continue doing what it is that is making you successful or implement a new course of action that will assist you in becoming a successful university student.

If you feel that a change is necessary or need an alternative way of approaching your course workload then you may consider enrolling in a learning skills workshop through the Student Development Centre, located both on the 4th Floor of the Schmon Tower as well as in the Matheson Learning Commons. Workshops that include Time Management, Setting Your Goals or Avoiding Procrastination can be most beneficial and get you on the right track throughout your university career.

Students that may find some academic challenges regarding course material during the school year should note that there are many options available to them for assistance in a particular course. Taking advantage of the office hours of the instructor is a way of gaining a better understanding of the topics covered and an opportunity to ask questions or voice your concern about certain issues involving the course. Seeking help from the Teaching Assistants if your course has a secondary component such as a seminar, tutorial or lab is another alternative. Asking fellow peers is an additional method to share and discuss ideas regarding material relevant to the course. It is important to seek help the moment you feel the need for it, do not delay or procrastinate. If you obtain answers immediately or develop an improved understanding of the course content, this will benefit you when you begin studying for your mid-term or final exams.

Whether you are a new, continuing first year, or upper year student it is important to introduce or reacquaint yourself to the services that Brock University has to provide.

- Academic Advising Services in the Office of the Registrar is a supportive and informative service that provides Brock students with assistance and guidance throughout their university career. Program specific advisers can help students that require an explanation or clarification on their degree requirements specific to their program. Information regarding Academic Advising can be found at www.brocku.ca/registrar/advising.
- Career Services, located in the Matheson Learning Commons is valuable resource for students seeking information regarding employment after graduating with their particular degree. Career Services can also aid with the development of job search skills including resume and cover letter writing, portfolio and interview skill development.
- The aforementioned Student Development Centre is another vital resource that students can utilize by participating in the free learning skills workshops. For more information on the Student Development Centre please visit www.brocku.ca/sdc.
These are just a few examples of the services that are available to you. For a complete listing of student services please visit www.brocku.ca/registrar. Using resources and services that are accessible to you is a step in the right direction to being a successful university student. If you are unfamiliar of a location or have questions if a specific service is offered do not hesitate to ask a Brock University staff member. Remember that it is always important to be well informed. Best of luck in the New Year!

There will be limited services available between January 9 to January 20 due to our extended walk-in advising.
Extended walk-in advising will be available:

Week of January 9th
Monday to Thursday
9:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm-3:30pm

Week of January 16
Monday to Thursday
1:30pm-3:30pm

Regular walk-in advising hours resume the week of January 23.
Web Chat will be cancelled until the week of January 23.
Welcome back and best of luck with your studies during the Winter term!

As December arrives, students, whether first year or upper year, are faced with a challenging time ahead. Exams can bring about emotions that students will have to manage to be successful in their university career. Preparation is a vital component to doing well on exams. There are also many strategies that one can implement to ensure success on exams. Following some helpful suggestions will hopefully lead to an enjoyable and well deserved Winter break.

Sound time management, applying a note taking system, being organized and developing study sheets far in advance of the exam are examples of proper preparation. Although exams may seem a long time away when classes begin in September, in a twelve week semester they arrive in no time, especially when mid-terms, essays, assignments, projects, and presentations are the focus in between. Since there is much to think about during the semester, time must be set aside to plan for exams.

Recognizing such things as what the instructor has stressed in the final few classes and determining what will be covered and what format will be used is very crucial. It is important to know if the exam will cover material from the whole term, since the mid term or only certain sections and equally important to know if the exam will consist of essay type questions, short answer, multiple-choice, true-false or any combination of the four. Reviewing copies of previous exams, if available in the library, and recognizing a consistent theme may be helpful. Studying with fellow peers may be wise as discussions among classmates can create new ideas and new ways of communicating potential answers. This strategy can also bring about a better understanding of the topics covered.

With all this being said, remember to take a break! Watch your favourite television program, go out for a quick coffee, tea or hot chocolate and enjoy some fresh air or workout for thirty minutes. Taking breaks is important to stay sharp and to ensure you do not become too overwhelmed with information.

A valuable resource available for students is the free learning skills workshops presented by Brock University’s Student Development Centre. Workshops offered focus on such things as: Preparing for your Exams, Handling Exam Anxiety, How to Write Multiple Choice Exams and Last Minute Exam Preparation. For more information regarding the learning skills workshops please visit www.brocku.ca/sdc/learning/.

Since not every study tip or strategy works for every student, it may take time to find which strategy works best for you. Explore and educate yourself on as many as possible. You will be able to evaluate for yourself which ones are most suitable to your style and potentially to the type of exam you will be studying for.

Best of luck on your exams and best wishes this holiday season!

With examinations beginning December 7, please ensure you check each of your registered courses against the web examination timetable to ensure there are no changes to your exam schedule.

At some point in your academic career as an undergraduate student, you may feel a sense of uncertainty about the major you have chosen to pursue. This is not an uncommon feeling. You are likely to feel that this is something that you need to resolve as quickly as possible. However, it is a process that should not be rushed. You need to be proactive in your search for answers and access many sources for support and guidance. Your first step should be to take an inventory of your feelings and concerns regarding your current major. Putting on paper the facts that are influencing your uncertainty will help you identify the source of your concerns. It is important to establish if your uncertainty and concerns are grounded in your major or if outside influences are having an affect on your academics. Your personal assessment will give you an indication of what assistance you will require in finding a major that is right for you, or reconfirm that you are in fact in the right major. When faced with such uncertainty it is important to meet with the academic adviser specific to your program. Be open with your adviser about your feelings and the specific concerns that you feel may be influencing factors. For example you may feel that the required courses you are taking are too broad and you are looking for more specialization. Your adviser will be able to look at your remaining requirements and assist you in choosing those courses where the curriculum better matches your interests. If your concerns revolve around career options your adviser can give you insight into opportunities that can be pursued once you have completed your degree. Career Services, located on the main floor of the Matheson Learning Commons is a good campus resource for you to obtain relevant career information. Career Services focuses on self-assessment and research that are regarded as essential first steps towards career exploration. The 2011/12 Brock Undergraduate calendar is another great resource you should utilize to familiarize yourself with options and requirements for other majors brocku.ca/webcal. For a complete listing of student services available, visit brocku.ca/services/services-a-to-z. To be effective in choosing a major that is right for you will require you putting in both time and effort. You must be prepared to do the work. Ask questions, do the research, be open to suggestions, be realistic and gather as much information as possible to assist you in making a well-informed decision.