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Academic Assistance

Academic Assistance

Academic Advising
All undergraduate students at StFX are encouraged to access the Academic Advising department for questions related to degree and course requirements, declarations of major,  academic difficulty, dropping courses, interpreting academic calendar regulations, and degree compliance.  Academic Advising also provides information and assistance with letters of permission (taking courses at other institutions), program changes, academic appeals, and withdrawals from the University. Academic Advising offices are located in Nicholson Tower, 3rd floor.  Appointments can be made online. Students can also email inquiries to advising@stfx.ca.

Study Halls
 Many varsity teams hold mandatory Study Halls throughout the academic year to assist student-athletes with their studies. These will be coordinated through your head coach or designate, or with your team's academic coach. Student-athletes are encouraged to take advantage of this quiet study time.

Library
The Angus L. MacDonald Library should be one of the buildings on campus to familiarize yourself as soon as you arrive on campus. The library offers on site and e-resources that can help you throughout your degree. They also have friendly helpful staff that are there to assist you in your search and many great quiet spaces. Visit the library website to access all the services available.

Accessible Learning
 The Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning is an academic program of support for students with diagnosed and documented permanent disabilities. Tramble Centre Staff work with students to put in place recommended accommodations that will help students to succeed at StFX. Visit the Tramble Centre website to register for support, book an appointment or to receive further information on tutoring, note taking, academic strategy, assistive technology and testing accommodations. The Tramb;e Centre for Accesible Learning is located in the Angus L. Macdonald Library and staff may be reached at cal@stfx.ca. 

Academic Success Centre
 The Academic Success Centre (ASC) is a collection of academic resources, a place for StFX students to find free academic skills instruction/coaching, help on assignments, English language help, and a place to connect with subject tutors. It is also a place to study with help nearby. The Centre provides one-to-one appointments throughout the year to StFX students, please book in advance online. For more information on the services offered, visit the Academic Success Centre website, or contact staff at sscentre@stfx.ca. 

Tutoring
 Tutoring at STFX is run through the Academic Success Centre. The Peer Tutoring Program is a course-specific tutoring service providing support in-course material at your convenience. Every peer tutor has been through a rigorous approval process, which includes a verification that they have achieved 80% or higher in the courses that they would like to teach, as well as an in-person interview to judge communication and teaching skills. The Academic Success Centre has partnered up with Nimbus Learning, a mobile learning platform provider, to ensure that we can easily provide support for as many courses as possible at StFX, while making the booking, communication and scheduling process as easy as can be. Visit the tutoring website for more information or reach out to staff at sscentre@stfx.ca. 

X-ACT
The X-ACademic Transition program (X-ACT) is a 5-week, peer-led program for first-year students, starting alongside your first courses in September. X-ACT is designed to help every first-year student develop and enhance skills for learning and coping with your academics. You’ll hear from experienced students about how to best manage your time and your many obligations, how to make sense of and use a course syllabus, how to study for the best results, how to understand academic integrity, and much more. University study is a new degree of difficulty, and we want you to know how to adapt and thrive. When you complete the program by attending all 5 unique sessions, you will earn an academic bonus: points that you can devote to a participating first-year course of your choice. The X-ACT program is highly recommended for all first year students and more information, including how to sign up for the 5-week programs on the X-ACT website. 

TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
  • Attend class.  Examinations are most often based on material covered in class.  If you are going to be away from campus for a game, alert your instructors well ahead of time. Get your assignments in advance, if possible, and determine when the work is due. Let your instructor know when you are ill. Your class attendance may be one criteria used by your professor when assigning final grades.
  • When you are in class, be in class.  Turn off your cell phone.  Turn off email and social media notifications if using your laptop/electronic device in class.  Listen to what is being said.  Focus on the class.  Eat before class – it is difficult to focus when you are hungry. Being physically active between classes also helps with concentration. 
  • Go to class prepared.  You should have all reading and written assignments completed on time. Read a little every day.  Read to understand, not to memorize. If you go to class unprepared, it is often difficult to understand the material presented in class. 
  • Get to know your instructor.  Introduce yourself; this is especially important in large classes. If you have questions relative to the course, meet with your instructor – during his or her office hours (for some professors immediately before or after class is NOT a good time for questions).  It may be best to set up an appointment beforehand. Your professor is interested in your performance in the classroom and will generally be happy to discuss material related to the course.
  • Make a good impression.  Go to class on time.  Entering class late causes a disruption.  Avoid wearing headsets/ear buds or using cell phones in class.  When the class is asked a question, offer a response.  When you are asked to work in pairs or groups, work with different students each time and not just your friends.  This way you will obtain a more diverse point of view.  Also when asked to work in pairs or groups, focus on the discussion rather than your student-athlete life. Every time you interact with professor or classmate you will create an impression – try to make every interaction a positive one.   
  • Do not let little problems become big problems.  If you feel yourself falling behind in class, contact your academic advisor or your coach for help. Do this right away.  Do not wait until you fail a midterm or an assignment. Also, remember, instructors are here to teach. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment and ask questions about material that you do not understand. Make sure someone knows you need help before you reach the point where you cannot possibly do well in the course.
  • Attend regular study hall arranged by your coach.  ‘Study hall’ is provided in order to help you develop good study habits and learn the importance of time management. Use your time in study hall wisely.  It is not a time for social media interactions. As a general rule you should plan for one hour of studying for every hour you spend in class.
  • Start your assignments and study for your quizzes/exams BEFORE the night before they are due/scheduled.  When studying or writing papers, turn off your cell phone, social media, etc.
  • Organize your time … NOW!  Put all your classes, assignments, quizzes, exams, as well as your training times, video sessions, practices and games in your calendar.  Notice the tightness in your schedule.  Plan accordingly. Identify conflicts.  Address this right away. Be proactive.
  • Talk about what you are learning in your classes with your teammates, your friends, your parents.  The more often you talk about what you are learning and how it may apply in your life/work, the better you will understand the material.