The student life is about balancing social life, sleep, and academics. Often we’re forced into picking two of these.
Once the assignments pile up and free time becomes a luxury, balancing everything becomes a much harder task than it seems. That’s why Carleton provides services and support to remind you that you’re not the only one.
Learning Support Services (LSS) is located on the fourth floor of MacOdrum Library and provides support for students.
“Study skills is beyond just how do I actively read or take notes. It encompasses the whole person. Learning those study skills is just one aspect. You may not be able to focus because you’re stressed out about finances or budgeting,” said Margaret Higgs, LSS co-ordinator.
LSS workshop topics include time management, procrastination, managing finances, networking, and many more. Workshops are led regularly throughout the year in Room 402 of the library and can be found online through MySuccess on Carleton Central.
One-on-one appointments with a study skills specialist can also be booked.
“We’re current, fresh, and relevant,” Higgs said, adding how the workshop topics “mindfulness and self-care” will be new additions in September given the demand she saw for them last year. LSS, along with Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) available for certain classes and the Writing Tutorial Service, also located on fourth floor of the library, are the components that make the Student Academic Success Centre (SASC).
Higgs said Carleton’s “abundance of student services” is more than she’s seen at any other university. “It’s not just helpful now as a student but beyond so that you leave here having a sense of how you will cope with multiple things. That’s important to help prepare students as much as possible to be successful,” she said.
For all the first-year students out there, Higgs said the best advice she can give is to explore the services Carleton offers.
“Get connected, visit all the different services, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you’re engaged, the more it becomes familiar and the easier you can get the help you need,” she said.
