Academic Support
When it comes to academics, you're never alone at UVic. There are many supports, services and staff members on campus to help you navigate processes and systems, learn new skills and reach your goals. Don't wait until you're struggling or falling behind--reach out proactively in order to stay ahead!
Academic Advising | Bookstore | Academic Skills Centre | Centre for Accessible Learning | Career Services | Computer Help Desk | Co-operative education program | Libraries| Math & Stats Assistance Centre | Office of the Ombudsperson
Academic Advising
Academic advisers help to ensure you are on track to complete your degree and meet your education and career goals.
Academic advisers support you by:
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- helping you choose courses
- working with you to develop personal academic plans to ensure graduation requirements are met
- discussing course load and academic concerns
- explaining and providing information related to academic processes, such as academic probation and concession
- providing resources and referrals for career, academic and personal support
Program Planning
University Calendar
Bookstore
The carries all of the course materials you will need for your classes with the option to purchase new, used or digital texts when available. Course-specific textbook listings are available online approximately three weeks prior to the beginning of each term.
Academic Skills Centre
At the Academic Skills Centre (ASC), we help to build and enhance your academic skillset. Our team is available to coach you in managing your time, setting goals and sustaining focus during busy periods. We can also help you craft polished papers, deliver captivating presentations and build skills to retain information for your exams and assessments. Visit our website to book a free appointment in-person or over Zoom with our team or access our .
Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)
Are you a student with a documented learning disability, ADHD, mental health issue or physical or sensory disability? Do you have chronic health issues?
If you do, you're encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning. This will allow you to meet with a CAL advisor to develop an academic accommodation plan and be a part of CAL programming.
After you register, we’ll work with you, your instructors and others to create learning environments that are equitable, inclusive and usable. Please note that Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are not sufficient medical documentation and that previous academic accommodations do not necessarily transfer to post-secondary education.
Need a learning strategist or tutor? The Learning Assistance Program is based in CAL. It offers fee-for-service tutors who can help with specific courses content, as well as learning strategists who support you in developing skills and strategies for academic success. You may be eligible for funding programs to cover these services.
Career services
At UVic, we'll help you build a career you love. Whether you have a dream job in mind or are still figuring things out, Career Services offers workshops, programs and one-on-one support to help you:
- identify your interests and explore career options
- develop successful job search strategies
- create strong résumés and cover letters
- practice interview and networking skills
Looking for work?
You can find job postings, sign up for workshops, schedule appointments with a career educator and more through the .
Computer Help Desk
The Computer Help Desk provides student support for UVic IT services. We're here to help you get up and running with your Microsoft 365 account, the UVic WiFi network, , Online tools and more.
The Help Desk aims to be your one-stop-shot for technology assistance during your time at UVic. Contact us if you want to:
- Get help with . UVic MFA is required for accessing online resources like Brightspace, UVic email, and Microsoft 365.
- Get help connecting your devices to the free high-speed UVic WiFi network across campus and in residences. We can also help you connect your gaming console to the BYOD network in your residence room.
- Get access to Office apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at no cost with your UVic Microsoft 365 account! You’ll also have access to OneDrive, Outlook, OneNote, and more, and be able to download them to your devices. Find out more at our .
- Explore what your can do. We can help you import your course schedule and Brightspace calendar into your UVic calendar, learn to use Microsoft To-Do to track your tasks and projects, and more!
- Get help with spotting phishing and scam emails. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Take our to learn how to protect yourself from phishing.
- Print to campus printers wirelessly from anywhere via our Mobile Print service. The cost of printing will be automatically charged to your ONECard.
- Get access to a computer. The Computer Help Desk has PC and Mac workstations available for drop-in use.
- Book student spaces, including:
- Student project rooms that are great for group work, practicing presentations, and doing smote interviews
- A digital media studio for audio and video recording, editing, and live steaming. If you need a sign to finally start your podcast, this is it!
For any other issues related to technology, contact us by email at helpdesk@uvic.ca, by phone at 250-721-7687, or in-person at one of our locations. We are open seven days a week and are happy to help
Co-operative Education Program
What if you could take what you love learning in class and try it out in the real world before you graduate? Co-op, also known as co-operative education, helps you gain paid, real-world experience while you're still a student. You'll
- try out different career options
- gain relevant work experience- 70% of UVic co-op students receive a job offer by the time they graduate
- earn over $58,000 over the course of your degree
- build on your strengths and learn to describe them to employers
- grow a network of contacts and references
You can also get involved in . CEL is a reciprocal, mutually beneficial partnership between community, faculty and students. You can make a vital impact on the community by contributing your skills, enthusiasm and knowledge.
Libraries
UVic Libraries offers books, journals, magazines and newspapers, plus music scores, recordings and films. The Libraries also provides lots of technology and technology support, comfortable study spaces of all kinds, and workshops and other learning opportunities.
- Ask questions at the AskUs Desk, by email at askus@uvic.ca, or t for research and citation help,
- Find (as well as course specific library guides).
- The Libraries’ Learning Commons is where you’ll find the Academic Skills Centre, Math and Stats Assistance Centre, and other student support partners.
- Find your favourite study space, with bookable and open study rooms, Tek booths, tables and individual seating.
- Make use of the Adaptive Technology rooms, respite rooms, and analog space.
- Explore technology in the or engage with Archives and Special Collections.
- Check the to find some of your textbooks and find your course readings and research sources in our .
- Check out the for social and learning events, workshops and more.
Student academic success
UVic Libraries is your partner in academic success, bringing you:
- research help and citation formatting help
- laptops, cameras and other equipment for loan
- library study rooms and media creation facilities
Learning Commons
The C. W. Lui Learning Commons, located on the main floor of the Mearns Centre for Learning – McPherson Library, provides a number of academic support services in one location. These services include:
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- Academic advising
- Support for international students
- Academic writing and communication support
- Career services
- Library technical help
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- Math and statistics assistance
- Music and media resources
- Physics help
- Library research help
- Learning strategies program
Math & Stats Assistance Centre
The Math & Stats Assistance Centre (MSAC) offers complimentary support for students enrolled in any introductory math or stats course (regardless of department). Staffed by approachable tutors, the Centre provides help with understanding concepts, solving practice problems and reviewing graded work. The MSAC is open every term, including during the summer, and operates in both the UVic McPherson Library and the Elliott Building. Students are advised to visit early and often, whether they’re finding the material challenging or looking to strengthen their understanding. The environment is welcoming, inclusive and focused on learning. MSAC tutors are familiar with UVic math and stats courses, so visiting them is strongly encouraged compared to seeking online help.
Please see our website for more information and visit our schedule online to find drop-in hours. MSAC complements, rather than replace, lectures and tutorials. They are not allowed to answer direct questions about assignments that are going to be turned in for marks, but you can get help with similar questions and concepts
Office of the Ombudsperson
is an independent and impartial resource for fairness. Students consult the Ombudsperson on a range of academic, administrative and student life questions. Consultations are confidential.
If you feel unfairly treated, the Ombudsperson at UVic can:
- Help you identify options for resolution
- Support with appeals or other policies
- Identify constructive approaches & give feedback