Amazing things are accomplished in teams. That’s why, at Algoma University, any student can take advantage of our free tutoring program and receive up to 30 hours of tutoring per semester. Students are paired with someone who has already completed and excelled in the course, and will help guide them to academic success.

Tutors can assist you in understanding and mastering the material of a particular course. Be sure to bring your textbooks, class notes, class assignments, and a list of questions you have about the course. It is also important to see your tutor before and after you have completed or attempted to complete an assignment, so you and your tutor can go over the challenges you faced, which will help you overcome your learning difficulties on your own in the future.

Please note that Algoma University subsidizes, in full, the first six hours per course, per semester, of tutoring. Each hour thereafter is subject to a fee of $15 per hour.

The Learning Centre and the Accessibility Services Office provide note-taking services for students who struggle taking notes and comprehending course content while listening to lectures. Algoma U’s note-taking service allows students with a documented disability to use the notes of another student, who is screened by The Learning Centre and Accessibility Services Office, and performs well in class.

Useful information:

New and returning students are required to identify the courses for which they are requesting a note-taker as soon as possible after registration and at the start of each term.

Those who have a note-taker are still required to attend all lectures. This note-taking service does not exempt students from attending classes; it is to help students with their education, and does not act as a substitute. Students who are not regularly attending classes (illnesses exempt) will have their notes discontinued.

Please notify the Accessibility Services Office within one week of dropping a course. If we are not informed, the fee for the cost of the note-taker may apply.

If difficulties arise with a note-taker, such as a note-taker not showing up for class or being constantly late; having difficulty contacting your note-taker for his/her notes; or the quality of notes is inconsistent or inadequate,  it is your responsibility to inform the Accessibility Services Office immediately – do not wait until the end of the semester or right before a test or final exam. Once we’re aware of these problems, we will try our best to make alternative arrangements.

Students are generally not permitted to record lectures. Please speak with your instructor.

Throughout the academic year, Algoma University offers a variety of workshops geared to helping students reach their academic potential and achieve academic success. These workshops focus on effective learning strategies with an emphasis on active learning. The Student Success Workshops series are held in both the fall and winter semesters, once a week on Thursdays. Students are encouraged to attend all the workshops, but especially those held at the beginning of each semester, to properly prepare them for the upcoming semester and workload.

The Learning Strategist/Assistive Technologist offers workshops on:

• Note Taking Online
• Organization and time management
• Studying Well
• Reading University
• Becoming a Successful Student

We understand that not every student can attend the Student Success Workshops, that’s why all of the workshops are recorded and placed online, giving students the opportunity to still benefit from the series.

Algoma U’s Learning Strategist and Assistive Technologist is available to help all students, one-on-one, with the development and implementation of effective learning strategies. Learning strategies are school skills that apply across all classes, including organization, time management, note-taking, reading, studying, test taking, and assignment break-down, which help students achieve academic success.

Assistive technology training and support, including the scanning of textbooks to electronic format is also available to students with documented disabilities

The Learning Centre also provides information on learning strategies. Navigate to the Student Success Workshops playlist for learning strategy videos.

For general information on select learning strategies, please examine the pamphlets listed below.

• Organization skills (PDF)
• Note-taking (PDF)
• Textbook reading skills (PDF)
• Study skills (PDF)
• Test-taking (PDF)

Bounce Back 2.0 is an academic intervention program for students on academic probation or who are at risk of being placed on probation with an average of less than 60%.

The program entails meeting with an academic coach for a one-on-one meeting at the beginning of the semester. During this session you and your coach will adhere to the following steps:

1. Step One: Reflection on the last semester
2. Step Two: Academic success resources
3. Step three: Current semester review and goal setting
4. Step Four: Action steps and follow-up plan

Prior to the beginning of the semester you will be contacted, via your Algoma U student email, to meet with your BB2.0 academic coach. At that time, you will need to print and complete the Academic Intervention Assessment Form (PDF).

The Bounce Back 2.0 Team is confident that BB2.0 program is an essential tool for an at-risk student’s success. Students on probation who do not improve their academic performance will be asked to withdraw from the University. For additional information regarding BB2.0, please email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

What impact does being on academic probation have for me?

Students on academic probation may not have the ability to register full-time or continue in their desired program. You may be placed on load restriction or you may be required to change your program.

Will I be asked to withdraw from school if I am on academic probation and my grades don’t improve?

Yes, if you fail more than six credits and/or do not maintain your minimum program average over your next 30 credit attempts, you will be asked to withdraw from the University.

How did I get placed on academic probation?

A student is placed on probation, if they:

• Fail more than six credits in an academic year or in a sequence of 30 credits; or
• Do not maintain a minimum average of 60% on passed courses required for the major or an overall average of 60% on passed courses in an academic year or in a sequence of 30 credits.

How do I get off of academic probation?

You must successfully complete 30 credits with no more than six credits of failures and achieve a 60% average.

What if I am still struggling after I complete the BB2.0 program?

Don’t worry. Your academic coach will be available throughout the academic year to further assist you in your pursuit of success.

I’m struggling in my current courses. What is the last day to withdraw?

Refer to the Academic Calendar, the first page of Chapter One for the exact date. It’s approximately eight weeks after school begins. Students should speak with their BB2.0 academic coach prior to withdrawing from a course.

What happens if I am dropped from Algoma University?

If you are required to withdraw, you will not be permitted to register for one academic year. You will be required to submit a petition requesting readmission to the ARP committee (Academic Regulations and Petitions) outlining your situation and indicating what has changed that you feel you will be allow you to succeed if given another opportunity.

What if I don’t agree with a grade I earned?

Please view our Academic Appeals Policy (PDF).

You must initiate the appeals process as laid out in the policy within 15 days of the final grade posting.

Academic Success Advisors are available to assist you throughout the year. You can view who your Academic Success Advisor is on your student portal, or stop by Student Success Central (NW307) for advising and registration assistance from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.