Dear Student Services staff,

As we are already mid-February in another uncertain and challenging term, I would like to reiterate my appreciation for your continued hard work and flexibility. With restrictions set to lift in Quebec in the weeks and months ahead, we will most likely have to contend with more changes to our operations. 

As always, rest assured that myself and the Student Services leadership team will communicate upcoming changes with you in as timely a fashion as possible.

For now, here are some updates and reminders for the coming weeks.

Laura Mitchell
Executive Director, Student Experience

Study groups

At the beginning of the term, the Student Success Centre launched study groups to help students connect with classmates. Two weeks later, 935 students indicated their interest in joining one or more course-specific study groups. 

Based on the application results, three offerings have been developed: 

• Facilitated course-specific study groups  (24 courses): for courses where 15 or more students indicated interest. A trained facilitator will meet with the study groups on a weekly basis to review material with the group and support their learning.  
• Student-led course-specific study groups (35 courses): for courses where 4-14 students indicated interest. Students will have an initial session with a Learning Strategist or Peer Learning Liaison, review best practices for study groups, and be linked to SSC staff for questions; however, students will continue to meet weekly of their own accord.    
• Study With Me: not tied to a course, these are an opportunity for students to study alongside other students via Zoom. Students can access through Moodle from 12 p.m to 9 p.m., 7 days a week. The program will begin on Thursday, February 17. This builds on the Study With Me program delivered through Zen Dens every Thursday and Friday afternoon. More details to come.

Thank you to everyone for supporting this initiative. The high registration numbers demonstrate the collective effort of our sector to get the word out. 
 

Reminder: Town hall

Student Services team members should have received an invitation from the Office of the Provost to attend a town hall meeting with President Graham Carr and Provost Anne Whitelaw on Wednesday, February 16 from 10: 30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Our colleagues in other areas such as VP Services will have similar meets at other times.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for Graham and Anne to share the different scenarios the university is planning for and have everyone contribute ideas and feedback as we map out the road ahead together. 
 
If you did not receive the invitation, please contact Elena Udvud elena.udvud@concordia.ca from the Office of the Provost.

Upcoming Brown Bag Lunches

We have been very encouraged by the recent increase in participation in our Brown Bag Lunch series. These are excellent opportunities for all of us to deepen our knowledge on the services offered in our sector and beyond. Please consider attending the following three events: 

• February 15, 12 p.m. Concordia Student Parents Centre (CUSP): Register here 
• March 17, 12 p.m. Black Perspectives Office (BPO): Register here
• March 22, 12 p.m. Counselling and Psychological Services (CPS) and mental health supports: Register here

Thank you to everyone who has hosted or will soon host a session!

Changes in Enrolment Services portfolio

As some of you may be aware, Marius Paraschivoiu has completed his term as Vice-Provost. A search will be launched for a replacement and until that person is found, Nadia Hardy will be guiding and overseeing our sector.

Going forward, Enrolment Services (Admissions, Recruitment, Registrar’s Office, Birks, Administration) will report to Stephanie De Celles, who will also retain her role as Registrar.