First-year support counselling

See alternative support options for students located outside of Quebec

Meet counsellor Monica Boulos, M.A., c.o.

Hello!

Congratulations on your admission to Concordia! This new beginning will surely be filled with many wonderful experiences, a whole lot of learning and likely some challenges too – especially given our current context with COVID-19. If you feel like this transition is more challenging than you anticipated or you run into some difficulties you’re not sure how to handle, please reach out and make an appointment to meet with me. We can take some time to chat about your concerns, questions, doubts, insecurities, or whatever else may be weighing on you. Whether you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, isolated or homesick, questioning your choice of program or just struggling to adjust to the demands of university life, I am here to listen and to help you find ways to thrive on both a personal and academic level. My goal is to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to grow in self-awareness and to provide you with the tools and strategies you need to make the most of your first year on campus.

To make an appointment, contact:

During the COVID-19 campus closures, first-year support counselling appointments are offered via Zoom. To book an appointment, contact the Student Success Centre by phone at 514-848-2424 ext. 3921

Some reasons students may choose to see me

Questioning the decision to attend university
Feelings of isolation, self-doubt, discouragement
Difficulty coping with the demands of university life
Overwhelming stress
Culture shock and/or feeling homesick
Lack of motivation
Chronic procrastination
Difficulty making friends and connecting with peers on campus
Difficulties associated with peer pressure or other relationship issues
Juggling family expectations and personal goals
Identity exploration
Dissatisfaction with academic program
Lack of educational and/or career direction
Difficulty navigating the university system

Please note that the First-year Support Counsellor does not offer psychotherapy services. If a student is struggling with significant anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns, they should seek help from Counselling & Psychological Services.

The Counsellor may also encourage a student to connect with other university or community resources for specialized help with specific needs (e.g. academic support, accessibility advising, etc.)

Eligibility for services

Any student in their first year of studies at Concordia is eligible for First-year support counselling. Their eligibility begins when they confirm their offer of admission (and pay the $100 deposit) and continues until 12 months after they begin taking classes. This includes:

Undergraduate students
Graduate students
Mature students
Transfer students from other universities
Exchange students
Independent students (eligible during their entire time as an independent student, and for the first year once they are admitted into a program)

Students currently residing outside of Quebec

Under the Ordre des conseiller et conseillères du Québec (OCCOQ) guidelines, appointments are only available to students residing in Quebec.

Alternative support options for students located outside of Quebec:

New students: Attend online group check-ins led by our first-year support counsellor and join the New Concordians: 2020-2021 Facebook group to connect with other new students and mentors.
Have general questions about your academic journey? Not sure where to start? Book a video call with student mentor or request a staff navigator.
One-on-one appointments and workshops with learning specialists are available through Learning Services
Access career planning workshops and job search help through CAPS
Personal counselling is available through Wellness Together Canada, a 24/7 tele-counselling line available to anyone residing in Canada (including international students)
EmpowerMe: Connect by phone or online with counsellors and life-coaches, available 24/7. 1-833-628-5589 in Canada and the U.S. Find international numbers.

Cancelling or being late for your appointment

You must cancel 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment with the First-year Support Counsellor. Please call 514-848-2424 ext. 3921 or ext. 4200 to cancel. If you expect to be late for your appointment, please email the person who sent you the Zoom invitation for your appointment to let them know. If you are more than 20 minutes late, your appointment time may be given to another student.

Student Success Centre

Student Success Centre

First-year support counselling

Meet counsellor Monica Boulos, M.A., c.o.

Some reasons students may choose to see me

Eligibility for services

Alternative support options for students located outside of Quebec:

Cancelling or being late for your appointment

Services for New Students

Contact us

Locations

Office hours