Letters

Start Right popular with new students
In an article in the recent April 7 edition of the Thursday Report, "Academic advisors share insights, experience," an academic advisor expresses her desire "to see an introductory course for students who are about to enter the university [because] students are unprepared; they don't know what to expect from university life."

I would like to point out that we in Counselling and Development heartily endorse this recognition of the need for students to prepare themselves for university studies before they begin. In fact, that is the very purpose behind orientation programs offered by the New Student Program in Counselling and Development, including a pre-university mini-course, Start Right.

Start Right is a program designed to teach students basic study skills and learning strategies, as well as prepare them for what to expect once they start classes at Concordia.

This program consists of eight modules on learning strategies, including Effective Academic Reading, Problem-Solving Skills, Writing Academic Papers and Time Management, as well as four information sessions.

Start Right is offered to newly registered students in two formats during the summer prior to their beginning classes at Concordia: four evenings in mid-August, or two full days at the end of August. It is also offered in December for students beginning in January.

Counselling and Development has been offering Start Right since summer 2002, with annual attendance of approximately 1,000 new students. Feedback from the students has been very positive; students repeatedly thank us for preparing them to cope with the new demands of university learning.

Mary O'Malley, Coordinator, Student Learning Services, Counselling & Development