Supports at Your School
Post-secondary institutions have many offices that can help you. Learn what each office does, when to contact them, and how to find them on your school's website.
Registrar
⏰ When to Contact
Enrolment, transcripts, withdrawals, program changes, registration issues
💬 What to Ask For
How to request transcripts, change programs, withdraw from courses, access enrolment letters
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search your school website for "Registrar" or "Student Records". Look for "Academic Services" or "Student Affairs" sections.
Academic Advising
⏰ When to Contact
Course planning, graduation requirements, program progression questions
💬 What to Ask For
Help with course selection, checking if you're on track to graduate, understanding program requirements
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Academic Advising" or "Program Advising". Often under "Student Services" or "Academic Services".
Instructor / Course Lead / Program Chair
⏰ When to Contact
Course-level concerns: grades, assignments, course content, attendance policies
💬 What to Ask For
Questions about course material, assignment feedback, grade concerns, course policies
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Check your course syllabus for contact info. Look for "Faculty Directory" or "Contact" on your school website.
Student Success / Learning Centre
⏰ When to Contact
Tutoring, writing support, study skills, academic coaching
💬 What to Ask For
One-on-one tutoring, writing consultations, study strategy workshops, learning accommodations
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Learning Centre", "Student Success", "Academic Support", or "Tutoring" on your school website.
Accessibility Services
⏰ When to Contact
Requesting accommodations for disabilities, medical conditions, or temporary injuries
💬 What to Ask For
How to register for accommodations, documentation requirements, accommodation letters, exam arrangements
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Accessibility Services", "Disability Services", or "Accessible Learning". Often under "Student Services".
Library
⏰ When to Contact
Research help, database access, citation support, study space, workshops
💬 What to Ask For
How to access databases, citation help, research consultations, library workshops, study room bookings
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Library" on your school website. Usually prominently featured in the main navigation.
IT Help Desk
⏰ When to Contact
LMS login issues, Zoom/Teams problems, email access, software downloads
💬 What to Ask For
Password resets, LMS access, Zoom/Teams setup, Wi-Fi connection, software installation
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "IT Support", "Help Desk", or "Technology Services". Often in the footer or under "Services".
International Student Services
⏰ When to Contact
Study permit questions, work permit compliance, travel letters, health insurance
💬 What to Ask For
Study/work permit compliance, travel letter requests, health insurance questions, post-graduation work permits
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "International Student Services" or "International Office". Usually under "Student Services".
Financial Aid / Awards
⏰ When to Contact
Bursaries, emergency financial aid, scholarships, budget counselling (school-specific)
💬 What to Ask For
Available bursaries, emergency aid application process, scholarship opportunities, financial planning resources
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Financial Aid", "Awards", or "Student Financial Services" on your school website.
Ombudsperson / Student Advocacy
⏰ When to Contact
Neutral advice, complaints navigation, policy interpretation, appeal support
💬 What to Ask For
Help understanding policies, navigating complaints, appeal process guidance, conflict resolution
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Ombudsperson", "Student Advocacy", or "Student Rights Office". May be independent from other services.
Counselling / Wellness
⏰ When to Contact
Mental health support, stress management, personal counselling, crisis support
💬 What to Ask For
How to book counselling appointments, available mental health resources, crisis hotlines, wellness workshops
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Counselling", "Mental Health", "Wellness Centre", or "Student Health Services".
Co-op / Career Services
⏰ When to Contact
Resume help, interview prep, job search, co-op placements, career planning
💬 What to Ask For
Resume/cover letter reviews, interview preparation, job postings, co-op program information, career counselling
🔍 How to Find It on Your School Website
Search for "Career Services", "Co-op Office", or "Employment Services" on your school website.
📧 Email Template Tips
When emailing any office, include: your full name, student ID, program, specific question or request, and any relevant deadlines.
Subject: [Brief, specific subject line] Dear [Office Name], My name is [Your Name], student ID [ID], and I'm in the [Program Name] program. I'm reaching out because [brief explanation of your situation or question]. [Specific question or request] [If applicable: I would appreciate a response by [date] due to [reason].] Thank you for your time and assistance. Best regards, [Your Name]