ASC Frequently Asked Questions

The Academic Success Centre (ASC) is an open learning environment where students can access academic support, such as tutoring, study resources, skills support (such as time management and study skills), study resources, space for individual or group study, and technology such as computers, printers, a projector, and noise-cancelling headphones. We host Student Success Sessions throughout the semester on various academic skills, and we also hire Peer Tutors in various subject areas so that students can have access to specific help from peers who have been successful in the past.

The ASC is staffed by four Academic Content Specialists: one for Math & Physics, one for Biology & Chemistry, once for Business Administration & Human Recourses Management, and one for English & the Humanities. These staff members all have an academic background in their area of expertise.

Additionally, the Academic Success Coach works out of the ASC, and can support students with academic skills like time management, notetaking, how to study effectively, etc. The Academic Success Coach also works with students who are on academic warning, academic probation, academic suspension or required to withdraw. Check out our website for profiles on our staff.

Normally, the Academic Success Centre operates on a drop-in basis, so students can bring their materials and come in at any time during our hours of operation and get the help they need. Students can book individually or as a group by sending us an email.

No, however students need to take responsibility for their learning and staff must respect academic integrity and avoid over tutoring. If staff feel that a student is asking for too much help, they will explain the limits to the student.

No, there are other teams/departments within the College that we collaborate with to give students the most comprehensive support possible. 

For example, Accessibility Services, the Library, Wellness Services, Testing Services, and Student Life.  However, if you contact us when one of these other services would be more appropriate, we will do our best to make sure you are connected with the appropriate service!  Many students also come to us with other concerns because we are familiar faces/a safe space.  We also ensure these students get the help they need.

The Academic Success Centre can support students in all Keyano courses and subject areas. However, it is sometimes necessary to access resources in those subject areas or to collaborate with instructors to receive documents like course outlines, course packs/manuals, or textbooks to gain more insight into their specific course delivery and expectations. We also support students who are struggling with the perquisite/foundational skills and knowledge they need for their courses.

There are a couple of options for getting students support at the ASC.  It is important to know that students must choose to access these supports.  ASC staff may try several times to reach out to a student, but cannot guarantee they will reply/come in.  It can also be helpful for the instructor to check in with the student after the referral to see if they have followed through or how things are going, and continue to remind them of the importance/benefits of accessing the service.

Option 1: Refer the student to us by emailing academic.success@keyano.ca and copying the student on the email.  Include the course/assignment/concept/skill the student will need support with. Staff will “reply all” to this first email so you can see contact was established.

Option 2: Directly encourage the student to contact us via email/drop-in.   

Awareness is a big barrier for us! 

Some things you can do as an instructor are to:

• Invite us to your class at the beginning of the semester to explain to students what/who we are and how to access our services themselves. 
• Posting our information on Moodle and continuing to remind students to use us (e.g. when you’re reminding them about due dates and assessments) also really helps. 
• Students should know that the ASC does not simply offer remedial supports, i.e. you can be an A+ student and still visit the ASC! 
• Also remind students to get help as early as possible (i.e. not the day the assignment is due) to ensure we are able to support them effectively.