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Student Support

Student Support | Centre for Extended Learning | University of Waterloo

Students taking online/distance education courses are an important part of the University of Waterloo's undergraduate community. Because you are not on campus we bring the campus experience to you.

Students taking online/distance courses are welcome to use any of the resources and support services provided by other Waterloo departments. Here's information on a few of them:



Academic Advice
Reading your degree requirements carefully (found under Faculty Regulations) will help you formulate questions for your academic advisor.

The complete list of undergraduate advisors for all Waterloo programs is available.

Centre for Career Action
The Career Development e-Manual and the JobMine job listing site are just two of the online resources made available by Waterloo's Centre for Career Action. For those able to visit the campus, there are a variety of workshops to ease the career decision-making process and hone your job search skills. You can also book an individual appointment with one of the career advisors to discuss your career plans, job search techniques, and application documents. Registration for workshops and appointment bookings can be made through the Centre for Career Action homepage.

Connections
This archive of our newsletter, Connections, featured news of interest to students taking online/distance education courses and about the University in general.

Counselling Services
Check out Waterloo's Counselling Services online study skills package. You'll find strategies for learning and remembering, time management, reading, and writing exams.

Library Services
The uWaterloo Library's website includes a section dedicated to students taking online/distance education courses. It provides information on:

Please note: A Waterloo WatCard (student ID card) is required to access many Library services. Please see the section below on WatCards for further information.

WatCards (Student ID Cards)
Students in online courses need a WatCard to access materials from the uWaterloo Library. If you are taking only online/distance courses and have never had a Waterloo library card or WatCard, you should receive one in the mail within the first two weeks of term, provided your fees have been paid in full. In these cases, your WatCard will be sent to you automatically; you do not need to request it.

Notes:

  • If you have had a uWaterloo library card in the past, you will need to contact us to ensure you get a WatCard.
  • Students taking on-campus courses as well as online/distance ones, must go to the WatCard office to obtain a card, which will include a photo.
  • Wilfrid Laurier and University of Guelph students will not automatically recieve a WatCard. They should contact us to receive one.

If you have questions about your WatCard, please email Learner Support Services, Centre for Extended Learning, or call 519-888-4567, ext. 35797.

Writing Centre
The English Language Proficiency Program (ELPP) started at the University of Waterloo in 1976 to ensure that students would have the necessary writing skills for academic success. All undergraduate students need to demonstrate proficiency in English in order to graduate. Specific requirements vary from faculty to faculty. Students must review the ELPP website.

Arts Mature Student Advising
The Arts Undergraduate Office can help prospective or current Arts mature students with their academic concerns. The Office provides academic information and support services for Arts students, taking on-campus courses or online/distance courses, who have been away from formal studies for some time.

If you need to discuss your studies or concerns in person or by telephone, please arrange for an appointment with the Arts Undergraduate Office. Alternatively, send your questions or concerns via e-mail.

Arts Undergraduate Office / Mature Student Advising
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
Tel. 519-888-4567, ext. 32429
Fax: 519-725-1749
E-mail: mature@uwaterloo.ca


Office for Persons with Disabilities
The Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) works with Waterloo departments to promote the potential of students with physical, medical, psychological, sensory, or learning disabilities. If you require support for disability-related needs or academic accommodations, such as alternative formatting of course materials and/or exam arrangements, visit the OPD website listed above. From the Students link, you will find details concerning the Centre for Extended Learning (online/distance courses) and a form to download and submit to the OPD office, in order to provide them with your information.