1. Academic Prep Info Sessions
  2. Is this course for you?
  3. Dates
  4. Daily Schedule
  5. Location
  6. Housing
  7. Course Fee
  8. What do students say about the course?
  9. Our Team
  10. Questions?

Starting university is exciting, but a little daunting. Academic Prep is an on-campus course that helps you make a strong start in your university studies.

You will develop academic skills, establish habits for success, meet new people, and get to know Carleton’s campus!

Academic Prep Info Sessions

We will be offering information sessions online and in person later this summer. Please check back in early June.

Is this course for you?

  • Lectures and readings teach you evidence-based learning strategies and habits that really work.
  • Hands-on workshops let you discuss what you learn and practice applying it.
  • Group follow-up meetings help keep you on track in your work and connected to your peers.
  • One-on-one academic coaching supports you in real time as you tackle your assignments and exams.
  • Skills assessments before, during, and after the course help you track your progress.

See the menu on the left for the course description and how to register.

Dates

  • Monday, August 14 to Friday, August 18, 2023
  • 9:30am to 3:30pm, with a one-hour lunch break

Daily Schedule

  • 9:30am – 10:45am Lecture
  • 10:45am – 12:00pm Workshops
  • 12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch
  • 1:00pm – 2:15pm Lecture
  • 2:15pm – 3:15pm Workshops
  • 3:15pm – 3:30pm Wrap up

Location

The course is fully in person on the Carleton University campus. The exact location will be announced as soon as it is available.

There is no online option.

Housing

  • Students are responsible for arranging their own lodgings for the week. Unfortunately Carleton University residence is not available for short term bookings at that time.
  • For off-campus accommodations, please visit the Housing and Residence Life Services web site

Course Fee

The fee is $250 including HST and is added to your Fall term fees. Payment is due when your Fall term fees are due. See this page for fee-payment information.

What do students say about the course?

What did you learn in this course?

  • “Just how inefficient my learning had been throughout all of high school.”
  • “To be compassionate towards myself”
  • “Even if I knew some of the strategies, I learned how to adapt and apply them to different situations.”
  • “The learning myths were fascinating to learn about.”
  • “It helped me grow as a person.”

Did your perspective shift? If so, how?

  • “Anyone can achieve a degree with the right tools and resilience.”
  • “Seems a lot less scary and more manageable now. I didn’t think I was afraid of university before, but after taking this course, I realize how many misconceptions I had about how intense and offputting it would be.”
  • “It was clear that profs and TAs care about our success.”
  • “I loved this course and I’m glad that I registered for it. It was helpful and made me know more things about myself.”

Our Team

Course Designer and Coordinator

Dr. Rachelle Thibodeau specializes in university student retention and success, peer-supported learning, and the psychology of teaching and learning. She is the Coordinator of Academic Support, Program Evaluation, and Research for the Centre for Initiatives in Education, and a founding member of both the Centre for Initiatives in Education and the Enriched Support Program. Outside of her academic life, Rachelle enjoys reading novels and vegetarian cooking.

Assistant Coordinator

Sam Kwok has 6 years of experience as an academic Facilitator, Team Leader, and Coach in the Enriched Support Program. She holds a BA from Carleton in Criminology, and is completing a Master’s degree in Education. Outside of her academic life, Sam organizes and runs Dungeons & Dragons sessions and practices Japanese jiu jitsu.

Student Facilitators

Facilitators for 2023 will be announced before the course begins.

Questions?

Please email us at AcademicPrep@carleton.ca.