The Student Success team aims to facilitate student transitions to the realities of higher education, and foster the development of self-confidence, determination, resilience and empowerment, from your first 6 weeks through to graduation.
The Virtual Backpack is a series of on-demand sessions and workshops to help you Get Set, Take Care of Business, and Take Charge of your academic journey!
1. Get Set
Explore the differences between high school and university.
Use this material to become familiar with the university environment and with some of the tools and resources you can turn to for help.
Tour our campus from the comfort of your own home! The tour includes stops at classrooms, labs, residence spaces, the gymnasium, the beautiful Brenda Wallace Reading Room, and many others! Get a feel for the campus as you explore our physical spaces in stunning 360-degree photos!
Our Orientation program welcomes you to the Voyageurs family and eases you into your studies at Laurentian. You can prepare for success by finding academic resources, familiarizing yourself with the campus services, and participating in diverse campus and community events.
Orientation events and Registration Clinics are held both on campus and online.
This orientation for online or distance education learners is meant to provide information on all non-academic matters. Where to begin? Where to go? What is available? This course will help you find the answers to your questions, at your own pace.
To register for Orientation for Online Learners:
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Log in to the myLaurentian Portal.
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In the QuickLinks menu on the left, click D2L.
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In the menu at the top of the page, click Self Registration.
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In the list of offerings, find and click Orientation for online learners.
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On the Course Description page, click Register, click Submit, and then click Finish.
Tip: PIN the course to your D2L course list for quick access in the future.
The myLaurentian portal is the key to learning the ins and outs of student services. The Self-Service platform within the portal how to register for your courses, plan your courses and course schedule, interact with your Academic Advisor, and track your degree or certificate requirements.
To learn more, watch our YouTube Tutorials:
Our D2L platform allows you to access your course content, interact with your class peers, and submit your assignments to your Instructors. You will learn where to find your course outlines and self-register for modules that will support your learning as a student studying online.
To register for workshops in D2L:
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Log in to the myLaurentian Portal.
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In the QuickLinks menu on the left, click D2L.
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In the menu at the top of the page, click Self Registration.
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In the list of offerings, find and click the course or module you want to register for.
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On the Course Description page, click Register, click Submit, and then click Finish.
Tip: PIN the course to your D2L course list for quick access in the future.
TutorOcean is an online tutoring platform that links you to tutoring support from your peers. You will learn how to sign-up, find a tutor and book a virtual session in seconds.
Below we have compiled some common freeware that can help with different aspects of schoolwork such as reading, writing, organization and note-taking.
Text-to-speech
Natural Reader lets you convert Microsoft Word documents, webpages, PDFs and emails into spoken audio that you can listen to. There are various reading voices and you can vary the reading speed. A free version is available for Windows.
Voice Typing
Google Voice Typing is available in Google Docs for free. It uses your microphone to convert what you say into written text and it is ready to use without any voice training.
To access Google Voice Typing open Google Docs, go into the Tools menu, and select Voice Typing.
Learn more about Google Voice Typing
Brainstorming & Mind Mapping
Mindomo is a mind mapping tool that lets you visually brainstorm and organize your ideas to prepare for writing or to use as study notes. A free version is available to use.
Organization and Time Management
myHomework lets you track your homework, assignments and tests. You can set up and receive reminders for when your assignments are due or when tests are coming up. A free version is available and it can be used on Windows, Android, and Apple devices.
Note Taking
Evernote is a very versatile note taking program available across devices (Windows, Android, Apple) that saves your notes in the cloud so you will always be able to access them. It lets you add photographs, files, and web clippings.
Rocketbook is a reusable notebook that allows you to send handwritten notes to your favorite cloud services such as email, Evernote, Google Drive, and more. Free Rocketbook PDFs and customizable pages can be found at https://getrocketbook.com/pages/rocketbook-for-free
The Librarians are available in English and French to support you in using tools and resources in the Library and in building your research skills.
For specialized instruction in a discipline please contact the librarian supporting your faculty.
Solid research skills are essential to success in university. In the Research Skills tutorial, you will learn about using databases, retrieving articles, and how to get in touch with Laurentian librarians. You can also get support with citations and available bibliographies for your program and courses.
To register for the Research Skills workshop:
Log in to D2L, click Self Registration, and in the list of course offerings click Research Skills Tutorial.
Communication in university happens mostly in writing, such as in emails, assignments, tests, exams, notes, reports, etc. Take a look at “Getting it Write” to understand how to write using academic language, the writing process and how to avoid common mistakes. Solid writing skills will honour your efforts and hard work.
To register for the Writing Skills workshop:
Log in to D2L, click Self Registration, and in the list of course offerings click Getting It Write.
Laurentian University has a specific set of rules and expectations that govern the behaviour of every member of the Laurentian community. In the Academic Integrity and Ethical Conduct course, you will learn about these rules, academic integrity, ethical conduct, and intellectual property. You’ll also learn about best practices and the do’s and don'ts to help you navigate the university environment with confidence.
To register for the Academic Integrity and Ethical Conduct workshop:
Log in to D2L, click Self Registration, and in the list of course offerings click Academic Integrity and Ethical Conduct for students.
The Student Resources workshop has modules which cover time management, note-taking, exam preparation, and more! Read more to learn about each module.
Time Management
Efficiency is about knowing how to maximize your time in order to optimize your productivity. In the Time Management module, you’ll learn how to budget your time, create a schedule, and set priorities realistically. Good time-management strategies will also help you deal with change and the unexpected.
Note-Taking
During class, students are presented with theory and concepts which would be difficult to grasp without explanation. The Note-Taking module shows you how to develop efficient note-taking strategies, prepare for class, and go over your notes outside of class. Most exam questions pertain to the content covered in class!
Exam Preparation
Multiple choice, true or false, short answers, and essay questions are typical formats used for exams. The Exam Questions module covers appropriate strategies to effectively answer these types of questions and budget your time. Exam readiness is something you work on and build every day as you learn and study. When it is time for your exam, you know that you can do it!
To register for the Student Resources workshop:
Log in to D2L, click Self Registration, and in the list of course offerings click Student Resources / Ressources pour les étudiant(e)s.
3. Take Charge
Check-in, reset, and maintain momentum toward your set goals with the help of the Student Success Team. Look ahead, ready to respond to challenges with confidence.
Next Steps. You have become familiar with the university environment, you are using your skills for success, and routine is setting in. You have a better idea of who you are as a professional preparing for your future career and about who you want to be. Take Charge helps you keep that momentum going, adjust where needed and have the confidence to respond to change with assurance. Come and visit this section from time to time. Explore the services and programs that are showcased to assist you right now as you prepare for your future.
Peer Coach Program
For information on how to register for courses, how to get a parking pass and student card, who to contact for transcripts, and everything in between, our Peer Coaches are available to answer all of your general enquiries.
Peer Academic Program
Our Peer Academic Specialists can provide you with individualized strategies and resources on a range of academic challenges for a variety of disciplines:
- Time management and goal-setting
- Study habits and test-taking tips
- Reading and note-taking strategies
- Writing support, and more!
Peer Wellness Program
Our Peer Wellness Specialists promote mental health awareness, provide access to wellness support resources, and host a full calendar of events designed to assist you in taking time to nurture your mental well-being.
For more information, please email us at Peerwellness@laurentian.ca.
Make an appointment
Online: myLaurentian Portal
By email: success@laurentian.ca
The Peer Office is located in the Arts Building, in Room A-127.
Our Academic Advisors can help you better understand your goals and academic plans and provide guidance on course registration and transfer credits. Academic Advisors also offer academic support programs for student athletes and students who need extra support to regain good academic standing.
Make an appointment
By email: academicadvising@laurentian.ca
Drop-in: Monday to Friday from 1-3 p.m.
The Academic Advisors are located in the J.N. Desmarais Library.
If you have, or suspect that you may have a disability, please do not hesitate to contact Accessibility Services to establish an accommodation plan.
For more information about accessibility, see the Accessibility Services page.
For information about the Partners in Accessibility at Laurentian (PAL) transition program, see the Partners in Accessibility at Laurentian page.
Make an appointment
By phone: (705) 675-1151 ext. 3324
By email: accessibilityservicesinfo@laurentian.ca
The Accessibility Services office is located on the 2nd floor of the R.D. Parker Building, in Room P-230.
Our Counsellors will listen and work with you to address personal issues and mental health concerns that may be interfering with your success as a student.
For more information about counselling services, see the Counselling page.
Make an appointment
By phone: (705) 673-6506 or 1 (800) 461-4030 ext. 6506
By email: counselling@laurentian.ca
The Counselling office is located on the 2nd floor of the R.D. Parker Building, in Room P-230.
Our Health and Wellness Services serve as your on-campus medical clinic to look after your healthcare needs. Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner are on staff during regular office hours, part time physicians are available by appointment and urgent cases are also accepted.
For more information about services offered, see the Health & Wellness Services page.
Make an appointment
By phone: (705) 673-6546 or (705) 675-1151 ext. 1067
By email: healthservices@laurentian.ca
The Counselling office is located in Single Student Residence building, in Room G-23
The Career Hub provides career and employment (permanent/summer/part-time) support services for undergraduate, graduate students and alumni from all disciplines.
For more information about services offered, see the Career Hub page.
Make an appointment
By email: careerhub@laurentian.ca
Online: myLaurentian Portal
The Career Hub is located in the J.N. Desmarais Library.
The Indigenous Student Affairs team increases accessibility and retention, as well as enhances the academic experience of students of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit ancestry at Laurentian University.
For more information about services offered and to register for the ISA, see the Indigenous Student Affairs page.
Make an appointment
By phone: (705) 675-1151 ext. 4052
By email: isa@laurentian.ca
The ISA is located in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) on the first floor of the R.D. Parker Building.