Contact us: |
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Bissett Student Success Centre: 6136 University Avenue, Room 426 |
Phone: 902-494-3077 Email: advising@dal.ca |
Hours of Operation |
Make an appointment online |
Getting to know our team at the Bissett Student Success Centre
Our staff at the Bissett Student Success Centre come from a variety of backgrounds – just like our students. When you make an appointment at the Centre or register for an On Track program, you can request a specific advisor or we'll pair you with someone based on your program and year of study. We hope to see you soon!
Administration
Heather Dominey: Administrative Assistant
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Karen McCrank: Director of Advising and Career Services
I moved to Halifax with my husband and dog in December 2018 to serve as the Director of Careers after 14 years at the University of Toronto. I am grateful for the various roles I’ve held in Student Affairs, but am most passionate about the work I’ve been able to support in Career Services. When I was in high school, I had a guidance counsellor tell me I wouldn’t get in to university. It was the push I needed to believe in myself; at that moment I knew I wanted to someday be in a position to support people to achieve their goals in a way I hadn’t been.
Although I now have two degrees, many interests, work and life experiences, I didn’t always know exactly what direction my career would take. By following my curiosity, connecting with people who could guide me, and knowing my strengths, I have been fortunate to find roles doing what I’d wanted to since high school – support people in achieving their goals. I’m excited to be a part of Career Services at Dalhousie and we would love to help you with your own career questions.
Hobbies: travelling, hiking, biking, camping, enjoying good food & drink with friends and family
How I identify: wife, sister, daughter and aunt, white, cis-gender female, able-body
Clifton Strengths: Futuristic, Maximizer, Strategic, Ideation, Connectedness
Pronouns: she, her
Career Services
Nia Macfarlane, Employer Engagement & Events Coordinator
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Nia Macfarlane: Employer Engagment and Events Coordinator Hailing from Halifax, I have lived in this beautiful city for most of my life. I moved to Antigonish to study at StFX University, and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Honours Leadership & Management. Since then, I've held a variety of roles within the higher-education sphere. I'm a published researcher with particular interest in storytelling and the lived experiences of people within equity deserving groups. Being able to connect folks with the resources they need to succeed is one of my passions, and I'm thrilled to be able to continue that with the Career Services team here at the BSSC. As Coordinator, Employer Engagement & Events, I hope to enrich our local and global workforces by connecting employers and candidates with their perfect matches. Opportunity awaits, and I'm delighted to be part of your journey. Fun Facts: I love travelling and lived in Spain for 6 months. Music is a huge part of my life and I enjoy singing and songwriting. I love organization and design - my dream would be to restore a beautiful old home. How I identify: Daughter, sister, auntie, partner and friend. Cis-gender female, white, able-bodied. Clifton Strengths: Achiever, Maximizer, Relator, Intellection, Positivity Pronouns: she, her |
Student Success Advisors
Terra Duncan
As the first member of my family to attend university and as someone who had to rely on student loans, I found the transition from high school to university challenging. When I needed help, I was never sure who to turn to. I longed for a friend who could help me identify my academic and extracurricular interests; someone who could connect me to helpful resources and inspire me to grow into the best possible version of myself. I became a Student Success Advisor so I could offer students the kind of support I wish I had. I want students to understand that anyone, from any walk of life, can achieve success in university through self-reflection, hard work, and tenacity.
Three fun facts: I have visited 25 different countries (and counting)! Wonder Woman is my idol. I am writing a non-fiction book.
How I identify: Sister, Aunt and Godmother of Indigenous, French-Canadian and Irish ancestry
Clifton Strengths: Context, Intellection, Developer, Relator, Learner
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Cheyenne Henry
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Sarah Ready
I found my way to Dalhousie from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and came in as a new student from high school. I found an interest in the science of the human body and graduated with a Kinesiology degree in 2009. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I worked and participated in extracurricular activities on campus. Through this, I found a passion for working to support students transitioning to university. I started professional roles in Student Affairs after graduation to continue to support students.
With my background working in Student Affairs, I understand there are a variety of factors that affect student success. I want to work with you to create a plan for your time at Dalhousie that is reflective of your dreams and aspirations. With that in mind, I want to ensure that you are connected with the supports that work for you to achieve success towards your goals.
Fun Facts: In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports. I spent almost 12 years of my life living in residence buildings.
How I identify: cisgender female, daughter, sister, able-bodied
Clifton Strengths: Positivity, Developer, Empathy, Achiever, Arranger
Prounouns: She, her, hers
Catherine Robertson
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Studying for Success
Jessica Chubb: Studying for Success Coordinator
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Peer Advisors
Brooke Cramer
Brooke: Peer Advisor About Me: I found my way to Dalhousie University from London, Ontario, and started my education in the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program. I have since found an interest in Psychology and Neuroscience, along with Law. With this, I am a second-year student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a Minor in Law, Justice, and Society, and I one day hope to pursue higher education at Law School. I have always loved getting involved in my school and local communities, and I was overjoyed to see how many opportunities are available at Dalhousie! I am a member of the Dalhousie Science Society, the Dalhousie Accessibility and Inclusion Society, and The Dalhousie Integrated Science Program Mentorship Committee, just to name a few. My Best Tip for Success: University is so much more than just going to class, writing exams, and getting good grades. University is an opportunity to learn about yourself, your passions, and your strengths. Not only is it important to focus on school, but also yourself as an individual. Get involved in extracurriculars, go to social events hosted by Dalhousie, or volunteer! This will help you explore who you are and make invaluable connections for the future. School is so much more than your grades. You come first. How I Identify: Cis-gender female, daughter, granddaughter, friend |
Charlie Forbes
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Charlie: Peer Advisor My name is Charlie Forbes (they/them pronouns) and I am a fourth year student finishing my BA in sociology with a minor in creative writing. As a queer and trans student with ADHD and other learning disabilities, I struggled with traditional classroom learning in high school and the beginning of university. Because of this, I am passionate about celebrating students’ strengths and (neuro)diversities, and I know how important it is to foster an inclusive and accessible learning space for students of all backgrounds. I began my degree at Acadia university and transferred to Dal in my second year, and I found the Bissett Centre’s On Track program incredibly helpful in that time of transition. In the future I hope to go into education, so this peer academic advising position is an exciting opportunity for me to work in my chosen career field. In my free time you can find me exploring nature, reading and writing science fiction stories, doing yoga, and taking care of my plant collection. Tip for success: Do not let grades define who you are as a person. Grades can be a good measure of how you are doing in a given class or subject, but whether they are low or high, they do not reflect on your value as a person. Learning about your strengths and passions outside of the classroom environment can make room for grades to be just one way of determining where you're at on your learning journey. Pronouns: they/them |
Joseph Lahey
Joseph: Peer Advisor I was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I just finished my Bachelor of Arts, with Honours in Sociology and a Minor in Gender and Women’s Studies, and am beginning my Master of Arts in Sociology in the fall of 2022. Broadly speaking, my Honours and graduate research explores queer people’s experiences with and attitudes towards the coming out process, and what the process means to them. Throughout my time at Dalhousie University, I have become interested in research, writing, and work that allows me to support my community. My best tip for success: Do not be afraid to ask for help! At Dal, there are so many people that are ready to help you make the most of your education. When you reach out and ask questions, you get the right answers, and the confidence, to move forward and succeed. How I identify: white, cisgender, queer, able-bodied, settler. Pronouns: he/him |
Hayley MacDougall
Hayley: Peer Advisor My best tip for success: As important as it is to focus on academics, it is just as important to focus on yourself. University should not be a constant cycle of "work-eat-sleep-repeat". You will learn so much about yourself and your hopes for the future through participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering, being employed part-time, spending time with friends, and having some "down-time" to unwind. There are many opportunities on campus to meet new people, gain valuable experiences, and explore your passions. How I identify: Cis-gender female, able-bodied, daughter, sister Pronouns: She/her |
Yara Ahmed
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Yara: Peer Advisor I am an international student from Egypt, raised in the UAE, and currently pursuing my fourth year of my undergraduate degree in Applied Computer Science. I moved to Halifax three years ago, and through part-time jobs and extracurriculars I’ve been able to build and join several communities that have made Halifax feel like my second home. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of campus involvement and what it can do for your personal and professional growth, and look forward to helping students embark on the exciting opportunities that a university career can offer them. In my free time, you can find me at the gym, listening to podcasts, spending time with friends, or running Dalhousie’s Girls That Lift society! Tip for success: Do things that scare you, often! I believe that every uncomfortable moment is a moment of growth, and there is no better time to grow and discover your potential than your time at university. Whether it’s a job you’ve never done before or a public speaking opportunity, if it interests you, go for it! Pronouns: she/her |
Retirement Notice
Pat Schappert: A Message From Pat
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Pat Schappert: Student Success Advisor I’ve met with many students during my almost 13 years at DAL, and hope that I have provided the advice that you have needed along the way. I cherish the many relationships with Staff and Faculty over these many years. You've enriched my life in so many ways. I would especially like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, who were part of the Bissett Student Success Centre, and made these last three years so memorable!!! I laughed and learned a lot, even though I was trying to coast to the finish line. This pandemic has altered all of our lives, whether it is at the start or end of our career paths. Take this time to learn something new or even find a different way to do something you already know. My list so far includes: making face masks, crumb quilting, baking and cooking in different styles! We're currently close observers of Monarch butterfly caterpillars in our back garden! There are some things I've put on hold because of our current conditions, but this chapter of my life is only beginning. Be patient and kind to yourselves. |