Academic Assistance for FASS Students

Dear FASS students,

We’ve reached the end of an incredibly challenging academic term. Whether this is your first year at Dalhousie or your final term, you might be feeling more stress and anxiety than you’re used to. You are not alone. As a campus community, we’ve all felt the pressures, the disruptions, and the uncertainty this fall. Please remember that Dalhousie has many supports available to you. You can find most of these resources here: https://www.dal.ca/current_students.html.  

As the term ends and the exam period begins, here is some advice that might help you to take on your final exams:  

Calculate your course grades before the exam. Check your grades in Brightspace, or manually calculate the marks you’ve received, using the method of evaluation in your course syllabi. What is your course grade going into the exam? What grade are you hoping to earn on the exam? What courses do you need to prioritize in your study schedule?  

Make a study schedule. Set aside time to study for each of your courses—but don’t forget to set aside time for yourself, too. Eat. Sleep. Relax. It’s important to take care of yourself, as well as your grades.  

Celebrate your accomplishments. Whether you’ve met the academic goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the term or not, identify a few things that you’re proud of. Did you write a great paper? Learn about a new academic concept or discipline? Improve a skill? Make note of specific things that you’re proud of.  

Ask for help. Reach out to a professor, a staff member, or an academic advisor if you need help. We are a community. There are people who can support you, or who can help you to identify and access the resources you need.  

I wish you good luck on your exams, and a restful end-of-term break! 

- Dr. Becca Babcock, Assistant Dean Student Matters

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Beagle at the Bissett

Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Bissett Student Success Centre (4^th floor Student Union Building) with Luna the Therapy Dog*.

Come and talk to Dr. Babcock or an academic advisor from the Bisset Centre, and get to know Luna the Beagle while you're there! 

Please note: Monday, December 5th will be Luna's final day at the Bissett Centre for the 2022 year. Luna will return to her regular Beagle at the Bissett schedule on Monday, January 9th, 2023.

*Luna (seen here with Dr. Becca Babcock) is a St John Ambulance Therapy Dog. She provides comfort and companionship. No medical or psychiatric services are offered during these sessions. For mental health support, please visit the Mental Health Services at Dalhousie's Student Health and Wellness.  

Allergy warning: a dog will be present. 

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Advising for FASS Students

FASS students are welcome to visit Dr. Becca Babcock, Assistant Dean of Student Matters, for academic advice or help with university regulations and policies. Come and ask Dr. Babcock about academic dismissals and probation, waiver requests, grade changes, or what to do if your grades aren't what you'd hoped they would be. 

Wednesday Drop-Ins: 

Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Office of the Dean, room 3030 of the Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building. 

In-Person or Online Meetings by Appointment: 

Please email asstdeanfass@dal.ca to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with Dr. Babcock.