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  2. Subject-Specific Academic Resources

Subject-Specific Academic Resources

Student Academic Success Services provides support in learning and writing across disciplines, to all students. This list is intended to complement this broad-ranging support with academic resources more closely tied to specific subjects.

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General Academic Support

  • Student Academic Success Services (SASS) comprises Learning Strategies and the Writing Centre. This free and confidential service, located in Stauffer Library, offers workshops, one-on-one consultations, and practical online tips. SASS helps all students—struggling and high-achieving, 1st-year to PhD—improve their writing, learning, organization, and studying skills.
  • SASS also provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) students one-on-one support in academic language (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). To request an initial appointment, complete the online form.

  • Tutoring opportunities are available for all student-athletes enrolled at Queen’s University through Athletics & Recreation by contacting the Coordinator, Athlete Services. This service is FREE for all varsity-athletes who are included on the team eligibility certificate.
  • Tutors are available for most first-year courses. Upper-year course tutoring availability will depend on the course. Contact tutor@queensu.ca or the Athletics website for more information or to request a tutor.

  • This program offers first year students the opportunity to be matched with a knowledgeable upper year mentor who will provide one-on-one support throughout the academic year. First year students can register for Q Success
  • Upper year students who would like to request a mentor can apply for the Student Experience Office’s peer mentorship program.

  • The QUIC provides support for International Students in many ways. In addition to International Student Advising and lots of social activities, they provide a number of academic support services. They run an Academic English Writing Skills clinic and a weekly English Conversation Group, and host SASS workshops in academic skills. The Intercultural Awareness Certificate is also a great experience for all students looking to develop their intercultural skills. Check the QUIC Events Calendar for dates and times.

Arts & Science

  • Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) peer tutoring is a student-organized service that partners student tutors with those looking for a tutor in a variety of Arts and Science courses. Tutoring fees are $15/hour and bursaries are available for students in financial need. Questions regarding tutoring can be directed to academics@asus.queensu.ca. Sign up by visiting ASUS' website.
  • Students eligible to participate in Bounce Back will be contacted by their Registrar or SASS staff in early January each year. Feel free to contact us for more information.
    • Students who opt into the program will be matched with a trained upper-year peer mentor called a Bounce Back Coach. Coaches will work individually with each participant to help them identify the source(s) of their academic challenges, set new goals, and identify strategies to achieve those goals over the course of the winter term.
    • The program runs for up to 12 weeks (January to April). More information can be found on the Student Experience Office website.
  • Peer Academic Support Services (PASS) is a volunteer service that eases the transition into university and promotes academic success. Peer Advisors address issues such as scheduling, plan requirements, SOLUS, and course selection in confidential, non-judgmental advising sessions. PASS is located on the First Floor of Dunning Hall and is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment necessary.

Departmental Support

  • Biochemistry Peer Assistance Program: A program where undergraduate students can get advice from upper year students who are currently in, and understand the demands of, the program is available to all biochemistry students.
  • Peer tutoring services are subject to availability and can be requested through the department. Email lifesci@queensu.ca or biochem@queensu.ca, tell them for which course(s) you require a tutor, and they will send you a list of potential tutors. You and the tutor will discuss your needs and their payment.
  • Occasionally, the LifeSci/BCHM student council runs informal, drop-in academic support sessions.
  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Life Sciences and Biochemistry.

  • Chemistry tutors (peer support)
  • Chemistry references
  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Chemistry)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (select “Chemistry” under Subject)

  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Drama | Music)
  • Queen’s University Library subject librarian (Drama and Music)

  • ECON 110/111/112 has a free help centre staffed by MA/PhD TAs, 4 days per week in DUN227. The schedule is posted on the Economics website and in the onQ pages for the courses. The room seats about 20 comfortably and often there are two TAs working. They are all trained to ‘teach’ the gaps or go over the potentially confusing aspects of the principles course.
  • SASS resource: Math Problem Solving
  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Economics)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (Economics)

  • Geology Help Centre (first floor of Bruce Wing in Miller Hall); student-run peer support, based on availability of peer volunteers
  • Academic Advisor (Dr. Daniel Layton-Matthews)
  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Geological Sciences)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (Geological Sciences)

Arabic
Chinese
German
Hebrew
Italian
Japanese
Indigenous Studies
Linguistics
Portuguese
Spanish

  • Philosophy resources (dictionaries, encyclopedias, summaries, indexes, reviews, philosophical texts)
  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Philosophy)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (Philosophy)

 

  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Psychology)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (Psychology)

Smith Engineering

  • The Engineering Society (EngSoc) provides a one-on-one tutoring service through EngLinks.
  • The Douglas Help Desk aims to provide additional academic assistance to engineering students, free of charge. Tutors will be stationed in the Plaza on the 2nd floor of Beamish-Munro Hall (the ILC) near the iCons and be available at least once a week throughout the semester to answer questions and provide guidance.
  • Peer tutoring in Engineering Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus.

Smith Commerce

  • The Commerce Society (ComSoc) provides a peer-based service called BrainTrust. This service provides academic support, providing one-to-one tutoring and exam review sessions. For more information email tutor@gmail.com.
  • Bounce Back is an academic support program for first-year undergraduate students in the Smith School of Business (Commerce). Eligible students will be invited to participate via email. Students who opt into the program will be matched with a trained upper-year peer mentor called a Bounce Back Facilitator. Facilitators will work individually with each participant to help them identify the source(s) of their academic challenges and to set new goals and identify strategies to achieve those goals over the course of the winter term. The program runs from October to April of each year. More information can be found on the Student Experience Office website.
    • October eligibility: Students who have failed one or more midterm; students who are identified as academically at risk by their professor.
    • January eligibility: Students with an official GPA of 2.0 or below after the fall term and/or students who have failed one or more courses.
  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Business)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (Business)

Nursing

  • For information on tutoring services and TA support for Nursing courses, contact Barb Bolton, Undergraduate Academic Advisor (bolton@queensu.ca).
  • Bounce Back is an academic support program for first-year undergraduate students in the School of Nursing. Eligible students will be invited to participate via email. Students who opt into the program will be matched with a trained upper-year peer mentor called a Bounce Back Facilitator. Facilitators will work individually with each participant to help them identify the source(s) of their academic challenges and to set new goals and identify strategies to achieve those goals over the course of the winter term. The program runs from October to April of each year. More information can be found on the Student Experience Office website.
    • October eligibility: Students who have failed one or more midterm; students who are identified as academically at risk by their professor.
    • January eligibility: Students with an official GPA of 2.0 or below after the fall term and/or students who have failed one or more courses.
  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Nursing)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (Nursing)

Kinesiology and Health Studies

  • Queen’s University Library research by subject (Kinesiology & Health Studies)
  • Queen’s University subject librarian (select “Kinesiology” under Subject)
  • Bounce Back is an academic support program for first-year undergraduate students in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies. Eligible students will be invited to participate via email. Students who opt into the program will be matched with a trained upper-year peer mentor called a Bounce Back Facilitator. Facilitators will work individually with each participant to help them identify the source(s) of their academic challenges and to set new goals and identify strategies to achieve those goals over the course of the winter term. The program runs from October to April of each year. More information can be found on the Student Experience Office website.
    • October eligibility: Students who have failed one or more midterm; students who are identified as academically at risk by their professor.
    • January eligibility: Students with an official GPA of 2.0 or below after the fall term and/or students who have failed one or more courses.