Undergraduate engineering students do not have to face challenges alone. There are many individuals here at U of T Engineering who can support your academic success and overall well-being, as well as provide guidance or connect you with appropriate resources.
Check out the FAQs below to help you identify which person or office is best positioned to assist you based on your situation and needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the available support systems.
Advising & Wellness FAQs
Meet with your Academic Advisor to formulate a course selection plan, understand your options for reduced course load or course drop, explore options for petitions or program transfers and answer questions related to your academic program. To book an appointment with your Academic Advisor, please review their profile through one of the below links:
Ask your Professor(s) and Teaching Assistant(s): When possible, ask questions if you don’t understand a newly introduced concept in the classroom. If there isn’t time in class, after class, or if you don’t feel comfortable asking in a public setting, take advantage of your Professor’s office hours and the support a Teaching Assistant (TA) can provide to help you better understand the course materials. If you’re not sure how to make the best use of a Professor’s office hours, an upper-year engSuccess mentor may be able to offer some guidance.
First-Year Supports: For first-year students, the Guided Engineering Academic Review Sessions (GEARS) provide a space to work with upper-year peer mentors to review core course content and explore how and what to learn. It is a dedicated space for peer-to-peer learning where you can learn from each other.
Engineering Society: The Engineering Society (EngSoc) includes a listing of Tutors who may be able to provide guidance on course concepts; this is a paid service.
Meet with an upper-year engSuccess mentor who can support you in developing time management skills, help you get organized, share strategies to prepare for tests, offer tips for effective note-taking and more. The engSuccess mentors represent the various engineering programs and support their peers by leveraging their training and experiences navigating U of T Engineering.
You can read each mentor’s profile and book an appointment with them at U of T engSuccess Mentors.
Meet with the Engineering Learning Strategist to provide expert guidance on how to tailor your approach to meet your learning goals more effectively. They can support you with optimizing your study skills, increasing motivation and focus, building a plan for the semester, offering strategies to deal with procrastination and distractions, and helping you better understand how you learn best.
For more information on the services and supports related to learning strategies, and to book an appointment, visit U of T Engineering Learning Strategist. Additionally, explore learning tips and tools created by your Learning Strategist that can help you improve your study skills and learning journey.
Register with Accessibility Services to book an appointment with an Accessibility Advisor who can work with you to develop academic accommodations that support your learning journey. They can also refer you to Accessibility Service professionals who can provide additional services, such as the Accessibility Learning Strategist (who can assist you in better navigating the impact of your disability on your learning process).
Engineering has an On-Location Accessibility Advisor; you can learn more details at Accessibility Services.
Meet with the Student & Community Wellness Coordinator, who can help you navigate the many resources and services that can support your well-being. They can make referrals or connect you with professionals who might be able to meet your needs, including U of T offices like Health & Wellness, as well as community support. You can book an appointment through the Advising Portal.
Learn more about mental health and wellness support at U of T Engineering or connect with the Student & Community Wellness Coordinator directly by emailing mentalhealth@engineering.utoronto.ca.
Health & Wellness offers services to support your physical and mental health, including wellness programs that can help you achieve your personal and academic goals. Their team includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, counsellors, peer support services and more.
Engineering has an On-Location Wellness Counsellor, who can provide short-term solutions-focused psychotherapy and counselling sessions.
- Engineering Communications Program (ECP): If you need support with written or oral communication, you can meet with tutors at the ECP Tutoring Centre. They work with students one-on-one and in groups, to support with assignments and tasks that involve communication skills, including presentations, essays, slide design, and more.
- Troost Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering (Troost ILead): If you’re looking for strategies to improve your team performance within an academic course (or even a student club or group), you can take a look at the Effective Hybrid Teaming Handbook for some initial tips, and meet with a Team Work Advisor to discuss in more detail.
- Centre for Learning Strategy Support: If you’re unable to find a time to meet with the Engineering Learning Strategist, this U of T Student Life department also provides learning strategy appointments. They offer various workshops and resources to help you explore ways to optimize your learning.
- Undergraduate Research & Global Learning: If you’re interested in building research experience or exploring global opportunities (e.g., going on exchange, engaging in global learning here at U of T) during your academic journey, you might find it helpful to learn more about potential avenues to do so at Undergraduate Research Opportunities and International Opportunities. If you have any questions or if you would prefer to speak with someone about your goals, you can book an appointment with the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Undergraduate Research & Global Opportunities through the Advising Portal.
- Engineering Society (EngSoc): If you’re interested in resources compiled by EngSoc, their website includes a section on Academic Resources, which includes a repository of past exams and other information.