Resources for Parents

Wellness Lead - address anxiety, mental wellness including running non-academic activities, therapy dogs, etc

The accessibility coordinator assists with learning disabilities, ADHD, broken wrist support (such as note taking).

Examples of Common Issues for Inbound Students

• Many students don’t adapt well to the new self-regulation approach to study
• Students find that their approach on high school do not work at University level
• We have seen mark inflation due to Covid and students are not as well prepared for independent study
• Writing challenges - Students are not able to figure out how to even start with writing. Students often do t have the skills to draft/write a professional correspondence.
• Research - Students think that Google and Google Research is good enough but this is not enough ad they need to be able to do more ‘drill down’ on a particular topic
• Accommodation - Students are reluctant when having to communicate a need for accommodation, especially when having to reach out to a professor. This is something Accommodation can assist with.
• Two common challenges are resource navigation.  Simply finding their way around and second is mental health. There are a wealth of resources to assist with wellness and mental health for the students.
• A key message is that these are not just remedial support resources and should be used in day-day activities 
• Students need to pay attention to their Syllabus and use the writing Center early. Too many students wait till the end when it’s too late!!
• From the library you also can access to e-books, etc and everything is free!! If you ever get a challenge for a fee to access any resource, it is likely free - so don’t ever “pay” for any resource.
• Your students will have to manage all their activities on their own - so offer them support
• Nurture your students autonomy - let them to fail, reach out to other resources for support
• Parents should also look for any support that they may need
• Rwmind your students that there are concrete strategies that exist to help them become more successful in their learning journey. They will need to also learn these skills as well as be educated.
• Encourage the believe in themselves for your students. Be less concerned about their grades and more about their growth beyond just academics

How Do Students Access These Resources?

Google is your friend - Many resources are findable using google!!

Anything Academic - head to the Registrar. The Registrar can forward to any resource.

Students need to register and get their UTOR Id. This will take place automatically but once you are registered, you can apply for some of the resources.

Accomodation - requires a formal application for assistance. This includes booking an “intake assessment” in support of your accommodation request.

Wellness - drop in, email, phone, front desk and form on the intranet. Her office is in Innis.

Learning Support - Google “Learning Support at Innis College” and you will find the website. There is an online booking capability.

Library - I am the only librarian. so just use the main email account - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: Roberts library requires a UTOR ID to enter.

Encourage your students to use Quercus once they get their UTOR ID and look for the Innis101 Quercus.

Also - professors are only allowed to communicate with their UofT email!! Many students miss their updates because they don’t check this email!! Make sure that your students keeps on top of their UofT account!!

Since UofT is a Microsoft shop - it is recommended that your student get familiar with O365 tools and environment!!