<General Information<Academic Services and Support

The Atkinson Counselling Centre helps full-time and part-time students in the Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies acquire the skills and attitudes needed for a successful academic career. Some of the programs and services we offer include: teaching learning skills and time management, career exploration, assessing and overcoming academic blocks, examining and restructuring self-defeating messages, and life-style re-evaluation. The Counselling Centre's office is open between the hours of 8:30am and 7pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9am to 4pm Friday. The Centre is open on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm by appointment only.

Individual Personal Counselling

Returning full-time and part-time students are often faced with a number of difficulties and life situations that can impede their academic growth. Often discussing these issues with a trained professional can be helpful in acquiring the skills, resources and attitudes necessary for success. Atkinson Counselling offers individual consultation to the Atkinson student on a short-term basis. The Centre is gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual positive and sensitive to cultural differences. A simple phone call is all that is required to arrange an appointment immediately if necessary.

Special Needs

The academic problems faced by full-time and part-time learners can arise from a variety of sources. Upgrading courses and study skills workshops can address many of these needs. However, for some, academic problems can arise from disabilities related to a learning disability, or a physical or psychiatric disability. The Atkinson Counselling Centre is committed to helping students with Special Needs achieve success in the university setting. Counsellors trained in assisting students with Special Needs can provide assessment, academic adaptations, advocacy and individualized study skill instruction.

Workshops and Group Programs

Entering university as a full- or part-time student, resuming an interrupted university career, and attending classes while working, are just some of the special circumstances faced by Atkinson students. The Counselling Centre offers a variety of Skills Building and Personal Development Workshops designed to address some of the part-time student needs: Study Skills, Notetaking, Writing Skills, Time Management, Understanding Anxiety, How to Write Essays And Take Multiple Choice Examinations and Stress Management. The Centre will consider arranging workshops in any area relevant to members of the Atkinson community; your suggestions are welcome.

Career Exploration

Full-time and part-time learners are by definition involved in career development. In many cases Atkinson is a part of an overall plan leading to a new career, job enrichment, or simply a change in direction. A variety of resources are available at the centre to assist in career exploration, development, and planning.

Atkinson Counselling Centre, Phase I, 116 Atkinson Building; Telephone: 416-736-5225; Fax: 416-736-5782, TTY 416-736-5782.