YouAlberta
Dear Students,
Congratulations on completing your first week of the Fall 2024 term! Whether it is your first year here at the University of Alberta or if you are continuing your degree program, on behalf of the Office of the Dean of Students and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, we want to warmly welcome you.
To help you thrive during your academic journey, the Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for providing a number of specialized support services to help you achieve success and reach your academic potential, such as Health and Wellness Support, Academic Support and Career Development and Experiential Learning. The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through the entire academic path, including through admissions, program progression and professional development, as students pursue research that is shaping the future.
Academic supports
The start of the academic term can often bring mixed emotions of excitement, intensity, and even some anxiety and stress. In the event that you need them, your academic advisors and graduate advisors, supervisors and coordinators are prepared to help you navigate various academic support options. These include emergency financial assistance programs, exam deferrals or adjustments, course withdrawal, academic planning support and modifications, leaves of absence and more.
Wellness supports
If you find that you are encountering challenges of a more personal nature, please know that it’s okay to reach out. If you need help accessing 100% confidential personal wellness supports, there are numerous teams, including Counselling & Clinical Services and the Social Worker team, that are here to help you.
These support teams are flexible and focused on connecting you to essential resources based on your individual circumstances. If you are experiencing difficulties accessing these options for any reason, please reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students or the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Crisis supports
Additionally, we know that conflicts, disasters and crises — at home or abroad — can affect your academic, social, professional and personal wellbeing. During these extraordinary and complex times, additional university resources are immediately available to support you. We recognize that responsive and specific supports and pathways are needed for students to navigate these challenging times, and guidance has been provided to units across campus about academic options.
You are here because you are change makers, community builders and world shapers. We all succeed when you succeed, and we wish you all the best for the start of the Fall 2024 term.
Sincerely,
Ravina Sanghera, Vice-Provost and Dean of Students
Tracy Raivio, Vice-Provost and Dean, Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies