The SSC is the starting point for accessing almost any student service at the U of A. It's the first point of contact if you need help and don't know where to go. If you have a question about transcripts, course registration, updating your application, financial support and almost anything else, their advisors can help you themselves or connect you with the service that will support you.
Recently, the SSC moved to a new location in the University Commons building, just east of their previous location in the Administration Building. If you can't make it there in person, don't worry: all services are accessible through their website.
I chatted with Constance, a student advisor at the SSC, to get some inside information on the new location and the kind of help they provide.
Hello! Could you please tell me who you are and what you do?
My name is Constance, and I'm an advisor at the SSC. I've been working on campus for a while, starting in Special Collections with library services. I work with students on varying channels of service, from answering emails to advising in person or on the phone and even live chatting with them through our chatbot, Vera.
Where is the new SSC location? How do I get there?
The SSC is now located in University Commons, which will soon be a well-known vibrant hub on North Campus!
We're located in between HUB and SUB in the beautiful revitalized Dentistry/Pharmacy building on the north side of 89th Avenue. We're located on the second floor. It's very exciting being in our 'new home' and the building is absolutely stunning!
What kind of services can I get help with at the SSC?
We're kind of like a one-stop shop for students! If you're unsure where to go as a student, we can help you figure out what you need and make seamless referrals. Our advisors are dedicated to supporting prospective, undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students by offering a range of services from academic advising to course registration assistance. This helps students plan their academic journey while providing guidance on navigating platforms like Bear Tracks and My Schedule Builder.
We also offer financial support services, including help with student loan applications, bursaries and emergency funding.
The centre prioritizes student well-being by connecting individuals to mental health resources and faculty advisors. Whether you need academic records, enrollment documents for study permits or career guidance, the SSC is equipped to assist with various aspects of student life. If your questions are more about campus life, Infolink is located on the main floor of University Commons, offering a student-led network that can answer your questions and enhance your experience as a student. This Students' Union team connects you to academic, student life and campus resources.
Do I still contact the SSC if I'm at Augustana or CSJ?
Students are always welcome to reach out to the SSC if they're unsure who to contact! We have French-speaking advisors on our team who are happy to support our students.
La Centrale at Campus St.Jean is also a great starting point for students as it has many helpful resources and supports.
The Augustana Student Services website has great FAQs as a reference.
How long will the SSC take to solve my problem? Is there a wait time?
That depends on many factors. Some channels have longer wait times than others. September and January tend to be the busiest times on all channels since that's when the new semesters start. I always encourage students to visit the FAQs on our website first – they provide a wealth of information at any time of day.
You can always visit uab.ca/ask to access our channels, to connect with us and see the wait times, which we update weekly.
Are there other ways to get help from the SSC besides in-person? Can I contact the SSC after hours?
Absolutely! You may sign in to our callback queue during business hours or send us an inquiry (email) through the Student Service Portal.
You can also access our chatbot, Vera, outside of our business hours. She's learning more all the time and is very helpful! We also have live chat throughout the week.
Please visit uab.ca/ask to see all the ways you may reach us as well as hour hours of operation.