Counselling & Specialty Resources
A number of services are available to students to help ensure their educational experiences are both rewarding and fulfilling.
Some of these services are available directly on the King’s campus while others are accessed through Dalhousie. Due to the close proximity of the two campuses, services are shared rather than duplicated.
Black Student Advisor
Located on the first floor of the Student Union Building (SUB) at Dalhousie, the Black Student Advising Centre provides assistance for prospective and current students of African descent (African, American, Canadian, Caribbean, etc.). The advisor may organize programme activities that assist students in developing contacts with other students of African descent, both on campus and in the community. The centre is intended to foster a sense of support and community among these students, with other students and to increase intercultural awareness.
The advisor will provide confidential services and programmes individual and/or group assistance, impartial observation, relevant resource materials, along with a referral service which may benefit students' academic, personal and social development on and off campus. There is a small student resource room for meeting, peer support, reading and/or studying. Awards, scholarships, employment, community information and upcoming events are also made available.
The position of the Black Student Advisor was created by Dalhousie University to provide information to prospective students, increase access and promote retention of indigenous students of African descent. The centre may be beneficial to all students, faculty and staff as a means of increasing awareness and sensitivity to Black student issues and presence within the University community.
Students can also contact King's Racial Equity Liason Services.
Kindly note that the centre is a scent/fragrance-free environment.
Counselling and Psychological Services
Providing a varied range of services, Dalhousie's Counselling and Psychological Services Centre offers programmes for personal, career and educational concerns. Counselling is provided by professionally trained counsellors and psychologists. Strict confidentiality is ensured. Counseling is available both individually and on a group basis. Topics covered by regularly offered group programmes include:
-
Exam Anxiety Reduction
-
Public Speaking Anxiety Reduction
-
Overcoming Procrastination
-
Managing Anxiety
-
Grief
-
Eating Disorders
-
Preparing for Medical or Dental School Admission Interviews
Reference files and books, magazines and newsletters, as well as a variety of takeaway tip sheets, all form part of the Centre's large and growing resource collection.
In addition to regular office hours, the centre is open two evenings a week and Saturdays during the academic year. Students can make appointments or enquire about services and the scheduling of group programmes, workshops, and speakers either by phone at 494-2081 or in person at the Centre located on the 4th Floor of the Dalhousie Student Union Building.
International Student Services
As an international student at King's, you will become part of our small community while also having access to a large and diverse group of international students and a full range of international student services available through Dalhousie. We are sure you will agree that it is the best of all worlds.
Please note that international students who do not have basic health coverage in Canada must purchase basic health coverage. Students who can provide proof of basic health coverage may opt out of this health plan. International students, in common with all King's students, are also required to purchase supplemental health insurance. They may also opt out of this coverage if they can provide proof of equivalent coverage.
International students are also advised that the Consulate General of the United States has announced that effective December 31, 2005, a passport is required for all travel by air or by sea to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central America and South America, for anyone travelling through the United States. Effective December 31, 2006, the requirement is extended to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico or Canada, and effective December 31, 2007, it is extended to all air, sea and land border crossings.
The Government of Canada has announced that as of May 16, 2005, international students are now being permitted to work off campus while studying in Canada (previously only on-campus work was allowed), and that international students will also be permitted to work in Canada (outside Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver) for up to two years (rather than one year) after graduation.
See also:
Native Education Counsellor
The Native Education Counsellor for the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'Kmaqs is available to all post-secondary students in Metro Halifax. The Native Education Counselling Unit is located on the First Floor at A-1220 LeMarchant Street. Telephone 902-494-8863.
Racial Equity Liaison Services
The University of King's College Racial Equity Policy serves to encourage diversity and awareness of equity issues within the faculty and student body, as well as community outreach. It provides students with information relating to diversity and equity issues, and counselling and mediation, through both the Racial Equity Committee and an External Equity Consultant. The Racial Equity Committee, itself, is also closely associated with the Dalhousie Black Students Advising Centre and the Native Counselling Unit.
An important part of the University's Equity Policy is the position of Equity Liaison Officer. The Equity Liaison Officer is responsible for encouraging the goals of the Racial Equity Policy. He or she is also available for receiving complaints under the Equity Policy and referring these complaints as appropriate. As well, the Equity Liaison Officer acts as the liaison with the Dalhousie Black Student Advising Centre and Native Counseling Unit.
The University of King's College also has available an External Equity Consultant who is a trained mediator responsible for resolving disputes. The External Equity Consultant is available to all members of the King's community.
Please see the University Racial Equity Policy in the Yellow Book (PDF).
Student Accessibility Services
Both King's and Dalhousie University are committed to providing an accessible environment in which members of the community can pursue their educational goals. Ongoing efforts consistent with a reasonable and practical allocation of resources are being made to improve accessibility and provide special services.
Students who have questions or concerns about accessibility on the King’s campus, including physical access on campus, should contact the King’s Accessibility Officer Neil Hooper.
For further information on the King's Equity Policy concerning Individuals with Disabilities, please consult the Yellow Book (PDF).
Dalhousie's Student Accessibilty Services provides support and advocacy for students with disabilities. In cooperation with faculty, staff, and other student services at the university, the advisors and staff at the Student Accessibility Services office endeavour to provide appropriate support services as needed by the student. Early consultation is advised to ascertain that we can fulfill your needs.
Students with questions concering physical access to facilities on the Dalhousie campus and accessibility for students with learning disabilities at King's and Dalhousie can contact the office by phone: voice (902) 494-2836, TTY 902-494-7091, or by email (access@dal.ca).
Please note that owing to the chemical sensitivities of those who work in and frequent the Student Accessibility Services office, our environment must be scent free.
Study Abroad Advisor
The Study Abroad and Exchange Advisor offers support for students interested in studying abroad.
Tutoring Services
The Dalhousie Tutoring Service provides subject tutoring to students requiring academic assistance. Requests for tutoring are given to the Studying for Success Program Coordinator, who sets an appointment for the interested student to meet a Study Skills Coach. The coach then makes a detailed assessment of academic difficulties, helps develop effective approaches to studying, and may refer the student to a tutor, if needed. To make a request, use Dal's online Tutoring Request Form.
Writing Centre
The Dalhousie Writing Centre's goal is to help students cultivate ideas, develop strong organizational skills and heighten creativity. The centre's tutors can assist with understanding directions for written assignments, essay writing, structuring letters of intent for graduate programs, and improving writing ability in general. They are available to help students articulate, clarify and shape their ideas.
The centre offers support services to students at both Dalhousie and King's, and appointments are free of charge; the costs of the Writing Centre are included in university tuition.
Visit the centre in the Killam Library Learning Commons G40C, phone 902-494-1963 or email at writingcentre@dal.ca.
