By Karen Chhabra, Ruth Fraser, Chelsie Letendre and Andria Wrench, Student Affairs and Services

We believe in supporting our students, both inside and outside the classroom. If you need help choosing courses, dealing with personal problems, improving your study skills and more, we’ve got the services to help you succeed.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services works with students to remove barriers related to learning disabilities, mental health issues, mobility impairments and sensory impairments. We work with you and your instructors to create an individual plan for accommodations and support. We can help plan for temporary, long-term, or intermittent needs. If you are anticipating or experiencing barriers to access, Accessibility Services can help with:

• Exam accommodations
• Reading, writing and studying technology
• Note-taking assistance
• Accessible course materials
• Sign language interpreters
• Applying for disability-related StudentAidBC grants
• Building self-advocacy skills

Counselling

College can be a stressful and confusing time, but you don’t need to face it alone. Douglas College counsellors are here to help you find ways to manage personal challenges, plan your future career and manage the pressures of college life. There are three types of counselling services offered to Douglas students:

Personal counselling helps you deal with personal concerns that may be affecting your studies or well-being.

Career counselling helps you explore your academic and career goals.

Educational counselling and student advocacy helps you understand your options and choose a course of action if you are facing academic difficulties, including academic probation, grade appeals and more.

Read more: Free counselling services offered by provincial government for post-secondary students

International Cafe

A fun, casual group for both domestic and International students to get together and talk about issues related to culture, diversity, experiences in Canada, student life and current events.  It’s a great way to meet new people, learn about different cultures, support each other and practise English in an informal environment. 

Read more: Dealing with depression and releasing the pain – a Douglas employee’s personal journey

Indigenous Student Services

Indigenous Student Services supports students who are Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or of Inuit backgrounds – this means status and non-status Natives from North America – so that they can succeed as self-directed, independent learners. The Indigenous Student Services centres at both campuses offer a number of services, including:

• Culturally appropriate support services, activities and events at the College and in the community
• One-to-one support with an Indigenous Student Advisor
• Student assistants who offer peer mentorship and additional support through weekly virtual group chats
• Information about funding options, bursaries, scholarships, awards and student loans
• Assistance finding accommodations and child care
• Access to a range of academic workshops
• Opportunities to participate in and witness traditional cultural presentations

In addition, the Indigenous Student Services centres provide quiet study spaces and information on Indigenous history and culture.

Student Support Navigator

If you have experience in Ministry of Children and Family Development Care, alternative secondary education, or are a first-generation or mature student, a Student Support Navigator is here to provide outreach and guidance. They can assist with:

• Familiarizing you with the campuses and services available
• Applying for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and additional bursaries
• Accessing counselling and mental health supports
• One-to-one support with goal setting and tracking
• Building connections to the community
• Referrals to additional support services