Concordia Students: What Are Their Needs?

what are concordia university students need

Students applying to Concordia University have a variety of needs, from understanding the application process to learning about financial aid, housing, and course registration. The application process at Concordia University varies depending on the course and level of study, but generally includes steps such as applying through a common application or the university's application portal, meeting entry requirements, and submitting required documents. International students have additional requirements, such as providing immigration documents and demonstrating English language proficiency. The university takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering factors such as leadership, work experience, essays, and interviews. Students can increase their chances of acceptance by presenting a strong application that highlights their academic achievements, experience, and extracurricular activities. Once admitted, students at Concordia University Chicago can benefit from reviewing their final grades within seven days of the last day of class and initiating a grade appeal process if necessary.

Characteristics Values
Number of students 50,000
Location Montreal, Canada
Student status Full-time or part-time
Full-time student definition 12 or more credits in the fall and winter terms
Part-time impact Longer to complete degree requirements, may affect financial aid, eligibility to work and eligibility for a post-grad work permit
Application requirements Unofficial transcripts, English language exam scores, referees
Student services Counselling and Psychological Services, Writing Assistance Program, Student Success Centre, Health Services, Community Health Clinic, Athletics Complex, Concordia Greenhouse, Co-Curricular Record
Social responsibility Addressing anti-Black systemic racism, Indigenous Directions

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Access to health services

Concordia University offers a range of health services to its students, with a focus on ensuring access to quality healthcare. The university's health clinic provides various medical services, including diagnosis, treatment, and referrals for injuries. Additionally, the clinic offers walk-in services for time-sensitive concerns such as urinary tract infections, ear pain, and sexually transmitted infection symptoms. However, it is important to note that the clinic does not provide certain emergency services found in hospitals, such as X-rays or cardiac monitoring.

To access the health clinic's services, students must pay the Student Services fee and present their Concordia student ID when registering for an appointment. The clinic accepts a range of insurance plans, including provincial Medicare and private health insurance, with some services requiring out-of-pocket payments. International students are offered an international student Health Plan through Blue Cross, and they can access health services even without a valid Medicare or health insurance card by paying for the appointment and claiming reimbursement from their insurance provider.

Concordia University also offers telemedicine services, providing 24/7 virtual care to students and employees. These services are particularly useful for minor health issues that can be addressed in a single consultation, with health professionals offering diagnoses, prescriptions, or referrals. Additionally, the university provides information on finding healthcare providers in Canada through the Lumino Health search tool, as well as telehealth lines for advice and referrals.

The university prioritises the health and well-being of its students and encourages them to obtain comprehensive medical coverage. They recommend exploring options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which offers health plans at different cost levels and provides financial assistance based on family size and income. Concordia University also highlights the importance of valid health insurance at all times, especially for accessing certain services like psychiatric care.

Furthermore, Concordia University Chicago has specific immunisation requirements for its students. In compliance with Illinois State Law, students taking face-to-face classes must provide proof of immunisations through Med Proctor. The university also offers a vaccine exemption form for medical or religious reasons, which must be signed by the student and a healthcare provider. Failure to meet the university's immunisation requirements will result in a fine.

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Counselling and psychological services

Concordia University offers both in-person and virtual counselling appointments. In-person counselling is available on campus at the Student Success Centre and the Library. Virtual appointments are conducted via video through Google Meets, with both the therapist and student appearing on camera. To schedule an appointment, students can submit an online form, call the counselling office, or visit the office directly.

The university's counselling services are provided by qualified, trained mental health professionals and advanced graduate student interns with backgrounds in psychology and counselling. Counsellors employ different therapeutic approaches, including narrative therapy and solution-focused brief therapy, tailoring their approach to individual needs. They do not offer assessments or formal diagnoses but work with students to develop strategies and find new approaches to manage their concerns.

In addition to individual counselling, Concordia University offers peer support services. Trained Concordia students provide support through initiatives like CU Wellness, Zen Dens, and Concordia Student Nightline. These services offer a safe and confidential space for students to connect with their peers and share their experiences.

For students requiring specialized or long-term care, Concordia's Counselling and Psychological Services can provide referrals to appropriate off-campus resources. The university also maintains a list of emergency resources for students experiencing a mental health crisis, ensuring they can access immediate support when needed.

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Support for Black students

Concordia University offers a range of support services for Black students to ensure their success and wellbeing. The Black Presence Hub, also known as the Black Student Hub, is a dedicated space for Black students, faculty, and staff to access culturally relevant resources and services. The Hub fosters a sense of community, knowledge sharing, and celebration of Black excellence.

The NouLa Centre, named after the Haitian Creole phrase "nou la" meaning "we are here", offers programming, services, and resources for Black students. NouLa hosts events such as games and movie nights, the Black Arts series, and wellness programming. Black students can access the NouLa Student Lounge, located in the Henry F. Hall Building, to study, socialise, and connect with their peers. NouLa also provides information on campus resources and supports students in navigating the application process.

Black students at Concordia can benefit from a variety of bursaries, scholarships, and awards. These include the Mavis Smith Scholarship for Afro-Caribbean Students, the Angèle Tanios Antoun Bursary for BIPOC Women in Engineering, and the Montreal Race & Ethnic Diversity Awards for students pursuing technology-related courses. The Diversity Committee of CASA Bursaries supports students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as Black.

Additionally, Concordia offers the Beat the Odds internship program, which provides paid internships and additional support such as mentorship and workshops. The university also has Black student associations and mentorship programs to foster community and provide guidance. The Black Perspectives Office (BPO) is another resource that supports, connects, and advocates for Black communities within the university.

These comprehensive support services demonstrate Concordia University's commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving environment for Black students, celebrating their achievements, and eliminating barriers to their success.

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Time management skills

Time management is a critical skill for students at Concordia University. Effective time management can reduce stress levels and help students stay on track. Here are some time management tips for Concordia University students:

Identify Your Values and Priorities

Start by identifying your values, which are the things that are important to you. This could include good health, meaningful friendships, education, or personal growth. Prioritize activities and tasks that align with your values to ensure you are spending your time in a way that reflects what matters to you.

Create a Weekly Plan

Gather all your deadlines, projects, and commitments in one place. Plan out your weekly routine, allocating time for work, classes, personal obligations, self-care, meals, commuting, and, most importantly, study time. Spread your study time across the week to maximize retention and understanding.

Break Down Tasks

Large tasks can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will make them feel less daunting and help you stay motivated. Start with simple tasks to build momentum, and then tackle the more challenging ones.

Take Regular Breaks

Short study blocks and scheduled breaks can improve concentration and motivation. Use a timer to signal your breaks, and make sure to get up and move around to stay energized. Taking a break can help you return to your work with a fresh perspective.

Overcome Procrastination

Procrastination is a common challenge for students. Identify your biggest time-wasters and find ways to streamline your routine. Try the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused blocks of time, typically 25 minutes, followed by a short break. There are also resources available to help you understand and overcome procrastination, such as workbooks and guides.

Seek Support

If you feel that you need further assistance with time management, Concordia University offers various resources. The Student Success Centre provides support and guidance to help you develop effective time management strategies. Additionally, you can find tutors through department notice boards or student association groups to help you stay on track.

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Mentorship programs

Concordia University offers mentorship programs to support its undergraduate students. One such program is the Connect Mentorship Program, which is open to all undergraduate students and runs every term, including spring/summer. This program offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to connect with Concordia staff, faculty, alumni, or graduate student mentors.

Through this mentorship program, students can explore professional life, learn about diverse career paths, and gain valuable real-world insights while improving their communication skills. It is designed to support equity-deserving students, including international students, newcomers, refugees, students with disabilities, Black students, Indigenous students, people of colour, students from racialized groups, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, parents, and caregivers. These students will receive a $140 award upon completing the program.

To apply for the Connect Mentorship Program, students need to submit their applications during the application period, which opens one week before the term starts and closes one week after. After the deadline, students can select their preferred mentors from a provided list, with matches being assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Students also have the option to find their own mentors by reaching out to faculty, staff, researchers, or graduate students and informing them about the program.

The mentorship experience is tailored to each student's goals and expectations. Students are encouraged to identify what they hope to gain from the program, such as professional communication skills or career exploration. Concordia University also offers other career development and mentorship opportunities through its Institute for Co-operative Education, providing guided professional development training, networking events with prospective employers, and paid internships integrated into students' studies. These programs ensure that students graduate with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the global job market.

Frequently asked questions

The requirements vary depending on the program. However, international students need to apply for immigration documents and provide a copy of their passport if they are studying at Concordia for less than 6 months. They must also submit their score from any English language exams (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS).

The general admission requirements include academic qualifications and English proficiency. Students must submit their transcripts, SOP, and personal statements. Concordia University does not require GRE or GMAT tests for master's degree applicants.

The application fee varies depending on the level of study and the course chosen by the applicant. The UG application fee is CAD 100.

The normal undergraduate student course load is 15-18 hours per semester. A student who drops below 12 hours in a 16-week semester is considered a part-time student.

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