Help is available! Whatever the problem or struggle, don’t ever feel that you must deal with it alone. Our services are here to support all of your needs outside of the classroom to make your Bishop’s experience the best it can be.

I don’t have money for food:

Did you know that Bishop’s University has a Community Cupboard to help students in need of support with food security. The Community Cupboard offers grocery orders, emergency food cards, tips and tricks on how to make your money last longer when purchasing food.

The Community Cupboard is located in the BUnited Peer Support Centre. For more information, please contact bunitedpsc@ubishops.ca or check out the website: BUnited and Community Cupboard.

You can also speak with a counsellor. BU has several professionals available to support student transition to university. You can contact studentservices@ubishops.ca or, check out our social media for hours of service.

You can also contact Empower Me Mental Health and Wellness Support for 24 hours, 7 days per week for free confidential counselling support at 1-833-628-5589.

I’m feeling homesick:

You’re not the only one! There are many things that can help if you’re feeling homesick.

If you live in Residence, you can:

  • talk to your RA
  • talk to a Counsellor in Residence located in Paterson 100. They have scheduled appointments or drop-in hours.

If that is not helpful or if you live off campus:

  • Speak with a counsellor. BU has several professionals available to support student transition to university. You can contact studentservices@ubishops.ca or, check out our social media for hours of service.
  • You can also contact Empower Me Mental Health and Wellness Support for 24 hours, 7 days per week for free confidential counselling support at 1-833-628-5589.
I don’t understand a thing in my classes:

The transition to university can be confusing for many. You are not alone. BU has many Academic Support Services at your disposal:

The Student Success Centre (SSC) offers students the services and support necessary to enhance their academic experience at Bishop’s. Through the Peer Academic Mentors and the Student Success Manager, we’re here to guide students through the world of academics.

Other supports on campus include:

Academic Coaching helps students form individualized strategies for overcoming whatever challenges they might face on their academic paths, such as adjusting to university life, time management, stress management, and academic skill development (often pertaining to exam preparation, note-taking and organizational skills).

Academic advisors can answer your questions regarding your program of study and general questions about regulations and policies. For more detailed information on degree requirements, you can contact the Chair of your department or program of study.

How do I get involved in campus life?

In addition to academics, Bishop’s University offers a rich and varied social experience. A vibrant arts scene, a dynamic athletics department, and more than 100 clubs, teams and student organizations ensure Bishop’s is a place where you’ll find outlets for creative expression and athletic competition. From our art gallery, theatres and restaurants to our observatory, libraries, laboratories, classrooms and stunning new sports and recreation centre, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

There are several ways in which you can get involved in campus life:

  • The SRC offers several opportunities to get involved. Check out their website.
  • The LEAP Program is another great opportunity for students to get involved in extracurricular activities while officially recognizing student involvement in learning opportunities outside the classroom by creating a Leadership and Extracurricular Activity Profile.
  • Keep an eye on your emails and University social media! There are always different opportunities available year-round!
I am spinning my wheels. Can someone help me set goals?

Academic Coaching helps students form individualized strategies for overcoming whatever challenges they might face on their academic paths, such as adjusting to university life, time management, stress management, and academic skill development (often pertaining to exam preparation, note-taking and organizational skills).

Everything on campus seems so busy and fast paced. Where can I go for solitude?

Campus life is indeed busy, but we sometimes need an opportunity for rest and solitude.

Some options on campus include:

The Labyrinth on Bishop’s Campus – Labyrinths have been around for over 4000 years and are found in just about every major religious tradition in the world. They have been an integral part of many cultures such as Native American, Greek, Celtic and Mayan. Like Stonehenge and the pyramids, they are sacred geometric forms. While there are three basic designs – seven, eleven, and twelve circuit – the most common design found today is the seven circuit. Ours is a seven circuit Cretan labyrinth.

BUnited Peer Support Centre – The BUnited Peer Support Centre is an on-campus community space for students to gather both virtually and in person to support one another in a safe, and confidential environment. BUnited is located in the Student Union Building, (in the International Centre) with its own external access door, next to the Mailroom and Printshop.

The students working at the Peer Support Centre have been trained in active listening, appropriate boundaries, and confidentiality to provide healthy emotional support to their peers.

In addition to 1:1 peer support, the centre hosts weekly Wellness Wednesday lunch time activities between 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., and Community Events every Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, the space is open from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Sundays from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. for socializing and support.

If you have any questions, please contact BUnitedPSC@ubishops.ca or follow us on Instagram or facebook.

What are my options for housing off campus?

Check out our Off-Campus Housing page.

I don’t feel well:

Bishop’s and Champlain Student Health Service is for all full and part time students who have paid their student services fee. Whether you have a health emergency, an injury, a chronic illness, a bad case of the flu or you want information on various health topics, you can expect excellent care from our competent staff.

I need a job:

You can find job opportunities both on and off campus via the Outcome Campus Connect Platform. Outcome Campus Connect is Canada’s skill-building and job opportunity platform, built to connect university or college students and recent graduates with opportunities from employers nationwide, seeking students or recent graduates to join their teams. What makes our platform unique, is that we also partner with universities and colleges to stream these skill-building and job opportunities right into your school’s opportunity platform. This means that employers can pinpoint the exact schools, fields of study, and years of education that they hope to find in their new hire and that you don’t waste time wondering if an opportunity is for you.

I want to improve my job search tools and strategies:

Bishop’s University Career and Transition Services (CATS) supports students with career development, job search and internships by offering professional and specialized services focusing on career planning and counselling, as well as workshops, events, comprehensive job posting service and extensive career resources.

When students arrive at BU, they should already be thinking about their departure. CATS supports and empowers students to explore possibilities, opportunities and critically engage with their future.

My folks think I need a post-graduation plan. Help!

Your parents are not always wrong! Bishop’s University Career and Transition Services (CATS) supports students with career development, job search and internships by offering professional and specialized services focusing on career planning and counselling, as well as workshops, events, comprehensive job posting service and extensive career resources.

When students arrive at BU, they should already be thinking about their departure. CATS supports and empowers students to explore possibilities, opportunities and critically engage with their future.

I have a confirmed disability. What services are available to me?

Bishop’s University is proud to be an institution that welcomes and supports a diverse student body and strives to ensure that students have equal opportunities and equitable treatment to take full advantage of their education.

Bishop’s University is committed to providing support for students living with disabilities, and provides reasonable accommodations to students in a supportive, accessible, non-discriminatory, to create an equitable learning environment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Accessibility Office at accessibility@ubishops.ca or check out our website.

I seem to be struggling with all my responsibilities. Who can I talk to?

Feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, especially in the first year of university, is totally normal but it is difficult all the same. You can meet with one of our professional counsellors to discuss options and make a plan. BU has several professionals available to support student transition to university. You can contact studentservices@ubishops.ca or, check out our social media for hours of service.

You can also contact Empower Me Mental Health and Wellness Support for 24 hours, 7 days per week for free confidential counselling support at 1-833-628-5589.

I’ve been unfairly treated:

There are many different ways in which you can address these types of concerns. You can start by speaking with your professor, department chair or Dean. If after that point you still feel that the situation is unresolved, you can either make an appointment to speak with the Dean of Student Affairs.

The campus Ombudsperson is also available. The ombudsperson can listen to your problem, provide an opinion about the merits of your case, provide you with information about university policies, procedures, or regulations, and provide advice to help you solve your problem or organize your appeal.

You can contact the Dean of Student Affairs or University Ombudsperson for more information.

I’m interested in getting in shape:

At the sports complex you can access gyms, fitness rooms, a pool, squash courts, and an indoor track. In addition to these amazing facilities, we offer a full schedule of recreational and intramural activities that run throughout the year. Check out gaiters.ca for more.

Counselling FAQ

Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our personal counselling services are as follows:

Will my parents, professors or university authorities know that I have come to counselling?

No, our services are strictly confidential, within provincial limits of confidentiality and professional ethical codes.

No one can be given any information (including whether you have ever made an appointment) without your knowledge, approval and expressed written consent.

Is there a fee for the service?

As long as you are a registered Bishop’s student, there is no fee for any of our counselling services.

Does everyone benefit from personal counselling?

Most students have found counselling to be a helpful tool in coping with the academic, social and personal challenges associated with university life.

How do students feel about coming to Counselling?

Some students are initially hesitant, for different reasons (fear, uncertainty, etc.). Most find, once they meet one of our counsellors, that talking out their feelings and concerns makes a big difference. They often learn new ways to cope or handle a situation and discover helpful resources.

Where do I go with suggestions to improve the service or if I have some constructive criticisms?

You are most welcome to address any suggestions or concerns to the Dean of Student Affairs, or to the University Ombudsperson.