The Role of SAS Advisors
Students who are registered with SAS are assigned to an Advisor who will provide support throughout their time at the University of Guelph.
Your Advisor can support you in the following ways:
- Collaborate with you and faculty to determine and implement suitable accommodations.
- Refer you to other support services on campus, such as Personal Counselling [1], Academic Advising [2], Library Accessible Services [3], Student Health Services [4] and Student Financial Services [5].
- Communication (with your permission) with professors, faculty advisors, academic advisors and other university staff as needed.
- Help students develop effective compensatory strategies tailored to their individual abilities.
- Advise students on disability-related issues to help them navigate university procedures.
- Support students in understanding and accepting their disability and in developing self-advocacy skills.
- Identifying eligibility for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) [6]
To book an appointment with your SAS Advisor, contact the front-desk at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or sas@uoguelph.ca [7].
The Role of Accessibility Assistants & SAS Daily Drop-In
SAS students can access timely, same-day assistance from SAS Accessibility Assistants through our Daily Drop-In [8] regarding SAS processes, procedures, or general questions related to your academic accommodations. They can also help connect you with your Advisor to follow up on specific concerns if needed.
Daily Drop-In can support you in the following ways:
- Using the SAS Student Portal [9]
- Understanding SAS procedures or how to use your accommodations
- Booking exams → Learn more about the Exam Centre [10]
- Notetaking → Learn about notetaking [11]
- Borrowing equipment
- Requesting a letter about your accommodations or information from your file
- Accessible furniture in classrooms
- Barrier-free routes around campus
- General Questions about BSWD)/CSG-DSE [6]
- Figuring out what kind of help is available
- Anything that can't wait until your SAS Advisor's next available appointment
For more information on Daily Drop-In hours and support. [8]
A Note about Academic Advising
Academic Advisors [2] are available for all undergraduate degree programs. They have expertise in degree program requirements and regulations (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, etc.) as well as the various specializations and their fit within the degree program. Academic Advisors are also familiar with the academic policies and procedures that govern all degree programs.
While Academic Advisors are not part of SAS, they frequently work with SAS Advisors to support the learning needs of students who experience disabilities.
NOTE: Academic Advisors were previously called Program Counsellors
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