Campus Resources to Support Students and TAs
Before your first day, it can be helpful to take some time to familiarize yourself with campus resources available to support you and your students. The sections below provide more information and links to campus resources.
University can be a challenging time for everyone: undergraduate students, graduate students, and even faculty. It is essential that you are taking care of yourself and your mental wellbeing. This will allow you to be more successful as a teaching assistant and in all your pursuits as a graduate student.
In your role as a teaching assistant, you may also have students approach you who are struggling with mental health challenges or are in crisis. You may feel unsure what to do, but rest assured that support and resources are available. The University of Guelph has many people who work in the areas of student wellness who have created a wealth of resources you can access for yourself or share with your students.
We have collected a range of wellness and mental health resources below. As a U of G student, almost everything offered by Student Wellness is completely free. They also offer resources designed specifically for students coming from a range of diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC students, LGBTQ2IA+ students, or international students. We encourage you to browse through these options, so you know what is available. If you are unsure of what resource is most appropriate, Wellness Navigators are available to help find you the appropriate resources or services. Call 519-824-4120 x52131 to book an appointment with a Wellness Navigator.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources:
- Here 24/7 Mental Health and Crisis Line: 1 (844) 437-3247 (HERE247)
- Mental Health Support: overview of mental health resources from Student Wellness
- Student Wellness Resource Lists: links to additional resources related to student counselling and similar services
- Connect to a Community: list of resources from Student Wellness for students coming from diverse communities or backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ2IA+ students
- Health and Wellness Resources: overview of health and wellness resources from Student Wellness
- More Feet on the Ground: course recommended by Student Wellness, which teaches you how to recognize, respond and refer students experiencing mental health issues on campus
- Stress Management and High Performance Clinic: resource recommended by Student Wellness, which helps you learn how to deal with difficult situations or mental health challenges
- U of G Library Guide about Stress: collection of websites, videos, and eBooks about stress and stress management
- Wellness Resources from Wellness@Work: list of campus, community, and online resources on a variety of topics
The following links are to resources on campus to learn more about Indigenization and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
- Inclusive Teaching Resources from the Office of Teaching and Learning
- Indigenous Initiatives
- Includes the Pedagogy and Curriculum report on the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy page
- Indigenous Student Centre
- Office of Diversity and Human Rights
- Principles of Belonging anti-oppression and anti-racism training module
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) helps students who experience disabilities to achieve full and equitable participation in academic life. Their main goal is to help create a barrier free environment so all students can succeed and reach their goals. You can learn more about SAS and the services they offer on the SAS website.
Some accommodations you may encounter in a course you are TAing include:
- Additional time to write timed assessments
- Memory aids
- Use of Computer in class/exams
- Notetaking
- Alternative format course materials
- Assistance with deadlines/extensions
If you feel unsure how to proceed, talk with the course instructor or ask SAS for clarification about accommodations for your students. Students themselves never need to disclose the reason for their accommodations, and you cannot ask. Instead, keep the conversation focused on what you can provide to help them succeed.
The library at U of G has a number of resources, workshops, and services that you may find useful as a graduate student or that you can share with students:
The links below provide information about applying for TA positions and the union for TAs at U of G:
- Search and apply for available TA positions on the Academic Staff Work Assignments site.
- Find answers to frequently asked questions about applying for TA positions and TA Work Agreements on the FAQ page.
- Learn more about CUPE 3913 and access resources and support from the union.
Now it’s your turn! Check out the complementary activity to make a list of resources you want to share with students and a plan for how and when you will share them.
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