Academic Support

dal.ca/advising
advising@dal.ca
902-494-3077

Advisors can help you understand your program requirements, choose your courses, and plan your academic path. They are available through the Bissett Student Success Centre, and through your faculty, department, or program.

dal.ca/studentsuccess
advising@dal.ca
Student Union Building (4th floor)

The Bissett Student Success Centre is your one-stop shop for both academic and career advising support and information. Book an appointment online or by calling our reception service at 902-494-3077 to meet with one of our advisors.

libraries.dal.ca/helpdesk
support@dal.ca
902-494-4357

You can find information about Dal’s IT services through the “Find a Service” tab in myDal. Or visit one of the Help Desks for help finding and using a service, answers to technical questions, and even printing. 

You can find the Help Desks at:

• Wallace McCain Learning Commons (between Life Sciences Centre and Chemistry Building) 
• Killam Library (Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space, 1st floor)
• Sexton Library (Buildings A and B, 1360 Barrington St., 3rd floor) 

IT services include:

• myDal: your personalized online access to email, news, announcements, and much more
• Dal email: based on Microsoft Office 365, includes online file sharing, data storage, and a free copy of Microsoft Office Pro
• Brightspace: learning-management system that provides online access to course materials and interactive learning tools 
• Dal Online: access to your account information, course registration, tax forms, and more
• Information security: provides guidance and tips on how to protect your data and computing devices
• Computer support
• Free software downloads: including Microsoft Office, SPSS, and Read & Write Gold
• Wi-Fi access: free on campus with your NetID sign-in

dal.ca/esl
esl@dal.ca
902-494-6060

If English isn't your main language of communication, Dalhousie's College of Continuing Education offers many different English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for you to improve your skills and level of expertise.

dal.ca/grad
graduate.studies@dal.ca
902-494-2845

The Faculty of Graduate Studies is the home faculty of every graduate student at Dalhousie, and can answer questions about: 

• Course registration
• Submitting supporting documents
• Scholarships and funding
  
• Student supervisor relationships
  
• Theses and defences
• Graduation 

Connect with them by email or phone or stop by their office in the Henry Hicks Administrative Building, room 314. 

• Job & Career Support: Add Graduate Student Professional Development 
• Leadership Development: Add Graduate Professional Development (GradPD) Program
• Leadership Develop: Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition for Graduate Students
• Staying Safe & Solving Problems: Graduate Student and Supervisor Relationships (Login Required)

dal.ca/studyabroad
exchanges@dal.ca

Studying in another country is a fantastic way to learn new languages, develop skills, experience different cultures, and immerse yourself completely in your area of study.

The team at the International Centre has information about all the opportunities and funding options for exchange, study abroad, field courses, and more. You can even apply in your 1st year to go abroad the next year. Applications for university-wide exchanges or study abroad programs are due January 31. 

dal.ca/libraries
blogs.dal.ca/libraries

Get research assistance; browse the shelves containing academic books and journals; use the computers, scanners, and book scanner; book a meeting room; find a quiet study space; do 3D printing; and much more.

There are four Dalhousie libraries and two separate learning commons in Halifax. The MacRae Library is in Truro.

• Wallace McCain Learning Commons
• Killam Memorial Library
• Sir James Dunn Law Library
• W. K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library
• Kellogg Library Learning Commons
• Sexton Design and Technology Library

dal.ca/registrar
studentonline@dal.ca
902-494-2450

The Registrar's Office manages the enrolment elements of your program, and can answer questions about:

• course registration
• declaring majors
• scholarships, bursaries, student loans
• exam schedule
• transfer credits
• academic transcripts
• graduation

Connect with them by phone or email, or book an appointment through the online self-service portal.

dal.ca/access
access@dal.ca
902-494-2836

If there are aspects of the design, instruction, and/or experiences within your courses that result in barriers to your inclusion, the team in the Student Accessibility Centre (SAC) can explore ways to reduce or eliminate those barriers through such supports as accommodations. The SAC also hosts an assistive technology lending library.

Drop by the SAC in the Killam Library Atrium room G28 or the Sexton Campus Student Services Centre (limited hours) for more information, or book an appointment online.

dal.ca/sfs
sfs@dal.ca
902-494-3077

Whether you’re doing well and want to do better, or you’re experiencing academic difficulty, Studying for Success can help you reach your potential. Check the website for downloadable handouts you can use to help you become a more effective learner. Our workshops deal with:

• effective reading strategies
• taking essay exams
• note-taking and listening techniques
• multiple choice exams
• presentation and speaking skills
• managing time and avoiding procrastination
• memorization and concentration
• working in a group
• setting smart goals

If you’re looking for a one-on-one approach to developing better study skills, contact Studying for Success to be set up with an upper-year or graduate student who can provide personal coaching or tutoring.

bookstore.dal.ca

The Dal Bookstore has all your course materials and supplies—everything from binders to bags, pens to portfolios. It has new and used textbooks—as well as digital and binder-ready course materials—for pretty much every class at Dal, both in the store and online. There's even a textbook rental program!

Done with your books for good? The Bookstore sells used textbooks and offers a book buyback program once you’re finished with them.

Apart from the main bookstore on the lower level of the SUB, Dal has two other locations: Building B on Sexton Campus, and a temporary storefront in Jenkins Hall on the Agricultural Campus. All locations accept DalCard, which lets you earn 5% back on your purchases.

For certain programs and classes, you may need to visit the King’s Co-op Bookstore next door at the University of King’s College (kingsbookstore.ca).

dal.ca/writingcentre
writingc@dal.ca
902-494-1963
Killam Library, rm. G40C (main floor learning commons)

The Writing Centre offers writing support in all subjects. Set up a one-on-one appointment to discuss your work, have it reviewed by a tutor, or sign up for a group event or seminar to get tips and learn about writing expectations at the university level. Contact the Centre by email to find out more or book an appointment.

Work with the Writing Centre

The Writing Centre hires fourth-year and graduate students to work individually with students on their academic assignments. To become a tutor, contact the Centre to discuss your academic background and writing experience.