Registration Support for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students can visit the Registration website for a wide-range of information, including:

• Registration support;
• Registration steps;
• Reading and understanding your academic audit;
• public class schedule;
• and more!

Academic Advising

Program/department-specific Academic advisors are available to support course selection and access to courses, prerequisites and preclusions, course equivalencies and substitutions, co-op opportunities (if applicable), internships and placements (if applicable), exchange studies and Letters of Permission.

For Graduate Students…

Registration information for Graduate students is available via the of the Grad Student website.

Academic Advising:

For graduate academic advising, contact the graduate administrator or graduate supervisor in your program.

Registration Support

Various types of support for registration are outlined on the registrar’s Registration Support webpage.

Support options include:

• How-to videos;
• the Student Registration Assistance Team;
• Individual support via phone, email, or in-person;
• and more!

The post Fall and Winter Term Registration appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

What’s a retired professor to do other than enroll in a B.Sc. in Neuroscience just for the love of learning?

Ann Laubstein graciously answered a few questions for us, offering some insight into her unique perspective, having experienced 杏吧原创 both as a professor and as a PMC student.

• Q: After retiring from your career as a professor, what motivated you to pursue an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience?
  
  A: I loved teaching and did NOT want to retire. But鈥�
  
  I decided I would try to get more fluent in the languages I spent my career studying by way of going to the relevant countries and immersing myself. I started in Argentina, but discovered that what had once been a natural facility for learning had disappeared due to my deafness.
  
  So, what else did I want to do? Learn about the brain. My research had always been investigating the language structures in the brain that were involved in speech production 鈥� more specifically the phonological structures like the syllable.
  
• Q: You mentioned previously that this degree is important to you. Why?
  
  A: When I decided to enroll in the B.Sc. program, I hadn’t necessarily intended to actually complete it. In the end though, I thought most of the courses in the Neuroscience and Mental Health program looked interesting, and I decided to try even though the math was a potential obstacle (I had done grade 13 math way back in 1957-58).
  
  And now, here I am with a BSc!  It鈥檚 been fascinating. The physics and calculus courses surprisingly difficult, but doable thanks to lots of help from the professors teaching them.
  
• Q: Do you have plans for what you would like to do with the knowledge you gained from this degree?
  
  A: Now what? I am not sure. There are so many interesting potential directions. For instance, I am thinking about how to integrate my earlier research with what I now know about the brain. But so many new things are tempting me.
  
• Q: As someone who has been on the professor鈥檚 side of things, what is something you wish more PMC students knew?
  
  A: As a PMC student, I have had access to all sorts of things available to hard-of-hearing students: note takers, recorders, amplifier鈥檚, front of class seating, etc. In addition, the constant availability of PMC staff to answer my questions was a godsend
  
• Q: As a PMC student, what is something you wish all professors knew?
  
  A: I knew PMC students had access to separate exam rooms and time extensions, when I was a professor, since I had to pick up exams at PMC to mark them. I did not know time extensions were available to OLD students like me; nor how much more was available.

Ann spent a career teaching students about linguistics and her retirement exemplifies how to always lead with curiosity, adjust instead of giving up when obstacles arise, and to not count yourself out before ever stepping up to bat. Professors, teachers, and educators might retire but they never really stop giving the rest of us things we can learn from them.

The post Graduate Spotlight: Ann Laubstein, B.A., M.A., PhD, Professor of Linguistics and now, B.Sc. appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

Students are invited to apply to the Dr. John Davis Burton Award, if eligible.

This award was endowed in memory of Dr. John Davis Burton鈥攁 dedicated educator and a passionate advocate for persons with disabilities and is open to applicants enrolled at Algonquin College, 杏吧原创 University, La Cit茅 Coll茅giale, and the University of Ottawa. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate perseverance, dedication, and a strong commitment to disability inclusion both on campus and in the broader community. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students must be in good academic standing and must be currently enrolled in courses in special/continuing education, part鈥憈ime, or full鈥憈ime studies.

Please visit our Financial Aid webpage for more information on eligibility criteria and application instructions. 

All applications must be submitted in English and received by May 31 – late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The post Dr. John Davis Burton Award 鈥� Call for Applications appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

Ventus is open for students to request academic accommodations for both early and late summer courses.

Given the compressed nature of summer terms, we strongly encourage students to submit their accommodation requests as early as possible at the start of the term to support timely implementation. Please note that the McIntyre Exam Centre requires exam accommodation requests be submitted in Ventus at least 10 business days prior to the test or exam date to allow sufficient time for processing. Requests submitted after this deadline cannot be guaranteed.

After submitting your accommodation requests in Ventus, it is important to follow up promptly with your professors to discuss how your accommodations will be arranged. Please be aware that instructors are also subject to the same 10鈥�business鈥�day deadline to submit Notices of Examination (NoEs) to the McIntyre Exam Centre for tests and exams. Early communication helps ensure arrangements are in place and reduces the risk of delays.

The post Reminder to Request Accommodations for Summer Courses appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

May marks the beginning of the Spring/Summer academic term. Whether you鈥檙e enrolled in condensed 6鈥憌eek courses or 12鈥憌eek Spring/Summer courses, how you organize yourself now can make a significant difference for the rest of the term.

Know Your Dates & Deadlines (Early!)

One of the most important steps at the start of May is confirming your academic dates and deadlines.

Add all key dates to your calendar now

This includes:

• Course start and end dates
• Add/drop and withdrawal deadlines
• Exam periods
• All deadline, test, midterm, presentation, etc. dates for each of your courses found on your course syllabi and in your Brightspace pages.

Review the official Spring/Summer 2026 academic dates

Why this matters:

• 6鈥憌eek condensed courses: There is very little margin for error. Missing one week can mean missing a large portion of the course content.
• 12鈥憌eek courses: You have more time, but that flexibility requires intentional planning so practice and review don鈥檛 fall off as routines relax.

Get Organized Immediately (Especially for 6鈥慦eek Courses)

Condensed courses move fast. Organization is not optional鈥攊t鈥檚 essential.

Try this in your first week:

• Download all syllabi and highlight weekly expectations.
• Create a weekly task list with due dates clearly marked.
• Work one week ahead whenever possible.
• Set calendar reminders before deadlines, not just on the day they鈥檙e due.

For 12鈥憌eek courses:

Use the extra time intentionally鈥攂uild in review and practice blocks each week to prevent last鈥憁inute stress later in the term.

Set Up an Effective Workspace

Your environment directly affects your focus.

Ask yourself:

• Is my workspace consistent?
• Is it comfortable but not too comfortable?
• Does it support how long I need to focus?

For remote or online courses:

• Consider working from a nearby public library or coffee shop.
• Schedule that time in your calendar as a meeting鈥攖reat it like a class you must attend.
• Use noise management tools (headphones, white noise, or instrumental music).

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Use Accountability to Stay on Track

Body doubling can be especially helpful for starting tasks, staying focused, and following through鈥攑articularly for students with ADHD or executive functioning impairments.

Body Doubling Options to Try:

a. :

• Uses prerecorded 鈥渂ody doubles鈥� designed for ADHD users
• Great for everyday tasks, organizing, or light academic work
• No live video and low pressure support

• Live virtual sessions (25, 50, or 75 minutes)
• Strong accountability with a check鈥慽n at the start and end
• Great for starting hard or avoidable tasks

• Free, no鈥憊ideo platform
• Themed rooms for users
• Low pressure environment for task initiation

Try one鈥攐r rotate tools鈥攖o see what works best for you.

Build Realistic Weekly Routines

Spring terms feel different than Fall/Winter, so your routines may need adjusting.

Strategies to try:

• Short, consistent study blocks (30鈥�45 minutes)
• Designated 鈥渓ight days鈥� and 鈥渉eavy days鈥�
• A weekly planning check鈥慽n every Sunday or Monday
• Visual schedules or digital planners to track progress

Remember: progress > perfection.

If you鈥檙e looking for structure, tools, or guidance, the modules are available anytime.

How to register:
Go to the Discover tab in Brightspace 鈫� search PMC Learning Strategies 鈫� select Enrol.
If enrolment isn鈥檛 available, check your course list, you may already be registered!

Don鈥檛 Let Nice Weather Steal Your Practice Time

For many students, sunny days mean increased energy鈥攂ut also increased distraction.

Protect your academic time by:

• Scheduling work before leisure, not after
• Pairing work with rewards (walks, social time, outdoor breaks)
• Keeping practice consistent even when deadlines feel far away

Learning requires repetition鈥攅specially in longer terms.

Need Support?

You don鈥檛 have to figure this out alone. The PMC Learning Strategies Team is here to help with:

• Planning and organization
• Time management
• Study strategies
• Accountability tools

Reach us anytime at PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca

Let鈥檚 make May a month of strong starts, clear structure, and steady progress.

The post Let Your Skills Bloom – Learning Strategies: May Edition appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

Arrive Early and Organized

• Bring all required materials and avoid last-minute rushing.
• Set up your space calmly to reduce tension.

Practice Grounding Techniques

• Practice deep breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts and exhale for 6 counts. Try to exhale for a longer period if you can. Focus on pressing the soles of your feet against the floor and looking far at a distance. These techniques can help reduce panic and restore focus.
• Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method to stay present and focused. Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.
• To learn more about test anxiety, visit: .

Focus on What You Can Control

• Ignore distractions and concentrate on your paper.
• Pace yourself steadily instead of fixating on the clock.

Plan for Breaks

• If allowed, take short breaks to stretch or breathe. Notice if you are holding your breath. If you are, consciously inhale and exhale mindfully. 听
• Use these moments to reset your focus and calm your mind.

Use Visualization

• Picture yourself completing the exam successfully.
• Visualize handing in your paper feeling confident and relieved.

During exams, maintaining balance is essential. Stick to a routine with regular sleep, balanced meals, and hydration, and schedule study blocks with breaks to avoid burnout. Stay connected by reaching out to friends or family and joining study groups or social activities to prevent isolation. Finally, practice self-care鈥攅xercise, listen to music, or enjoy hobbies in nature.

The post Managing Anxiety and Stress During Final Exams appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

Finalize Your Exam Plan

By April, reviewing shifts into implementation. Make sure your plan is exam鈥憆eady:

• Double鈥慶heck all exam dates, times, and locations.
• If you use accommodations (e.g., extra time), verify your bookings in your or connect with your PMC Coordinator if anything looks incorrect.
• Prioritize earlier exams or those with heavier grading weight.
• Use realistic study blocks (e.g., 45 minutes study + 15 minutes break) to assist with deeper focus and great productivity.
• Keep a weekly visual schedule to stay focused and avoid surprises.

Explore the Study Module in the Brightspace course PMC Learning Strategies for templates and tools

• How to Register:
  1. In the 鈥凄颈蝉肠辞惫别谤鈥� tab, search and select Enrol.
  2. If you don鈥檛 see the course, you may already be enrolled. Check your Brightspace 鈥淪elect a Course鈥� menu.

If you have questions, contact the PMC Learning Strategies Team at PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca.

Maximize Your Tools

The best study resources and questions are often found in your textbooks and websites connected to your textbooks. Check these out first!

These digital tools can streamline your studying as exams approach:

• for spaced repetition and flashcards
• for flashcards and student-made study sets
• for generating personalized study quizzes
• for organizing notes and creating audio summaries

Experiment and mix tools to find what supports your learning most effectively.

Take-Home or 24-Hour Exams

The Winter term often includes various exam formats. For take-home or online exams:

• Read the full instructions before starting.
• Create a brief outline to guide your responses.
• Keep track of citations as you work.
• Proofread before submitting (reading aloud can help).
• Don鈥檛 procrastinate, distribute your time over the allowed window.

Final Projects, Papers & Presentations

End-of-term projects require planning:

• Break projects into smaller, manageable steps
  • example: research 鈫� drafting 鈫� editing 鈫� slides.
• Set mini deadlines to keep pace.
• Practice presentations aloud or record yourself to build confidence.
• Use rubrics and assignment descriptions to make sure you鈥檙e meeting expectations.

Timed Exams

Timed exams, whether in person or online, require a clear strategy to use your time effectively and avoid feeling rushed. Here are tips to help you stay focused and confident:

• Arrive early (or log in early) to get settled and reduce stress before the clock starts.
• Take a few minutes to do a 鈥渂rain dump鈥� on a blank piece of paper before looking at or starting your exam. This can include formulas, dates, theories, definitions, or key concepts you reviewed.

It helps build confidence by showing you do know the content, and it acts like a personal reference sheet so your working memory can focus on reading and answering questions rather than trying to hold everything at once.

• Preview the whole exam first (*not always possible with online exams) so you understand the structure, question types, and how to pace yourself.

• Start with easier questions to build momentum and secure quick points.
• Budget your time by dividing the total exam time by the number of questions or sections.
• Keep an eye on the clock without checking so often that it distracts you, set small mental checkpoints or make physical markers on your test page during your preview to check the time after a certain number of questions.
• If you get stuck, move on and return later. It鈥檚 better to complete all questions you can answer before spending too long on a difficult one.
• Use any concluding minutes to review for missing questions, repeated errors, or misreads.

For Online Exams:

• Ensure your device is charged and updates are disabled during the exam period.
• Have a stable workspace and limit distractions.
• Save your work frequently, if the system allows.

Timed exams can feel high-pressure, but with pacing, planning, and steady progress, you鈥檒l maximize your performance.

April exams can be challenging, but you鈥檙e not facing them alone. Pace yourself, stay organized, and trust your preparation. When in doubt reach out to PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca for more tips and supports.

The post Exam Season & Fresh Momentum appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

Before Your Exams

Check Ventus for Accommodation Details

• This includes the course code, date, start and end time(s), location, accommodations, and status of each exam鈥�.
  • 14 days before the date of an in-person exam; and
  • 5 days before the date of an online exam in Brightspace.
• Ensure the accommodations for each exam are accurate.
• Report any missing or inaccurate accommodation(s) to your PMC coordinator ASAP.

Familiarize Yourself with In-Person Exam Location(s)

• Use the interactive campus map to plan your route in advance.
• During the formal exam period, accommodated exams are typically scheduled at the following locations:
  • 133 Nideyinan: building information, ; accessible guide tour (MS Word)
  • 7th Floor Dunton Tower: building information, , accessible guide tour (MS Word)
  • Southam Hall: building information; room search
  • 512 Nideyinan 听
• Budget enough time to travel to campus in time for your exams听whether arranging a ride with family/friend or planning out your OC Transpo trip.

For online exams鈥�

• If there is no accommodation information for an online exam, email your course instructor ASAP to ask if they plan to apply the extra time in Brightspace themselves or if MEC will apply it on their behalf.
• If the exam type is in-person proctored digital exam, which will be labelled as 鈥淥nline – Brightspace, student brings device鈥�, please make sure to bring your device to the exam and check the location of the exam in Ventus.
• If you are writing an exam that is being听e-proctored by CoMaS or Zoom,听make sure you are听familiar with the technical guidelines听before the exam.

AT reminders鈥�

• If you have Assistive Technology (AT) software (e.g. reading or voice dictation)听as part of your exam accommodations, make sure you are trained and comfortable using the software before your exams. AT training with an assistive technologist can be arranged through your PMC coordinator.
• If you have 鈥減re-approved personal music鈥� as an听accommodation for your exams, please contact Synclair Calder, SynclairCalder@cunet.carleton.ca, to make arrangements to have your music vetted before your exams if you have not already done so. If you do not submit any music, generic music will be provided to you for your exam.
• Note that smart glasses听(e.g. Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer) and smart watches are considered听unauthorized devices听and are not permitted at formal exam sites.

On Exam Day

Plan to arrive听15 minutes before听your exam begins.

If you arrive late鈥�

• There is a听30-minute grace period听at the start of formally scheduled exams.听If you arrive at your exam location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time, you will be admitted without question.
• If you are more than 30 minutes late, proceed to your exam site. The on-site proctor will contact your professor to seek permission for you to write the exam.
• You will not receive additional time to make-up听for the time lost due to the late arrival. If you feel that there is not sufficient time to successfully complete your exam, you should instead apply for a deferral through the Registrar鈥檚 Office. If you begin writing a final exam, then you are no longer eligible for a deferred exam.听

Before you begin鈥�

• Review the summary of accommodations and the amount of time (extra time included) you are entitled to receive for accuracy. Report any discrepancy to the proctor ASAP.
• If you are using assistive technology software or equipment as part of your exam accommodations, make sure they are working properly and report any problems to the proctor right away.
• For in-person evening exams with earlier start times, students will not be permitted to leave the exam site until at least 30 minutes have passed from the official start time of the exam.

Additional Tips and Resources

Accommodated Exams at the McIntyre Exam Centre FAQ

Managing Exam Accommodations FAQ

On Exam Day 鈥� Before the Exam, During the Exam, and Around Campus

The post Final Exam Tips and Resources appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

As we approach the last month of the term before the final exam period, stress can build quickly. Balancing deadlines, exams, and daily life takes a toll on your mental well-being 鈥� and you don鈥檛 have to handle it alone. Use these simple strategies to stay grounded and supported during this busy time.

Break Work Into Small, Manageable Steps

When tasks feel big, motivation can drop, and anxiety can spike. We sometimes shut down, freeze or fall into a cycle of self-doubt. Try:

• Breaking coursework into 20鈥�30 minute study blocks.
• Making a short daily to-do list (3鈥�5 items max).
• Focusing on 鈥渢he next step,鈥� not the whole task.

Small, steady progress helps reduce overwhelm and keeps you moving forward.

Use Mental Health and Academic Supports

Reaching out early can make stress much easier to manage.
Available supports include:

• for short-term mental health support
• for urgent concerns
• and
• Academic Advising for course鈥憆elated concerns. The last day for academic withdrawal is March 15^th.

Asking for help is a sign of strength 鈥� not a setback.

Use Quick Grounding Techniques During Stress

When anxiety rises or focus slips, grounding tools can help reset your nervous system. Try:

• Box breathing: 4 seconds in 鈫� 4 hold 鈫� 4 out 鈫� 4 hold.
• 5鈥�4鈥�3鈥�2鈥�1 technique: Notice 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
• A short, guided relaxation or stretch break.

Even 1鈥�2 minutes can help you regain calm and clarity.

Stay Connected 鈥� Social Support Protects Mental Health

It鈥檚 common to retreat during stressful times but staying connected helps reduce anxiety and prevents burnout.
Instead of pulling back into yourself, try:

• Studying with a friend or virtual study buddy
• Sharing one meal a day with someone
• Checking in with a friend, teammate, or family member
• Joining a club activity or wellness event for a short break. Check out the CAB activity calendar for March events.

Connection keeps you grounded 鈥� you鈥檙e not going through this alone.

The post Post-Reading Week Balancing Act appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.

Below is your March roadmap to help you stay organized, make informed decisions, and set yourself up for a strong finish.

1. Important March Dates & Academic Planning

March is a pivotal month for academic decision鈥憁aking. A few and opportunities to keep on your radar:

• March 15, 2026 鈥� Last day for academic withdrawal from full winter, late winter, and fall/winter courses.
• March 19, 2026 鈥� Registration opens for Spring/Summer 2026 courses.

If your midterm grades suggest a course may not be salvageable, this is the time to:

• Review your grade breakdown carefully.
• Use a grade tracker to estimate possible final outcomes.
• Meet with your program advisor to discuss whether withdrawing, staying enrolled, or shifting your course load is the best path forward.
• Consider as a way to stay on track or lighten next year鈥檚 load.

Grade Tracking Tools to Try:

• grade tracker templates
• The online
• PMC鈥檚 Excel grade鈥憈racking sheet (email PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca to request a copy)

2. Getting Started on Final Papers & Major Assignments

March is the ideal time to begin final papers and projects, even if they鈥檙e due in April. Starting early helps you avoid the April crunch and gives you time to revise thoughtfully.

A simple early鈥憇tart workflow:

• Week 1: Re鈥憆ead assignment instructions, create a working outline, and gather sources.
• Week 2: Draft the introduction and one body section.
• Week 3: Continue drafting and begin integrating feedback from instructors or TAs.
• Week 4: Revise, proofread, and finalize.

Support to explore:

• for source selection and search strategies
• Writing Consultation Sessions for structure, clarity, and argument development
• Assignment Calculators can help to provide you with steps on how to complete your assignments if you are ever in a bind and need help with assignment completion plans:

3. Accountability Meetings: A Powerful March Strategy

Meeting with professors or TAs in March can:

• Clarify expectations for final assignments
• Confirm your understanding of marking criteria
• Help you identify gaps in your work early

These meetings don鈥檛 need to be long, 15鈥�20 minutes can dramatically improve your direction and confidence. Check your course outline(s) and/or course Brightspace pages for Office Hour information.

4. Daylight Saving Time & Time Management Reset

Daylight Saving Time began on Sunday, March 9, 2026, and losing an hour can disrupt your routine more than expected.

Use this shift as a natural reset point:

• Revisit your weekly schedule
• Prioritize high鈥慹nergy tasks earlier in the day
• Set reminders for major March deadlines in your phone calendars
• Adjust sleep routines to stay aligned with your study goals

A small schedule tune鈥憉p now can prevent burnout later.

5. Preparing for Final Exams: What a Term Wrap鈥慤p Looks Like

A strong April starts with a thoughtful March wrap鈥憉p. If you haven鈥檛 already done so, check out the Exam Schedule to make note of the dates/times for your exams.

Consider…

• Organizing all course materials (notes, slides, readings) into a single folder (digital or physical) per course
• Creating a study calendar based on the April exam schedule
• Identifying weak spots early so you can review gradually instead of cramming. As you鈥檝e seen us discuss before, Spaced Retrieval is key to practicing the recall we need to finals.
• Revisiting course outlines to confirm final exam formats and weighting

Think of March as your 鈥減rep and position鈥� month. April becomes much more manageable when you鈥檝e already laid the groundwork.

6. PMC Learning Strategies Resources

If you鈥檙e looking for structure, tools, or guidance, the modules are available anytime.

How to register:
Go to the Discover tab in Brightspace 鈫� search PMC Learning Strategies 鈫� select Enrol.
If enrolment isn鈥檛 available, check your course list, you may already be registered!

Questions or Support?

Email the PMC Learning Strategies Team anytime: PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca

The post The Home Stretch Begins – Learning Strategies: March Edition appeared first on Paul Menton Centre.