Who is Student Wellbeing for at TMU?
Hey there! If we haven’t met yet, my name’s Ido. I’m going into my fourth year in the Image Arts: Film program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). I’m so excited to be your student ambassador this summer! My goal is to help you get to know the many services the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students (OVPS) at TMU has to offer.
Letting yourself dive into new experiences is a part of what makes university memorable. For many new students, that means living away from home for the first time. For others, it might mean meeting new friends, joining or starting clubs or even discovering a new way to express your identity. I’ve tried to make the most of my TMU experience, and I’ve found it to be really rewarding and meaningful.
That said, it doesn’t mean that I wasn’t nervous when starting out. Unknowns are exciting — but they can also be scary. I was anxious about how easily I’d adjust to the new lectures and workload. What if I got sick and missed classes or tests? How would I prioritize my mental health if I became overwhelmed?
Student Wellbeing has got your back
As is the case with any big change you make in your life, knowing you’re supported can make all the difference in giving you confidence and peace of mind. One of the most valuable resources I found were the services offered by Student Wellbeing, which is part of the OVPS.
Student Wellbeing oversees various programs and offerings related to your health, academic accommodations and — you guessed it — wellbeing.
If you’re wondering which service offered by Student Wellbeing might be relevant to you and your specific needs, wonder no longer! Here’s a breakdown of how Student Wellbeing can help you.
You’re a student who needs academic accommodations
If you’re a student with a disability, TMU is committed to making your education experience accessible and inclusive. Student Wellbeing oversees the Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) office. Once you register with AAS (opens in new window) , your AAS portal is your one-stop shop for sending your accommodations to your professors and scheduling accommodation-specific exams. You can also sign up to receive notes from your peers, study tips, financial management advice and more. If this applies to you, visit the AAS website for more information.
The AAS offices are located on the 4th floor of the Student Learning Centre (SLC).
You don’t have a family doctor in Toronto
If you don’t have access to a physician, this one’s for you. Student Wellbeing’s Medical Centre is open to TMU community members with a valid health card. It offers a wide array of health services, including physicals, mental health assessments, immunizations and more. That means you can save yourself the trip back home to your doctor, and get the care you need in between classes during your busy day-to-day.
You get sick and miss a test or exam, oh no!
Don’t panic; life happens! In my experience, professors tend to be compassionate and sympathetic to unexpected situations. They’re not out to get you and they also know what it’s like to get sick unexpectedly. After you contact your professor, you may be directed to acquire some necessary documentation and to submit an official request. If you’re then granted permission to write the missed test or exam, you’ll be directed to Student Wellbeing’s Make-Up Test Centre (MUTC).
The Make-Up Test Centre can administer both remote and in-person tests/exams.
You’re struggling and you’re looking to speak with someone
No matter what you’re struggling with or going through, you’re not alone. If you feel you could benefit from counselling and professional insight, you can book an appointment with the Centre for Student Development and Counselling. Your counsellor will listen to you and ensure you’re safe. There’s never any reason to feel ashamed to reach out; no problem is too big or too small.
If you’d prefer speaking with other TMU students who might be going through similar journeys to improve their wellbeing, you can sign up for Peer Support. The program runs individual or group support sessions with empathetic peers who are there to listen to you and offer advice based on their lived experiences.
If you’re ever feeling like you need immediate help, I encourage you to explore the crisis lines highlighted on Counselling’s website.
Your TMU experience is not just about going to class and getting good grades — it’s about thriving and growing as an individual. You have every reason to take advantage of the resources Student Wellbeing offers when you need them.
I hope you found this information about Student Wellbeing useful and that you have a better idea of when you might use some of their resources. I’ll be writing about some of the other service areas in the OVPS soon, so visit the Future Student Blog often.
Until next time,
Ido, your student ambassador