Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can counselling help me?
Counsellors can help you clarify your educational and career goals and overcome barriers to your learning; they support you in your studies, help you learn to cope with change, recognize problems early, and identify solutions. Counsellors may recommend print or electronic materials, provide individual assistance for specific concerns, and suggest appropriate referrals.
2. Is counselling confidential?
Counsellors are governed by standards of ethics requiring information disclosed by the student be held in confidence and released to others only with the student's written consent. Counsellors are, however, required to release confidential information if it is subpoenaed, if there is reasonable suspicion of abuse of children or vulnerable persons, or if the student presents a serious danger to self or others.
3. It's been years since I last studied. How do I improve my study skills?
Studying is learned and it improves with practice, providing a framework for organizing your time and energy. Electronic and print materials to help improve your study skills are available at our web site. Contact a counsellor for further help with study skills.
4. I "go blank" during exams. I can't remember a thing. Is there anything I can do about it?
If you find anxiety is preventing you from doing as well in exam situations as you should, you may benefit from strategies for coping with exam anxiety. You may also wish to consult a counsellor.
5. I'm unclear about my career plans. Where do I start?
Our web site Mapping Your Future: Your Career and AU Programs provides information on career planning. Counsellors can assist you at any stage of the career planning process.
6. Does Athabasca University provide job placement?
No, most of our students work full- or part-time while studying part-time at AU. See the Athabasca University Students Union (AUSU) Career Centre for further information.
7. It's almost three months into the course, and I'm discouraged. I haven't completed anything beyond my first assignment. What can I do?
Many students experience some form of academic difficulty over the course of their studies; distance learning requires considerable self-discipline and solid study habits. If something is interfering with your academic progress, contact a counsellor for help in pinpointing and resolving your problem.
8. My tutor and I seem to communicate at cross-purposes; I can't seem to find a way to explain what is giving me problems in the course.
Contact a counsellor for help in clarifying factors that may be interfering with communication.
9. I've just completed my second AU course and now feel that I might just have what it takes to complete a program! I need help choosing a program.
Based on your interests and short and long-term goals, counsellors can help you decide on a program of study. Take our quick career self-assessment, then make an appointment with a counsellor.
10. Something's been really bugging me; I can't seem to settle down long enough to focus on my studies.
Chances are you will benefit from discussing your concerns with a counsellor; sometimes all it takes is one appointment to clarify an issue.
11. I'm on the last two courses of my degree but have lost my concentration and motivation. I'm dragging out my assignments and papers. Can counselling help?
Many students experience a slump as they near degree completion. Motivation often can be rekindled by sorting out the problems or conflicts producing this state. A counsellor may help you understand your feelings, and develop strategies to help you achieve your goal.
12. Why would my tutor/student information advisor/ financial aid advisor/etc. suggest I speak with a counsellor?
Counsellors deal with concerns or problems like study skills, time management, career indecision, and other factors affecting academic progress. If you're unsure why you're being referred, ask the staff member. It is your decision to follow up on the recommendation.
13. Who do I contact about the Master of Counselling program?
SAS for Learner Support Services - Last Updated April 25, 2012
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