Breaking down barriers to success and engagement
The Student Support Team helps students who are experiencing challenges get back to thriving by responding at both the individual and community level.
The student may be in distress due to emotional issues, health, family or personal relationships, grades, academic standing, non-academic misconduct, or other problems.
We provide comprehensive and coordinated support to improve the well-being of the individual student, support their academic success, respond to instances of non-academic misconduct, and contribute to an overall improvement in safety and inclusivity on campus.
We also advise on all matters related to the Code of Student Conduct and offer a supportive case management process.Ěý
Making a referral
Anyone within ±«Óătv can make a referral to the Student Support Team when they are concerned about a student. We assist them in navigating ±«Óătv’s wide range of support services and resources.
If you are not a ±«Óătv student, staff, or faculty member but have a concern about a student, please reach out to the Student Support Team directly at studentsupport@dal.ca.
Referral process
Please submit a referral when you first notice that a student appears to be in distress as it’s often difficult to determine when a student's problem is serious, and it's better to err on the side of caution. Referring to the Student Support Team when you are concerned about a student does not get the student in trouble but ensures a coordinated response. We are here to help.
A case manager will then review the referral and reach out to the student directly within 1–2 business days to assess their support needs and develop a support plan. To protect the student’s privacy, information cannot be shared about whether they have followed up with a case manager.Ěý
If you have an ongoing relationship with the student, you may want to check in with them to ask if they have been able to connect with a case manager. If you continue to have concerns about the student, you can submit another referral form or contact the Student Support Team at studentsupport@dal.ca.
Case management
±«Óătv student support case managers provide outreach, information, referrals, and support to students who are experiencing barriers to success, both academically and non-academically. Case managers work with them to explore options and develop an action plan for navigating and connecting to on-campus or community resources to help them in their specific situation.
Our key functions include:
Direct student support:Â Practical problem solving, resource and system navigation support for students experiencing non-academic challenges and barriers.
Holistic case management: A collaborative process involving intake, assessment, planning, and follow-up support. It emphasizes de-escalation and proactive interventions for students experiencing complex, multiple non-academic challenges, and barriers impacting academics, behaviour, thriving, and success.
Behavioural Intervention Team (BIT):Â Assessments used to inform and manage issues related to campus safety and concerns related to the Code of Student Conduct.
°ä˛ą±č˛ął¦ľ±łŮ˛âĚý˛úłÜľ±±ô»ĺľ±˛Ô˛µ: Through collaboration, consultations, and a community of practice, a care-first response is ensured across campuses.
Code of Student Conduct
±«Óătv has committed to a living, learning and working environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and violence and is a place also characterized by understanding, respect, trust, openness and fairness.
The Code of Student Conduct aims to help students understand expectations for appropriate (non-academic) behaviour on campus and while engaged in ±«Óătv activities. Student life at university can be complex. Harm can occur and have impacts that create barriers to learning and thriving causing students to require additional support.
We believe that students are responsible for their actions, and we also understand the importance of opportunities for learning, transformation, and growth after an incident of misconduct—especially on a university campus.
Members of the university community who have questions or concerns about an experience that may fall under the Code can reach out to the Student Support Team at studentsupport@dal.ca to talk about supports and options. A case manager will meet with you, assess what’s happening, and advise on possible next steps.
If you are not a ±«Óătv student, staff, or faculty member but have a concern about a student, please reach out to the Student Support Team directly at studentsupport@dal.ca.Ěý
Our core commitments
We are committed to making each student’s time at ±«Óătv the best experience possible. Our work is grounded by these core commitments, which help inform our approach to holistic student support, processes and mechanisms for students seeking assistance, and opportunities for learning and growth.
Students are excited to be at Dal and we are excited to have them on campus. We will strive to create opportunities for students to build meaningful friendships and memories.
Guided by anti-oppressive principles, university is a place where students should feel they belong and matter. Students will develop skills to care for each other and share responsibility to create an inclusive culture with support from ±«Óătv.
Dal is a place where students can be themselves and experience a safe community. Safety can look or feel different for everyone. We will work proactively and responsively to create an experience where students can be well and will also work with students one on one to understand and address individualized needs if concerns arise. Students also have a role to play in taking care of each other.
Going to university is a huge transition—students are expected to make mistakes or experience struggles. Students are learning who they are and how they relate to others. We believe there is a way back to community when harm has occurred for most individuals who are willing to learn and grow. Our role is to help students when they need it, to connect them to resources and supports, and ensure students have the opportunity to remain at ±«Óătv
We know that some students will engage in high-risk behaviours while at university. Our first priority is to ensure students and the community are not in distress. When issues arise, we’ll work responsively to follow up and create plans that support healthy behaviour and repair any harm caused. Our goal is to create an environment where students can seek help safely for themselves or others.