Exploratory Advising
Exploratory advisors help you explore degree programs to meet your unique needs and interests.
Through appointments and workshops, our advisors will help you maximize your academic potential.
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Looking for Open Studies Support?
Open Studies advising has changed! The Student Success Centre welcomes students in Open Studies seeking academic support, writing support, and exploratory advising.
What is Exploratory Advising?
Choosing a degree program can be a challenging process, especially since UCalgary offers a variety of innovative undergraduate degree program options. We understand there are many factors that go into choosing a degree program, and it’s very normal to feel uncertain or stuck.
Exploratory Advising can support you in exploring undergraduate degree program options to meet your unique needs and goals by helping you reflect on your motivators, personality traits, interests, and academic strengths. We can help you discover tools and resources to gather information about degree programs, evaluate your options, and decide on your best fit program.
Who is Exploratory Advising for?
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Meet your Exploratory Advisors
Deirdre holds a Masters of Education, specializing in Adult Learning and Higher Education, and bachelor degrees in General Studies and Education from the University of Calgary. Prior to working in post-secondary student services, Deirdre was a secondary school teacher who taught Social Studies in both Calgary and Germany. In her current role, Deirdre supports prospective, Open Studies and current undergraduate degree students in choosing an educational pathway that fits their motivators, personality traits, interests, and academic backgrounds. Once admitted to the University, Deirdre also provides registration assistance for incoming first-year and Open Studies students. Passionate about educational planning and career development, Deirdre is committed to facilitating students’ smooth and positive transitions into degree programs. Good days for Deirdre include a combination of helping students, yoga, squash or long walks, and great vegan food!
Dan is an Exploratory Advisor for First Generation students and joined the Student Success Centre after working for several years in Admissions and Recruitment and as an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts. He attended the University of Guelph-Humber where he completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College. Dan enjoys talking to students about their interests and helping them find a degree program that suits them and will allow them to pursue their passion and reach their goals. He also thrives on helping students understand the pathway and requirements to be admissible to their program of interest. Outside of work Dan is a very active person and spends his spare time running, playing sports with friends, and hiking and camping in the mountains with his dog, Shadow.
Iraida has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelors Degree in International Relations from KIMEP University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Iraida has over 10 years experience in the Academic Advising field. In her current role, Iraida assists exploratory continuing degree students, prospective students and Open Studies students in their transition to degree programs that are a best fit with their academic interests, strengths, abilities and goals. Iraida is passionate about helping students to find their way and to succeed.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling with her family and baking for her friends.
Lisa embarked on her academic journey fueled by a desire to serve those around her and empower others to lead a positive life. Lisa holds a Masters of Counselling degree in Educational Psychology, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology with Honours both at the University of Calgary. As an Academic Advisor for prospective and current first-generation students, she provides advising and wayfinding support and aims to offer student-centered resources and be a place where students can feel comfortable asking questions and learn more about strategies and resources that support their learning and success at university. Her goal is to help students define their academic interests and aptitudes, and clarify their academic goals through learning more about their passions, interests, hobbies and strengths. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, playing sports such as dodgeball and volleyball, and exploring new foodie spots!
Helpful Articles
How to Choose a Major
Learn how the major exploration process can help you decide on your degree program
How to Choose a Major: Reflect and Connect
Better understand yourself to aid in choosing your degree program.
How to Choose a Major: Information and Options
Learn how to gather information about potential degree program options.
How to Choose a Major: Evaluate and Decide
Make an informed decision about your degree.
Already have a degree program in mind?
Based on what you're applying for, you'll meet with these advisors first:
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Prospective Student Exploratory Advising
If you are a prospective student who is unsure about which undergraduate degree program to apply for, our team of advisors can help you make an informed decision!
First, check out the Explore Programs website and connect with the Recruitment Team to learn about UCalgary undergraduate degree programs.
Next, if you are interested in a more in-depth discussion about undergraduate degree programs and how they align with your academic strengths, interests, and goals, book an appointment with Exploratory Advising.
How to book an appointment:
- Visit our virtual front desk during office hours to request a Prospective Student Exploratory Advising appointment. Our staff will book an online or in-person appointment based on availability.
- Email success@ucalgary.ca to request a Prospective Student Exploratory Advising appointment. Our staff will reply to organize an online or in-person appointment based on availability.
Exploratory Resources
Exploring degree options requries planning, goal setting, and reflection. Fortunately, there are a number of resources to help you with the decision making process.
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