Student support advising
Previously ‘coordinated care’
Student support advising (SSA) connects you with the right support to help you feel better. Student support advisors are here to guide you and make sure you get the help that fits your needs.
Student support advisors are here to help
Student support advising can help manage the stresses of university life by connecting you to the right resources, both on and campus. A student support advisor will work with you to find healthy ways to care for your mental health, build coping strategies, and make positive changes that support your overall well-being. Student support advising is free of cost to all UCalgary students.
Student support advising can help you:
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress
- Build strategies to manage unhelpful behaviours
- Improve how you function day to day
- Recognize and build on your strengths
- Set and achieve goals
- Feel more confident in your academic ability
- Make meaningful improvements to your well-being
- Navigate campus and community resources
- Access culturally relevant wellness supports
- Connect with Indigenous wellness supports
- Access supportive check-ins when you need it
- Locate resources to help with unforeseen financial difficulties
Find the right support for you
All student support advising appointments are 60 mins, with in-person and virtual options available.
Student Support Advising (SSA)
Meet with a student support advisor in a safe, supportive space to talk through mental health or well-being challenges. Explore your concerns, build strategies, and figure out next steps that fit your needs and situation.
Depending on what you’re facing, your advisor can help you create a care plan, connect you with resources, or provide ongoing case management. You can meet with a student support advisor as often as you need.
Student support advisors may specialize in Harm Reduction, Indigenous Student Support, International Support, and Residence Support.
If you self-identify as Indigenous, you can meet with a student support advisor located at Writing Symbols Lodge or the Health and Wellness Clinic. These appointments offer a culturally grounded space to talk through mental health or well-being concerns, explore your goals, and connect with supports that reflect your experiences and needs.
Anyone who self-identifies as Indigenous is welcome to access Indigenous Student Advising. You will not be asked to prove your Indigeneity.
This appointment offers a non-judgmental space to talk about substance use, explore strategies for lower-risk use, or get support with making changes to your habits or behaviours.
Whether you’re looking for information, thinking about cutting back, or exploring resources, the harm reduction support advisor will work with you to find what feels right for you. Support is tailored to your goals, whatever they may be.
This appointment is designed for international students who want support with challenges like cultural adjustment, academic stress, homesickness, or other well-being concerns. You’ll meet with a student support advisor to talk through what you’re experiencing and get guidance that fits your unique situation.
Adjusting to life in residence can be exciting, but it can also bring new challenges. This appointment is for students navigating the transition and looking for support with concerns like stress, new social environments, or adapting to changing routines and independence. You’ll meet with a student support advisor to talk through what you're experiencing and get support that fits your needs.
How to book your student support advising appointment
If you’re a new to booking, we’ll ask you to start by filling out a brief demographic and consent form from Ocean. Then you’ll be able to book appointments online with Medeo.
If you’re unsure about booking processes or have any questions, please get in touch with us at 403-210-9355 or swsmentalhealth@ucalgary.ca.
What to expect and how to prepare for student support advising
Prepare for your in-person or virtual appointment
Please have your student ID number and emergency contact information ready.
If you are having a virtual session, you will receive a link to a Microsoft Teams or Medeo link meeting prior to your appointment. To prepare for the session:
- Choose a quiet and private location. If you’re having difficulty finding a location, contact Student Wellness Services prior to the session, we can arrange a private location on campus.
- You are encouraged to wear headphones for best sound quality, and so that the counsellor’s voice will not be audible to others.
- It is preferred to be on-camera, especially for your first appointment, if possible.
- Use a private and secure internet connection (e.g., your home wi-fi).
What will your first advising session look like?
- When you arrive, be sure to check in at the front desk.
- At the beginning of the appointment, your advisor will review the forms with you, and spend some time getting to know you and your goals.
- The advisor will work with you to provide resources and additional support for challenges you may be facing.