stacks, as they are called) and picking out the book.
University libraries purchase journals as well as books. Journals will be invaluable to you in the preparation of essays, book reports and laboratory write-ups. The more familiar you become with journals the easier your research for a paper will become. Another source of data will be clipping files. Relevant articles from certain newspapers are clipped out and filed under their respective topics. For some disciplines there will also be indexes that divide books and journals into subject areas. These will greatly aid you in finding relevant material rapidly. Some libraries even supply lists of basic library resources for certain disciplines, so the major sources of information for the student are clearly laid out.
Depending on your university’s financial resources, most of the major journals (which you will use increasingly in your later years) and some books will be available online. This is great because you can search for articles and then download them for use in reports, essays and talks, among other things. Online catalogues can also save time in searching for materials. Some university libraries also oversee training in the use of specific computer programs for writing, analyzing data or presenting talks.
There are so many other sources of information that the library provides (e.g., video and audio media) that it is impossible to describe them all. I can guarantee that your library will have regular, detailed tours of its facilities. You must attend one if you intend to get good grades. If you miss the tours, then have one of the librarians show you the facilities. I haven’t met a librarian yet who wasn’t interested in showing off his or her domain.
Student Liaison Office
Students who are intending to go to university will most likely make their first contact with either the registrar’s office or the student liaison office. As its name implies, the student liaison office provides people who act as a go-between for students and the university. They will provide you will details on the specific university they work for. Most often, you will encounter these people during university recruitment days at your high school. They will be extolling the positive aspects of their particular school. If you are having trouble deciding which university to attend, they may help you make up your mind.
In addition to travelling to high schools on behalf of their university, the liaison officers also organize tours of their university campus. Remember, the liaison officer is there to get your body into their institution so make sure you don’t fall prey to good salesmanship. Ask questions and be critical to make sure you make the right choice.
Others in Your Academic World
Each major division of your university will have a dean. The dean is a professor (usually) who administers (tells others what to do, decides where the money will be spent, etc.). If you run into any academic hassles, the dean will be able to help you sort them out. The student is well protected from any misevaluation or other academic mistreatment, as will be discussed in Chapter 12. There is usually confidential help for any physical or psychological problems at your university’s health centre and often even a clinic to help you overcome exam anxiety (see Chapter 8). Many universities also have a career centre, which provides resources that can help you find a job or volunteer work both before and after graduation. Here you can check job postings, get help with resume or cover letter writing and obtain guidance about your career path.
There are lots of other people at the university so try to learn about them. Then someday when they run out of paper towels in the washroom you’ll know to whom to complain!
Chapter 2 Summary
1.Take time to look over Canada’s universities and select one that is recognized for its specialization in your area of interest.
2.The most useful sources of information on Canadian universities are university calendars, websites, brochures and university student recruitment nights held by some high schools.
3.The university calendar is your academic bible and complete information guide—use it!
4.Select your courses wisely to produce a balanced program that provides the proper credits at the proper time for your degree requirements. Extension courses can be used to make up deficiencies.
5.In Canada, admission to university depends mainly on your high school grades; however, other criteria may also be evaluated.
6.Lectures are the most common form of communicating information at university, but they can vary greatly in format.
7.The registrar’s office has everything you need to know about your academic program. It provides counselling, details about courses, admission requirements and registration procedures, job possibilities and job placement opportunities, scholarships and awards and much, much more.
8.Learn how to use the library. It will be invaluable to you in your quest for good grades.
9.The university is a complex institution. It does more than just teach. Learn something about its organization—it may come in handy.
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