Photo of two students studying outside

Academic support and mentoring

At the University of Ottawa, your success and well-being are key priorities for us. Whether you wish to improve your study strategies, ask questions about a course, be better organized, adjust to university life or get answers regarding your academic progress, know that there’s a whole range of resources to assist you every step of the way, based on your needs and goals.

Available resources table

This tool will help you quickly understand which service or person to contact based on your needs: mentoring services, your faculty’s Undergraduate Studies Office, professors or the Academic Accommodations Service.

Use it as a starting point to get the help you need in a timely fashion.
 

Group of students chatting outside

Why meet with a mentor?

Mentors are fellow students who understand what you're going through. They can help you:

  • Develop strategies to approach challenging course material
  • Tackle assignments with greater confidence and clarity
  • Stay motivated and overcome procrastination
  • Manage your time and balance your workload
  • Improve your note-taking, writing, and study methods
  • Use learning technologies effectively
  • Adjust to university life and feel part of the campus community

Find the right mentoring service for you

Mentors are students who share their experience, insights and best strategies for healthy living and success on your academic path.

Whatever your goals or background, mentoring is a simple, rewarding way to build confidence, explore new approaches and develop your skills. With trained mentors there for you, you’ll advance at your own pace to achieve your goals.

Over 100 mentors are ready to support you on campus. Discover all your options! 

regional mentoring

Regional mentors

Students from different parts of Canada and the world who welcome and support you as you transition and adapt to university life.

students working

Faculty mentors

Student from your faculty who’ve taken the same courses as you. Fellow students who can help you overcome study problems through their practical experience and advice adjusted to your program.

100 university private

Writing mentors

Students trained to help you improve your writing. These fellow students help you properly understand expectations, structure your work, clearly convey information and sharpen your writing skills — without making the corrections for you.

technology and brain graphic image

Assistive technology mentors

Students who offer personalized support to help you develop effective learning strategies and be able to use assistive technologies designed for your needs.

Students working collaboratively on laptops

French Immersion mentors

Upper-year students from French Immersion stream. They'll help students in the French Immersion Stream, from admission to graduation, in making the most out of their bilingual studies.

Support beyond the classroom and accommodations

three students studying by glass helping each other

Academic accommodations

Academic accommodations give you equal access to fully participate in the learning experience, in dignity and autonomy, without barriers.

News and events

Need some inspiration or helpful tips? See our teams’ articles or the events organized by mentors, designed to help you through all the stages of university life.

Students participating in the writing retreat
Aug 12

Writing Retreat for graduate students

Looking for quiet time, support, and motivation to work on your writing project? Join our Writing Retreat and connect with fellow grad students.…

students at services fair
Sep 4 to Sep 5

Make the most of your syllabus

Need help figuring out what to do with your course syllabus? Want to start your term off strong with the right support? Drop by the front of the Acade…

Students in one-on-one meeting with mentors
Sep 25

Start strong: Build your weekly plan

Start the academic year off right! Get free, one-on-one help from a mentor to build a realistic weekly plan that includes your courses, extracurricula…

A student studying under a tree on the lawn in front of Tabaret Hall.

11 ways to stay focused (when summer is calling)

The sun is shining, your friends are making beach plans, and you’re stuck inside trying to watch lecture videos and submit assignments.

Whether yo…
overhead view and close up of three people with their hands on laptop keyboards

Students share tips for midterm success

Student writing mentors, who have lots of experience helping their peers through the Academic Help Writing Centre, share their best advice for academi…
A student sits at a table studying with a laptop.

7 ways to take your studies to the next level

Can you believe it’s 2025? Sci-fi movies like Pacific Rim, The Running Man and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (and Hot Tub Time Machine 2) were set in…