Spring 2023

Dear A & H Students,

We are almost at the end of the winter term, and spring is around the corner. It has been a very long winter and we are so excited to see Western University in all of its glory with the flowers blooming and trees budding. It really is a magical time on campus.

This winter seemed really long. We had several snowstorms and lots of sickness throughout the winter, but we are hoping that the sun and warmer weather will soon be here!

Spring brings with it the longer days and warmer weather, but it is also a season of such beauty and hope. We hope that as we transition to this last term, you are all feeling good and ready for exam season. Exam season can be stressful, and we are here to support you, as always. Our office hours are Monday - Friday 9:30 - noon and 1:00 - 4:00, Friday 9:30 - noon.

Please know that Western is here to support you and has many resources, including psychological counselling, and resources for stress management available. You can find lots of information here: Mental Health Support - Health & Wellness - Western University (uwo.ca) or, come chat with Carrie, our assistant during our drop-in hours and she can direct you.

As always, we are here to support you with your academic needs, and if you have questions about other services, we can help point you in the right direction!

Sincerely, 

Your Academic Counselling team,

Ben, Amanda & Carrie 

Your Academic Counselling Team are here to help!

Ben Hakala

Sr. Academic Assistant 

Education:

MA English (Western), BA English and History (Western)

Time in Academic Counselling: Since 2006.

Interests: Literature, film, modern drama, music 

Advice for Students:

Do what you love! University is a place to learn about so many new things and to find out what you're passionate about. If you're going into programs that you really love, you'll be fine. 

Amanda Green

Academic Counsellor 

Education:

MA Medieval Studies (University of Toronto), MA History (Western), BA Anthropology and History (Western)

Time in Academic

Counselling: Since 2014.

Interests: Early medieval art history, cycling, hiking.

Advice for Students:

Plan ahead! Breakdown work into small and manageable tasks and take advantage of resources at Western’s Learning, Development and Success area. Stay involved in non-academic activities that give you and mental and physical break and rejuvenate you. 

Carrie Connelly

Academic Counselling Assistant

Education:

MA Counselling Psychology (in progress) (Yorkville University), BEd, (University of Windsor), BFA (Concordia University)

Time in Academic Counselling: Since 2012.

Interests: Creative writing, psychology, running, mindfulness.

Advice for Students: 

Remember to be kind to yourself and take time to breathe and enjoy your undergraduate career, it flies by!

Sign-up for the Remind App  today to receive updates and important deadlines from your A&H Academic

Counselling Office

This can be a very stressful time, with exams and day to day demands.

Please take advantage of the resources found above when needed! In the meantime, here is a helpful little acronym to remember when you are feeling particularly stressed.

S T R E S S

S – STOP – hit the pause button and feel stability with your feet on the ground beneath you

T – Take time to breathe - allow inhalations to come in naturally and slow down exhalation to two or three counts - slow down breathing as if blowing through a straw

R – Recognize the thoughts - notice if they are contributing to experiences of stress

E – Embrace and acknowledge your emotions- name it, know feelings are like clouds, passing and that thoughts are not facts

S – Send yourself support and compassion – embrace all your parts, practice self-kindness & compassion

S – See what is needed - see the big picture from a calmer place



Academic Counselling, University College, Rm. 2230 arts@uwo.ca 

uwo.ca/arts/counselling/