Student growth key at St. Mary’s
The staff and faculty at St. Mary’s University believes that students learn best when they feel valued, engaged and supported.
That’s why every effort is made to set students up for success by keeping those ideals a priority.
“A strong, collaborative partnership between academic and student services underscores that student learning and development happens both inside and outside the classroom,” says Bob Hann, vicepresident of student services at the Calgary-based university that prepares students to be lifelong learners, engaged citizens and compassionate members of society.
“It leads to more successful high school to university transitions because transition and bridging programs are developed and implemented jointly by both divisions.”
He says ongoing student supports are also more integrated. An example of this is the nomination of peer mentors by faculty members.
“The peer mentors provide tutoring in all disciplines to complement in-class learning,” says Hann.
“We consistently hear from students that they learn and perform better in such an integrated and seamless learning environment.”
St. Mary’s University, at eaching and research institution, offers eight bachelor of arts degrees, a bachelor of science degree, a bachelor of education after-degree and transferable university courses in 35 academic disciplines.
Academic pursuits, however, are always encouraged in balance with character development and overall wellbeing.
“St. Mary’s University builds students’ capacity to live in a meaningful way in today’s complex world,” says Tara Hyland-Russell, vice-president academic and dean at St. Mary’s.
“In addition to subject-specific knowledge that is essential to employability, we focus on fostering core capacities of critical thinking, clear communication and insightful analysis that are flexible and adaptable to the many paths students will take throughout their lives.
“It prepares students for being citizens of the world,” adds Hyland-Russell.