BComm Academic Success Program

The BComm Academic Success program provides free academic support and resources for undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Commerce program in the Sobey School of Business. The academic success programming strives to provide BComm students with a safe and inclusive environment to access free sessions and to build on and improve learning and academic confidence and skills.

Students can expect the following support offered by the Academic Success program:

• BComm Peer Academic Support (PAS) Program. Offered by students, for students.
  • Free extra help sessions for courses in the BComm Program.
  • Learn more about the PAS Program. 
  • Access to flexible extra help sessions for many online and on-campus BComm core courses.
• Free resources on academic wellness, time management, study skills, and more.
• BComm Core Course  and Academic Success information, tools, and resources. 
• Academic Success sessions provide information on how to succeed. 

What courses can I get support for?

Currently, the BComm courses where support is offered include:

• ACCT 2241 - Introductory Financial Accounting (Fall 2024)
• ACCT 2242 - Introductory Managerial Accounting
• CISY 1225 - Introduction to Computer Applications (Fall 2024)
• ECON 1201 - Principles of Microeconomics
• ECON 1202 - Principles of Macroeconomics
• MGSC 1205 - Quantitative Methods I (Fall 2024)
• MGSC 2207 - Introductory Statistics (Fall 2024)
• FINA 2360 - Business Finance I
• FINA 3361 - Business Finance II

PAS Program Schedule?

The PAS program schedule takes place every week and can be found on the BComm Academic Success Program Brightspace or at the following link. 

Fall 2024 schedule coming soon. 

How do I access more information about the PAS Program?

A Brightspace course has been created to support the BComm PAS Program. All online sessions will be accessed through Zoom on Brightspace. The PAS Program is available for anyone to self-register through the Discover heading on the SMU Brightspace homepage. Follow these instructions to register for an open course.

How can the PAS Program help me?

• For you. This program is designed for BComm students by the BComm program.
• Organize study time. It builds in consistent study time in your schedule.
• Learn from other BComm students. Other students help you and have been where you are. 
• Network and meet new people. It is an opportunity to meet other BComm students, make those connections, and network. 
• Succeed in your courses. It can help you understand challenging concepts, work on practice problems and reach your goal grade in a course.
• It's free! This program is provided to BComm students at no additional cost. 

What will I find on the BComm Academic Success Program Brightspace?

Students will find the following on Brightspace:

• PAS Program Information
• PAS Schedules
• Links to Zoom Meetings for each course throughout the week. These can be found in the upcoming events or Zoom heading on the menu.
• BComm Core Course Resources such as videos and other supplementary information
• Peer Academic Leader Profiles
• BComm Academic Success Sessions
• BComm Academic Success Student Resources
• Resources for academic and personal support at SMU.

How do I become a Peer Academic Leader?

About the role:

Peer Academic Leaders provide academic support to undergraduate students in various formats, including guided Peer Academic Study Sessions and drop-in one-on-one academic support offered via Study Halls. 

As a Peer Academic Leader, you will work with students to increase their confidence and comprehension of important course concepts and help enhance student learning by modelling good study habits and encouraging students to learn from each other. Some examples of providing academic support include assignment review, practice problems, problem-solving strategies, test preparation, and encouraging independent learning.

Peer Academic Leader positions are merit-based, and students are compensated for their time and effort via an hourly wage. Peer Academic Leaders are expected to work, on average, four hours a week with some time required to prepare for group study sessions. Training will be provided for Peer Academic Leaders to help them understand the role, how to use the technology required, and how to interact with students.  

Why become a Peer Academic Leader?

Becoming a Peer Academic Leader in the BComm program can provide students with the opportunity to: 

• Support a positive teaching and learning experience for your peers.
• Receive training in student leadership and peer support. 
• Develop and enhance your leadership skills and grow your CV. 
• Support and participate in the Sobey School of Business community. 
• Apply your skills and knowledge in a learning environment. 
• Engage with faculty and professional staff in a meaningful way.

Am I qualified?

Peer Academic Leader positions are typically assigned to current undergraduate students within the program.  They will need to have completed and normally achieved a minimum grade of A- in the courses they assist and have an overall CGPA of 3.50 or higher.

How to apply:

Students will be contacted directly by the BComm Advising Office. 

*Applying does not guarantee a Peer Academic Leader position. Successful candidates will be contacted.  Applicants will need to use their Saint Mary’s University email to apply.

BComm Peer Academic Leader Community Website

Current Peer Academic Leaders have access to an internal website dedicated to providing access to content and resources to assist them in their roles. 

PALs can access the website here.

Have a question or concern?

Email:  bcomm.advising@smu.ca