Academic support
The Academic Support program at George Brown College has been a steadfast resource for students seeking assistance with their academic rights. Although the program has undergone several name changes over the years, its core mission has remained the same: to empower students by helping them advocate for themselves and navigate obstacles within the academic environment.
2023
Activism and Advocacy
The program also embraced activism, participating in initiatives like the Day of Action, organized by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), which advocated for tuition-free education.
2022
Recent Challenges
In 2022, when the college introduced charges for e-textbooks that could total over a thousand dollars, Academic Support engaged with college board members and the Dialog newspaper to seek resolutions. Their efforts were instrumental in reversing the college’s decision and securing refunds for students.
2019
Fighting for Student Rights
In 2019, in response to the provincial government’s Students Choice Initiative, Academic Support collaborated with other groups to champion student rights.
2010
Rebranding and Broadening
In the late 2010s, the service was rebranded as Academic Support. This change reflected an expanded focus that included advocacy on broader academic issues affecting students’ educational experiences.
2000
2000s Expansion
As the years progressed, the service, known then as the Academic Appeals service, continued to assist students who felt they had been unjustly graded or disciplined. Students could visit the St. James office to discuss their concerns and seek support.
1994
Origins and Evolution
The program originated in 1994 when the Student Association established the Student Appeals policy. This initiative allowed students to contest and potentially upgrade an unsatisfactory grade, provided they had sufficient evidence to support their claim.