Students are encouraged to seek academic advice and support from the SAO throughout their academic career.
SAO Drop-in Hours
SAO Drop-in hours for the 2012-2013 academic year are as follows:
Monday 9:30 – 11:00
Tuesday 14:30 – 16:00
Wednesday 11:00 – 12:30
Thursday 10:00 – 11:30
For career-related services such as discussing career opportunities or having your CV reviewed, just follow the instructions and use the contacts from the CDO website.
To discuss a leave of absence, part time studies, withdrawal, advanced standing, comité des équivalences and special students course selection or adding/dropping courses outside the regular period, please make an appointment with info [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Associate Dean Ellis).
To discuss internships and funding, exchanges and exchange course selection, mooting, transfer credits and disability issues, or to discuss your academic and personal goals, please make an appointment with info [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Assistant Dean Topsakal).
To discuss undergraduate (including joint programs) and graduate program requirements, graduation, extensions, final examinations, deferred and supplemental exams, fellowships (graduate), prizes and scholarships and transfer credits (including IUT), please make an appointment with Student Affairs Officer, %20info [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Ms. Nancy Czemmel).
To discuss B.C.L./ LL.B. program requirements, majors, minors, degree audits, alumni mentorship program and peer advising, please make an appointment with Student Affairs Consultant, %20info [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Ms. Stephanie Nowak).
Questions about the exchange program and exchange course selection may also be directed to info [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Ms. Lianne Barski).
If you are not sure who to address your enquiry or who to make an appointment with, email info [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (the SAO).
If you need to speak to someone regarding a more sensitive and private matter, please email Lianne [dot] Barski [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Ms. Lianne Barski). Ms. Barski will contact you and set up an appointment with an appropriate member of the SAO team.
Following your appointment, please take some time to complete our CDO & SAO Feedback Survey.
For more information, please info [dot] law [at] mcgill [dot] ca (contact the SAO) .
First year information
The SAO holds a series of information sessions during key points of students’ first year of studies. For 2012-2013, there are six presentations which take place in the Moot Court.
- First Year Academic Orientation (Part 1): During this information session, we will cover topics such as the two main legal traditions, the idea of transsystemic legal education, an overview of the program, what courts do and some key terms in litigation. Friday, August 31, 11:00 - 13:00
- First Year Academic Orientation (Part 2): Comment fonctionner dans un environnement nouveau, celui du droit? Cet atelier est destiné à vous fournir des conseils sur l'écoute active, la lecture, la prise de notes, les méthodes d'étude, l'écriture, le langage et le vocabulaire juridiques. Une brève présentation sur la bibliothèque complétera la séance d’information. Friday, September 7, 13:00 - 14:30
- Planning your 3, 3.5, 4 years and Meet the CDO: We will discuss how to make sure you are on track to complete the program in 3, 3.5 or 4 years. Topics will include the Winter optional 1st year course, summer courses, non-course credits, exchanges, joint degrees, Minor program, Major Concentration Programs and Honours Program in Law. CDO staff will present an overview of recruitment timelines and introduce you to your career website, myFuture. Tuesday, September 25, 13:30 - 15:00
- Préparation aux examens et gestion du stress: The SAO will explain key policies and regulations surrounding examinations and answer your questions regarding the University’s approved laptop exam software. Mercredi 14 novembre, 13:00 - 14:30
- The Post-Exam Survival Session: You have just received your first set of term results. Whether you are feeling relieved or disappointed, now is the time to reflect on your performance and plan ahead accordingly. This information session will help you critically assess your note-taking, studying and exam-taking strategies with a view to making the most of your Winter semester. Monday, January 21, 12:30 - 13:30
- Utiliser Minerva et choisir ses cours: Avant de vous lancer dans la préparation de vos examens de fin d’année, nous vous invitons à réfléchir à votre choix de cours et à votre cheminement académique et professionnel pendant votre passage à la faculté. Le fonctionnement du système d'inscription Minerva, les cours obligatoires de 2e année, les cours hors faculté et les non-law credits sont quelques sujets qui seront abordés. Lundi 11 mars, 12:30 - 13:30 Minerva presentation 2013 Degree Overview 2013
Additional advising services at McGill
Additional advising services available to students: McGill's First-Year Office, McGill's Counselling Service, McGill’s Writing Centre, McGill’s Tutoring Service and McGill's Service Point. For more information on services available, read up on Who’s Who.
McGill's Counselling Service offers various workshops to support students through their studies, from "Healthy Relationships" and "Public Speaking" to "Surviving Grad School" and a Bereavement Support Group. Visit their site for their schedule of Current workshops.