Support

The Student Life department exists to support every student in being healthy and successful during their time as a student.

With the new education model of various studying options, students will have access to live opportunities both online and in different geographical locations. This ensures strong support for those studying at the Mississauga campus, in Church Hubs, or on their own.

Eldon Wright
Eldon Wright

Dean of Students
+1 (800) 295-6368 Ext. 226
eldon.wright@mcs.edu

College Student Handbook

Accessible Learning Services & Accommodations

MCS is committed to providing safe and inclusive learning environments which equalize the opportunity for students with disabilities to meet the requirements of the institution, program, and courses. The application for Academic Accommodations begins with a student electing to disclose a medical diagnosis or professionally documented learning disability. The Student Handbook outlines the application process in further detail.

Guiding Principles

The process to determine reasonable accommodations is collaborative, whereby the student and the institution engage as partners in the ongoing analysis of student learning strengths and needs and the availability of support methods and tools.

Three guiding principles govern the types of Academic Accommodations available at MCS:

  1. Accommodations must be such that they are accessible by any qualifying student.
  2. Accommodations shall not alter the learning outcomes required for successful program or course completion. (e.g. Course outcomes may not be modified at the post-secondary level.)
  3. Permanent accommodations may be offered following review of professional documentation or diagnosis. Interim accommodations may be offered to a student awaiting documentation. Temporary accommodations may be offered when a student discloses a short-term emotional, or physical situation which affects regular learning abilities.

*MCS takes appropriate care to ensure confidentiality of all conversations and disclosed documentation including restricted access to paper and e-document storage. Accommodation Letters shared with Faculty will only list academic supports and accommodations and will not disclose medical diagnoses or details of disabilities. Disclosure to faculty of medical information is at the sole discretion of the student.

Diagnoses which may be considered for Academic Accommodations:

  • Attention Deficit Disorder (Inattentive or Hyperactive)
  • Learning Disability (e.g. Writing, Reading, Processing Speed, Short Term Memory)
  • Mental Health Diagnosis (e.g. Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Visual Impairment
  • Medical Disability (e.g. acute brain injury, chronic health condition)
  • Mobility Limitations

Reasonable accommodations and services may include:

  • 1.5 x time for quizzes, tests, and exams
  • Additional consideration for extension requests
  • Priority access to Academic Coaching
  • Quiet or private space for exams
  • Allowance of reader, scribe, or assistive software
  • Reduced course load
  • Frequent breaks
  • Access to Video on Demand
  • Support animals will be considered on a case-by-case basis with professional documentation of student needs and animal training

For more information, contact Wendy Holmes, Director of Academic Success, at wendy.holmes@mcs.edu.

Academic Success

Peer Mentoring

Peer Mentors walk alongside first-time MCS and Horizon College students as they begin their journey of post-secondary education, helping them to see this endeavour as discipleship. Peer Mentors serve as a source of academic help by connecting first-time students with important college resources and encouraging them to focus on their academic goals, study habits, strengths, and needs. This process intentionally starts by coaching first-time students through one focused assignment, the Literature Search Report (G144 Personal and Christian Life Management). Additionally, Peer Mentors are a source of encouragement and inspiration to first-time students. They model and encourage study as a spiritual discipline, help students to see God at work in their studies, and offer support through prayer.

Peer Mentors offer weekly or bi-weekly 15-minute sessions, along with a mandatory 30-minute meeting for first-time students registered in G144 Personal and Christian Life Management. You will be introduced to your Peer Mentor by email during the first week of school.

Academic Coaching

Academic success at MCS and Horizon is supported in a variety of ways. The Director of Academic Success (MCS) is available to assist students in assessing their academic performance, skills, habits, and goals. Academic Coaching provides guidance, training, encouragement, and support in accessing resources. Identified staff and faculty may refer students for Academic Coaching appointments. In addition, all students are welcome to book a drop-in consultation directly with the Director of Academic Success a limited number of sessions are available per week).

Wendy Holmes
Wendy Holmes

Director of the Academic Success Centre
+1 (800) 295-6368 Ext. 247
wendy.holmes@mcs.edu

Student Leadership

MCS greatly values student voices in the overall institution and involvement in the student community. This looks different and unique in the new diversified model of education throughout eastern Canada.

Student Leaders work with the Dean of Students to build and strengthen the connection of students across geographical distances for personal connection, encouragement and prayer support. Student leadership roles give students opportunities to learn and implement practical concepts taught in the classroom, while practicing skills of administration, leadership, planning and programming.  Student involvement at MCS also provides opportunities to connect with and be mentored by faculty and staff, who will be your greatest supporters.

The Organization of Student Leadership

Each church hub will have one student representative.

One student leadership representative will oversee students in each of the MCS 10+ regions from Alberta to Newfoundland.

A small group of student leaders, working with the Dean of Students and Student Life Department to administrate and plan student connection and events as well as provide the voice of students to the college administration.

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual formation is an important value at MCS, and healthy spiritual development includes personal devotional time with God as well as in community with other believers. In addition to your own personal spiritual disciplines and practices, you’ll also have opportunities to meet in small groups as part of your Ministry Formation course, in Church Hubs and at the Mississauga campus.

To give opportunity for spiritual life opportunities to be shared across the MCS community, scheduled Chapel services will be held at and live-streamed from the Mississauga campus as well as times when Church Hubs within a geographic region gather for a shared chapel / activity.

Student Wellness

The Student Life Department supports the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of our students.

We recognize that at times there may be issues that arise in our lives that need to be processed. Our process for supporting student wellness is within a warm, non-judgmental environment that is easy to access, regardless of the circumstances.

Students within Church Hubs may access the support and help they require at their Church Hub. When that is not a feasible option, the Dean of Students will help students obtain the support needed. Our goal is to provide students with a toolbox of resources that they can use to help them continue on their journey of spiritual, emotional and physical health.

Christian college students Canada