Laura Mitchell brings both experience as a professor and expertise in student services to the position. | Photo by Concordia University
“Laura will be front and centre in ensuring that Concordia students have access to the very best resources to positively influence outcomes in their present and future academic and professional pursuits,” says Ostiguy.
A reorganization was initiated to coordinate existing services across campus, making them easier for students to find and to access. The new Student Success Centre offers academic support that is tailored to help students develop and enhance the skills and strategies required to succeed in math, writing and science. Career and Planning Services is now also found at this one-stop resource centre designed to help students navigate their academic and professional journey.
“As an award winner and a researcher in the scholarship of teaching and learning, Laura also has an exceptional track record and a demonstrated commitment to student services, which made her a natural fit for this role,” Ostiguy explains.
An experienced university professor and researcher, Mitchell is perfectly positioned to align the services of her unit with the University’s academic mission.
Mitchell says that she is eager to head the Student Success Centre and to work towards helping students excel in their studies at Concordia.
“Having enjoyed a great university experience, I’ve always wanted the same for my students. The Student Success Centre team is passionate about helping students acquire the knowledge and lifelong skills to achieve academic success."
She believes that Concordia offers an outstanding student experience. "The Student Success Centre is a great opportunity to improve it further," Mitchell says. "I really look forward to joining the Student Services team.”
Mitchell holds a PhD in Psychology from Glasgow Caledonian University and a Master of Science in Psychology Research Methods from the University of Strathclyde.
Most recently, she was associate professor of Psychology at Bishop’s University and a founding member of its Teaching and Learning Centre Initiative.
The role of director of the Student Success Centre was held on an interim basis by Joanne Locke since January 2015. “I would like to thank Joanne for serving as interim director during the past few months. I am grateful for her willingness to take on the role and her work in building the centre to help our students and the university,” says Ostiguy.
About the Student Success Centre
The goal of the Student Success Centre is to provide an academic support network for students from their first year through to graduation. The centre is home to several different units and partners across the university. These include services managed under the former Counselling and Development department, including Services for New Students, Student Learning Services and Career and Planning Services.
To learn more, visit the Student Success Centre online.