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Academic Advising for Humanities, Science & Social Sciences

Info for Indigenous students

Working with an academic adviser while you navigate your academic journey can help you feel more informed and confident in the decisions you make. Advisers can help you find useful resources and identify your next steps to complete your UVic degree.

Appointments

Additional appointments are offered for Indigenous undergraduate students in the Faculties of Humanities, Science and Social Sciences. Appointments are approximately 20–30 minutes long and are offered at the Academic Advising Centre in person, over the phone, or through Microsoft Teams.

To book an appointment with an academic adviser, please

Jennifer and Melana also offer drop-in advising appointments in the First Peoples House (FPH), Room 128.  Please consult the schedule for dates and times in First Peoples House.

For more information, please email Academic Advising.

Advisers

Profile image of Melana

Melana

My name is Melana Mar, and I was also given the Chinese name Mui Ling. As a first-generation Chinese-Canadian and as an uninvited settler, I was born and raised on lək̓ʷəŋən territory. I have worked in a variety of student service roles over the past 25+ years at UVic because I place great value on education and helping students build a positive experience on campus. As Manager, Academic Advising (Humanities, Science and Social Sciences) I am happy to help you with tools like academic information and context and continue to build relationships with our students and colleagues through the First Peoples House. Sometimes our academic journey takes us on a few side paths that can lead to deeper understanding about ourselves. I look forward to meeting you, listening and helping you see what your options are.

Profile image of Jennifer

Jennifer

I am Jennifer, an academic adviser at UVIC. I am pleased to introduce myself to you. As an adviser, I can offer you academic guidance and support when asked to do so. I can help you navigate the academic puzzles, listen to your dreams and hopes and aspirations, and guide you in the course and program direction of your choosing. The academic journey is not always intuitive. I would be honoured if you would trust me to assist you anytime you have questions.

My family background is Irish and English; my great grandparents were uninvited settlers to Canada. I was born in the unceded Traditional Territory of K'ómoks First Nation. My family lived there, and, also here in W̱SÁNEĆ in what is currently known as Central Saanich.

I have had the privilege and honour of being invited to and included in a variety of Indigenous cultural teachings, ceremonial sweats, drumming circles, healing circles and feasts developing lifelong friendships across Canada. While I am not Indigenous to your land, I hope this tells you that I am a tiny bit connected with culture and community and the deep meaning it carries into each of our lives. While you are on your academic path, I trust you to make your best decisions and will help you access the academic information to do so. My Auntie taught me that life’s path is not always straight, but with support, resilience, wisdom and encouragement we can get there… in our own time... in our own way. I am excited to assist you and look forward to your sharing your path with me.