What is ASPIRE?
Academic Supports Promoting Independence, Resilience and Empowerment (ASPIRE) is a fun and engaging program for students that will empower you to be an independent and active learner.
How can it help me?
ASPIRE helps you develop strategies for success, including keeping up with coursework, remembering course content and balancing school, work, and life. You'll gain essential study skills that make managing your courses easier, improve how you study, and achieve good grades. Some of the topics students will learn include:
- Identifying barriers to success
- Dealing with academic challenges
- Understanding academic strengths and weaknesses
- Time management and procrastination
- Reading comprehension and note taking
- Test preparation and test taking strategies
- Active learning strategies
How do I know if ASPIRE is right for me?
If your academic standing is Conditional, Probation, or Suspension, ASPIRE is the right place for you. Our support programs are tailored to your academic standing and designed to help you get back on track.
These programs focus on helping students build strong study habits and practical strategies to achieve your academic goals. Students will learn more about their academic status and the steps necessary to return to good academic standing. They will also have an opportunity to connect with Learning Strategists, Success Advisors and other college resources to support their success.
Below is a brief description of each program.
ASPIRE Lite
The ASPIRE Lite program is for students on Conditional standing. It is a free asynchronous online program that will allow students to do a self-assessment, complete interactive modules, create an action plan, and engage in self-reflection. This early intervention program provides students with strategies and support to help them avoid academic probation and achieve good academic standing.
ASPIRE Engage
The ASPIRE Engage program is for students on Acadmic Probation. Similar to the ASPIRE Lite program, ASPIRE Engage is a free asynchronous online program that offers a more comprehensive learning experience to support the additional challenges associated with academic probation. The program includes self-assessments, interactive modules, discussion posts, surveys, and relfective activities. Through participation, students develop the skills and strategies needed to avoid academic suspension.
ASPIRE+
The ASPIRE+ program is for students on Academic Suspension. It is a free, 10-week, in-person program with weekly classes offered at Progress Campus on Tuesdays and Ashtonbee Campus on Wednesdays. The program begins in Week 3 and requires a 4-hour weekly commitment from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
ASPIRE+ takes a deeper look at how learning works and equips students with practical strategies they can use effectively in both their academic studies and everyday life. Students will engage in group discussion, interactive games, online modules, case studies, reflective activities and so much more! In addition, this program includes guest speakers and lunch & learns that will address topics like financial literacy and exploring whether you are in the right program.
How can I register?
ASPIRE Lite & ASPIRE Engage Programs
Students who are on Conditional or Academic Probation do not need to register for this program. They will be automatically uploaded and will have access to the course shell that aligns with their academic standing on Luminate.
To learn more about how these programs work, students can attend an information session at any of the dates and times below.
Week 2
- Tuesday, January 20: 12:30 - 1:30 pm (In-person)
- Wednesday, January 21: 5:00 - 6:00 pm (Online - Click here to attend)
- Thursday, January 22: 3:30 - 4:30 pm (In-person)
Week 3
- Monday, January 26: 12:00 - 1:00 pm (Online - Click here to attend)
- Thursday, January 29: 11:30 - 12:30 pm (In-person)
Locations for In-Person Sessions
All in-person sessions wll be held simultaneously in the Library & Learning Centre at the campuses listed below. Students may attend drop-in sessions at any location at the times indicated above.
- Progress (Room L2-06)
- Ashtonbee (Room L2-04)
- Morningside (Room 180A)
- Downsview (Room 108)
ASPIRE+ Program
Students on Academic Suspension are required to register for this in-person program.
Click here to register for the ASPIRE+ program.
ASPIRE+ FAQs:
Will I have to pay to attend ASPIRE?
No. Participating in the program is FREE.
Who delivers the ASPIRE program?
The ASPIRE+ program is delivered and supported by a team of learning professionals at Centennial College in the Student Community and Engagement department, and the Library and Learning Centre.
What are the expectations if I participate in this program?
All participants are expected to engage in all required learning activities, which may include assignments, reflections, surveys, and assessments. ASPIRE+ students are also expected to attend all classes and Lunch & Learn sessions.
If I'm on suspension, will my suspension be released if I participate in ASPIRE+?
Re-admission into programs is generally granted (though not guaranteed) after two semesters of suspension, based on requirements to meet with a Success Advisor and complete an Application for Re-Admit or Transfer. However, some programs may release students from suspension early upon successful completion of the ASPIRE+ program. Please reach out to your school for more information.