Preface

What is the Well Series?

The Well Series was conceived at Sheridan College in summer 2020 in response to the sudden move from in-person to online classes at the start of the COVID pandemic. The self-directed modules live in PowerPoint and are designed to support academic success regardless of the mode of instruction (e.g. in-person, hybrid or digital learning environment.). A student focused college to the core, COVID stimulated a new urgency to support students in all learning environments. Together, we went to work to build self-directed modules that could be easily embedded in Sheridan’s learning management system, SLATE, and also accessible via Sheridan’s Student portal.

The Learn Well module, the first to be launched in the series, is accompanied by Learn Well Virtual Communities. The Virtual Communities are often aligned with Academic programs. Since 2020, all first-year students are enrolled in a Learn Well Virtual Community on SLATE led by helpful and approachable tutors and student facilitators.  Today, Sheridan’s Well Series continues as an important collaborative initiative designed to help Students succeed through a combination of self-directed modules and live interactive virtual communities. Our goal is to prepare Students for each step on their academic journey, from pre-arrival readiness, through the key transitions in their studies, and building their experience and confidence as they prepare for life after Sheridan in both their future career or on a continued educational pathway.  This Handbook provides the roadmap for designing, developing, implementing and assessing the Well Series.

Joan Sweeney Marsh, AVP, Academic and Career Learning Resources