My young adult is having some of the typical transition issues in the first semester at McGill. We encouraged him to see a freshman counselor to talk through some of the issues and doubts he is having about the choice he made (going from a tiny high school to a behemoth university). The freshman college life adviser at orientation gave a good talk about how many resources were available to our kids and how McGill would “take care of them.” She even cried during the presentation (to the consternation of some parents). So here’s the rub: our child went to the counseling center to sign up to talk to somebody. They told him the first available appointment was ONE MONTH away. I don’t want to compromise privacy but I am sorely tempted to call that crying woman and say, “If you care enough to cry, get the freshmen some more counselors!”
One month is way too long. Can he see a counselor in the community? But I’d definitely make a stink about this with the school.
McGill is an academically strong and demanding school with a well deserved strong reputation. It is however big and I have heard that it can be bureaucratic. I think that you have pointed out an advantage of smaller schools (of which there are many in the US, and a few very good ones in Canada).
I think you should call the lady from orientation and get her engaged. May also be worth a parent call to the counseling center as they must have resources to work more serious issues.
@DowntownMom Check on the McGill Parents or McGill International Parents Facebook pages. I recall there being a discussion a while ago in one of them about how to speed up that process.
Also, have your son/daughter check in with their floor fellow (if these are typical transition issues). My son (a U0 living in Molson) said his floor fellow has been really helpful.
The resources are there at McGill…you just have to fight a little harder to access them.