Exploratory Advising
Exploratory advisors are academic specialists who can help you explore degree programs to meet your unique needs and interests.
Whether you book a one-on-one appointment or attend a workshop, our advisors will help you maximize your academic potential.
Ways to Connect with Us:
Booked appointment (45 mins)
Visit elevate.ucalgary.ca to schedule an online or in-person appointment.
Please book by appointment type as outlined below.
Drop-in appointment (20 mins)
To help support more urgent requests we are offering drop-in appointments on the following days:
- Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 1-3:30pm
- Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 1-3:30pm
- Tuesday, Sept 12, from 1-3:30pm
- Wednesday Sept 13, from 1-3:30pm
Check in with the Student Success Centre front desk (3rd Floor, Taylor Family Digital Library) or our virtual front desk to join the drop-in queue. These appointments are shorter, first-come, first-serve, and limited each day. If your needs are not as urgent and/or you would prefer a lengthier appointment, we recommend booking an appointment with us.
Exploratory and Open Studies Workshops (60-90 mins)
Workshops are a great way to get started with us and get many of your questions answered. We offer all of our workshops regularly, in both in-person and online formats. Learn more about our workshops and register for one today!
Book with an Exploratory Advisor
Log in and use our Elevate portal to book an appointment with an advisor or sign up for a workshop.
Learn how to book an appointment (PDF)
Learn how to register for a workshop (PDF)
Contact Information
Deirdre Mooney
Academic Advisor
success@ucalgary.ca
Daniel Birch
Academic Advisor
success@ucalgary.ca
Iraida Gutsalyuk
Academic Advisor
success@ucalgary.ca
Exploratory Resources
Please find below some resources to help with the Exploratory/Choosing a Major decision making process.
What type of exploratory appointment should I book?
These appointments are open two weeks in advance and are removed from the calendar once booked. We are currently offering online or phone appointments. Prospective students can request an appointment by emailing success@ucalgary.ca
Helpful articles
How to Choose a Major: Reflect and Connect
Better understand yourself to aid in choosing your degree program.
How to Choose a Major: Information and Options
Learn how to gather information about potential degree program options.
How to Choose a Major: Change of Program Process
Learn key information before submitting a Change of Program application.
Meet your Exploratory Advisors
Deirdre holds a Masters of Education, specializing in Adult Learning and Higher Education, and bachelor degrees in General Studies and Education from the University of Calgary. Prior to working in post-secondary student services, Deirdre was a secondary school teacher who taught Social Studies in both Calgary and Germany. In her current role, Deirdre supports prospective, Open Studies and current undergraduate degree students in choosing an educational pathway that fits their motivators, personality traits, interests, and academic backgrounds. Once admitted to the University, Deirdre also provides registration assistance for incoming first-year and Open Studies students. Passionate about educational planning and career development, Deirdre is committed to facilitating students’ smooth and positive transitions into degree programs. Good days for Deirdre include a combination of helping students, yoga, squash or long walks, and great vegan food!
Dan is an Academic Advisor for Exploratory, Prospective, and Open Studies students and joined the Student Success Centre after working for several years in Admissions and Recruitment and as an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts. He attended the University of Guelph-Humber where he completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College. Dan enjoys talking to students about their interests and helping them find a degree program that suits them and will allow them to pursue their passion and reach their goals. He also thrives on helping students understand the pathway and requirements to be admissible to their program of interest. Outside of work Dan is a very active person and spends his spare time running, playing sports with friends, and hiking and camping in the mountains.
Iraida has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelors Degree in International Relations from KIMEP University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Iraida has over 10 years experience in the Academic Advising field. In her current role, Iraida assists exploratory continuing degree students, prospective students and Open Studies students in their transition to degree programs that are a best fit with their academic interests, strengths, abilities and goals. Iraida is passionate about helping students to find their way and to succeed.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling with her family and baking for her friends.