Academic and Cultural Support Program (ACSP)

The ACSP can provide assistance to any UVic Law student.

Academic and Cultural Support Program

The Academic and Cultural Support Program (ACSP) was created to provide assistance and guidance to students who are admitted to UVic Law in either the Special Access category or the Aboriginal category. Up to 25 such students come to UVic Law every year from a variety of communities and educational backgrounds and they may have unique circumstances that influenced their decision to study law. The ACSP promotes a welcoming and supportive learning environment that helps all students adjust to the rigorous demands of law school.

Generally, the ACSP operates by responding to student requests for assistance. However, there is also a more formal component that presents workshops throughout the academic year, such as Orientation to the Program, Study Skills, Scheduling and Time Management, Exam Preparation, and Coping with Stress and Anxiety. Every spring, additional workshops deal with exam preparation, case briefing and substantive reviews. Invitations to the workshops are sent to all students admitted through the Special Admissions process, but attendance is completely voluntary.

Another important ACSP resource is the student tutoring program. Two upper-year students are hired each September to work with the ACSP and run numerous academic and cultural support activities, such as peer advising, tutoring and other forms of assistance as needed. These two students contribute their enthusiasm and creativity and they are a vital part of the ongoing development and vitality of the program. Tutoring is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and it is free for students who have been admitted in the Special Access category or the Aboriginal category.

Maxine Matilpi is the Director of the Academic and Cultural Support Program.