IMS Advising

Dr. Nicole Campbell (a.k.a. Dr. C) is the Director of the IMS Program.  She and Jen Chambers, BMSUE Coordinator (Interdisciplinary Studies), are available to answer questions from students in the IMS Program.  To find out why you would contact a departmental advisor as opposed to and advisor in the Academic Counselling Office, go to Counselling - Who Does What.

Below, Dr. C provides a list of frequently asked questions. Find more FAQs related to admission, course selection, graduation, etc. on the webpages specific to the Honours Specialization and Major in IMS.

If you don't find the information you're seeking below or on the Honours Specialization and Major webpages, then you can contact Dr. C. or Jen Chambers with your questions.

General FAQs


Contacting a faculty member

If you need to reach out to a faculty member, remember to check for office hours (if held) or reach out to book an appointment. Be certain that you have exhausted all other resources - ask your peers, review the course outline, etc. When visiting for office hours be sure to arrive on time, be prepared and use your appointment time wisely.

Being a successful student

  • Professional, respectful and honest are all key characteristics of a successful undergraduate student. It is reasonable to expect that third and fourth year students should know to arrive on time for class, be respectful of other's opinions, and to show integrity with course assessments.
  • Students are expected to be independent with their coursework but should not be afraid to reach out to their professors or teaching assistants for help when needed.
  • In the IMS program, we strive to provide effective feedback on your course assessments. Some of the most successful students are those that take the time to review and digest their feedback and come up with a plan to improve on future tasks.
  • Many students find there is a workload adjustment, especially in year four. To help with this, make sure you plan out your term and include all important deadlines. You could also try scheduling time to work on assignments or study for tests so that you do feel overwhelmed.

Reference Letters

Reference letters are essential for student pursing post-graduate studies. Faculty members are happy to support their students with their future goals; however, students should keep the following in mind when requesting a reference letter:
  • If you think you might need a letter from a faculty member in the future, try to get to know them early so that their letter is more specific and personable
  • Plan to provide at least 3-4 weeks’ notice to the referee
  • When sending a request, you should provide concrete examples of what you learned in your referee’s course(s), especially if some time has passed since you were one of their students
  • Provide additional documentation that will help the referee support your request
  • Try to refrain from sending reminders to the referee unless the deadline is approaching, and you have not received an update
  • Don’t forget to say thank you and update the referee on the status of your application, even if you are not successful

Addressing faculty members

Faculty members have 10+ years of post-secondary education, research and academic experience. Generally, when addressing your professors, you should address them, for example, as Dr. Campbell until you are instructed otherwise. Dr. Campbell is not Mrs. Campbell or Nicole. She is happy with Dr. C. or Dr. Campbell.

Still have Questions? 

Contact Dr. C or Jen Chambers by email: ims@uwo.ca 

See the Connect with a BMSUE Coordinator page for other ways to get in touch with Jen, including the BMSUE Question Portal.