SRF Student Advising Resources

St. Jerome's students walking through the quad
SRF student advising resources

SRF majors, minors and specializations

SRF offers many opportunities for students within the Faculty of Arts, and students studying in all UW Faculties, to engage in SRF learning and integrate it as part of their degree program. ÌýPlease explore the drop-down options below that overview the SRF academic plans available. Please reach-out to the SRF Advisor, John Arnou, with any questions or to enquire about adding SRF plans to your program: jarnou@uwaterloo.ca

SRF Major academic plans noted below list SRF specific plan requirements. These SRF specific requirements are combined with BA Degree level requirements which are required to be eligible to graduate:

SRF honours major

The SRF Honours major level academic plan requirements are noted below.

  • A minimum cumulative Sexualities, Relationships, and Families major average of 70%
  • A minimum overall cumulative average of 60%
  • At least eight (8) academic course units (16 courses) in SRF and SRF approved courses including:
    • SRF 101 - Introduction to Relationships and Families
    • SRF 205 - The Dark Side of Sexuality
    • SRF 207 - Parents, Children, and Family Relations
    • SRF 208 - Introduction to Systemic Therapies and Anti-Oppressive Practices
    • SRF 220 - Research Methods
    • SRF 230 - Introduction to Statistics in SMF
    • SRF 310 - Sexual and Relational Ethics
    • SRF 400 - Capstone Seminar
  • One (1) of SRF 204 - Intro to Human Sexuality, or PSYCH 236 - A Psychological Analysis of Human Sexuality
  • Two (2) of:
    • SRF 304 - Human Sexuality in Relationships
    • SRF 305 - Social Issues and Controversies in Human Sexuality
    • SRF 306 - Intimate Relationships & PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R - Interpersonal Relations (anti-requisite courses, can only complete one of)
    • SRF 307 - Conflict in Close Relationships
    • SRF 365 - Special Topics in Human Sexuality
    • SRF 366 - Special Topics in Couples, Marriages, and Family Studies
  • Five (5) additional SRF/SRF approved courses, of which two (2) must be at the 300-level or above:
    • One (1) course from the approved SRF humanities list
    • Four (4) courses from:
      • Any additional SRF courses
      • Any SRF approved courses

Course descriptions, list of SRF Approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

SMF Majors Checklist PDF

SRF 4-year general major

The SRF 4-year general major level academic plan requirements are noted below.

  • A minimum cumulative Sexualities, Relationships, and Families major average of 65%
  • A minimum overall cumulative average of 60%
  • At least eight (8) academic course units (16 courses) in SRF and SRF approved courses including:
    • SRF 101 - Introduction to Relationships and Families
    • SRF 205 - The Dark Side of Sexuality
    • SRF 207 - Parents, Children, and Family Relations
    • SRF 208 - Introduction to Systemic Therapies and Anti-Oppressive Practices
    • SRF 220 - Research Methods
    • SRF 230 - Introduction to Statistics in SRF
    • SRF 310 - Sexual and Relational Ethics
    • SRF 400 - Capstone Seminar
  • One (1) of SRF 204 - Intro to Human Sexuality or PSYCH 236 - A Psychological Analysis of Human Sexuality
  • Two (2) of:
    • SRF 304 - Human Sexuality in Relationships
    • SRF 305 - Social Issues and Controversies in Human Sexuality
    • SRF 306 - Intimate Relationships & PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R - Interpersonal Relations (anti-requisite courses, can only complete one of)
    • SRF 307 - Conflict in Close Relationships
    • SRF 365 - Special Topics in Human Sexuality
    • SRF 366 - Special Topics in Couples, Marriages, and Family Studies
  • Five (5) additional SRF/SRF approved courses, of which two (2) must be at the 300-level or above:
    • One (1) course from the approved SRF humanities list
    • Four (4) courses from:
      • Any additional SRF courses
      • Any SRF approved courses

Course descriptions, list of SRF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

SMF Majors Checklist PDF

SRF minor

The SRF minor academic plan requirements are noted below.

  • A minimum cumulative average of 65%
  • Successful completion of a minimum of four (4) academic course units (8 courses) in SRF and SRF approved courses including:
    • SRF 101 - Introduction to Relationships and Families
    • SRF 207 - Parents, Children, and Family Relations
    • SRF 310 - Sexual and Relational Ethics
  • One (1) of SRF 204 - Intro to Human Sexuality or PSYCH 236 - A Psychological Analysis of Human Sexuality
  • One (1) of:
    • SRF 304 - Human Sexuality in Relationships
    • SRF 305 - Social Issues and Controversies in Human Sexuality
    • SRF 306 - Intimate Relationships & PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R - Interpersonal Relations (anti-requisite courses, can only complete one of)
    • SRF 307 - Conflict in Close Relationships
    • SRF 365 - Special Topics in Human Sexuality
    • SRF 366 - Special Topics in Couples, Marriages, and Family Studies
  • Three (3) additional courses, of which one (1) must be at the 300-level or above:
    • One (1) course from the approved SRF humanities list
    • Two (2) courses of:
      • Any additional SRF courses
      • Any other SRF approved courses

Course descriptions, list of SRF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

SMF Minor Checklist PDF

SRF counselling specialization

The SRF Counselling Specialization plan requirements are noted below.

The Counselling Specialization is open to all students majoring in SRF in either the Honours or General level plan. This specialization is not open to SRF minor students or students in major plans other than SRF as the specialization builds off of the core SRF major curriculum. The Counselling Specialization is a great foundation for those looking to pursue further education and training in the field of counselling.

The Counselling Specialization requires successful completion of four (4) courses:

  • SRF 208 – Introduction to Systemic Therapies and Anti-Oppressive Practices
  • SRF 301 – Communication and Counselling Skills
  • SRF 308 – Couple and Family Therapy
  • SRF 309 – Sex Therapy

While SRF 208 is required for SRF majors to complete, SRF 301, SRF 308, and SRF 309 can count toward the "5 additional SRF course requirement" section of SRF major plans. The SRF Counselling Specialization can fit within the 16 required SRF major course requirements.

Course descriptions, list of SRF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

SRF human services practicum specialization

The SRF Human Services Practicum Specialization academic plan requirements are noted below.

In combination with the Honours SRF plan-level requirements listed above, students interested in pursuing the Human Services Practicum Specialization will be required to fulfill the following requirements:

A minimum SRF major average of 75%.

Successful completion of four (4) additional courses, for a total of 10.5 academic course units (20 courses) in SRF:

  • One (1) of: SRF 494, SRF 496, SRF 498 (Seminar classes)
  • One (1) additional SRF course at the 300-level
  • SRF 490 (Practicum Part 1), SRF 491 (Practicum Part 2) - each 0.75 units
    • This course involves an assigned unpaid apprenticeship in a human services setting combined with regular seminar meetings. The practicum will require 15 hours per week. Paid or volunteer positions that are obtained outside the context of this course are not eligible for credit in this course.

Course descriptions, list of SRF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

SRF research intensive specialization

The SRF Research Intensive Specialization academic plan requirements are noted below.

In combination with the Honours SRF plan-level requirements listed above, students interested in pursuing the Intensive Research Specialization will be required to fulfill the following requirements:

A minimum SRF major average of 75%.

Successful completion of four additional courses, for a total of 10.5 academic course units (20 courses) in SRF:

  • One (1) of: SRF 494, SRF 496, SRF 498 (Seminar Classes)
  • One (1) additional SRF course at the 300-level
  • SRF 499A (Thesis Part 1), SRF 499B (Thesis Part 2) - each 0.75 units
    • Under supervision of a faculty member, students normally will review literature, design a study, present a research proposal, analyze data, write a scholarly research paper, and deliver an oral presentation based on the paper

Course descriptions, list of SRF approved courses, and full academic plan regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar, and should always be utilized in conjunction with this web resource and any plan checklists.

SRF Course Enrollment

The following general information and resources are intended to support you in course selection and enrollment, including SRF specific course enrollment and scheduling information.Ìý

Course enrollment is divided into two phases:

Course selection period

  • The creation of a ‘wish-list’ of courses you would like to take in the next academic term.

Course enrollment period

  • Also known as the Add/Drop/Swap period
  • The period to modify and solidify your schedule of classes for the next term including the opportunity to add, drop, or swap courses within Quest. If you missed the course selection period, you would need to add courses and build your schedule from scratch.

Course selection resources

Course selection:

  • You can select courses anytime during the Course Selection Period (i.e., not on a first-come, first-served basis).
  • You are not enrolling in courses at this stage, rather simply submitting a ‘wish-list’ of courses. There is no instructor information or scheduling information at this stage.
  • You can also modify your requests or change your priorities at any time during the course selection period (i.e., as often as you like!). Just go back into Quest and resubmit your course selections.
  • How to generate your wish list of courses: When it's your time to select your courses, this is what you need to do (see Quest instructions for selecting courses. Note: Course selection cannot be completed on Quest mobile.):
    1. You pick your desired course.
    2. You pick your preferred campus location for that course.
    3. You set the priority order of consideration for that course.
  • Repeat steps 1-3 for as many courses as will complete your course load.

Helpful resources:

Course enrollment resources (Add/Drop Swap)

Course enrollment:

Step 1 (pre-Add/Drop/Swap period):

  • Check Quest to see when your enrollment appointment access day/time begins for the add-drop-swap enrollment period. This information will be updated in Quest one week prior to the beginning of the add-drop-swap period.
  • Review the updated including enrollment information (i.e. you can see which courses are full and which still have capacity, along with the days/times the course is scheduled)
  • If you participated in course selection, you can check your schedule in Quest to see which courses you gained enrollment in and what your current schedule looks like for the following term.

Step 2: (after your add/drop/swap enrollment appointment access opens):

  • Review and make any necessary course enrollment changes in Quest to solidify your next terms courses and schedule.
  • Didn’t gain enrollment in a course? Receive a Quest error? Need a course override? The Arts Enrollment Problems and Override Resource will help you navigate the next steps to try and secure enrollment in a course. If the course is a SRF course, please connect with the SRF Advisor for an override.
  • The timing of when you participate in the Add/Drop/Swap period matters - it is on a first-come, first-served basis (unlike the Course Selection period).
  • Keep in mind that enrollment will fluctuate during the first week of the Add/Drop/Swap period, so check the schedule of classes/quest often to see if a spot opens up in a course.

Helpful Resources:

SRF-specific course scheduling

SRF-specific course scheduling

The following scheduling and sequencing information applies to SRF core courses and is subject to change from term to term. Please consult the and Quest to confirm SRF course offerings/scheduling for a future term, and connect with the SRF Advisor if you have additional questions.

Fall term SRF course Winter term SRF courses Spring term SRF courses
  • SRF 101
  • SRF 204
  • SRF 205
  • SRF 208
  • SRF 220
  • SRF 301
  • One of: SRF 304, SRF 305, SRF 306, SRF 307, SRF 365, SRF 366, PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R
  • SRF 490
  • One of: SRF 494, 496
  • SRF 101
  • SRF 204
  • SRF 207
  • SRF 230
  • SRF 310
  • One of: SRF 304, SRF 305, SRF 306, SRF 307, SRF 365, SRF 366, PSYCH 354/PSYCH 354R
  • SRF 308 (**offered every other winter term)
  • SRF 309 (**offered every other winter term)
  • SRF 400
  • SRF 491
  • SRF 101

** Review course pre-requisites and plan to ensure seamless progression in the SRF major.

SRF student support and success

The SRF Department, St. Jerome's University, and the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ offer many resources and opportunities to support student success and wellness. Please explore the student success, wellness and advising resources below, and reach out to the SRF Advisor, John Arnou, with any questions or to connect further.

Portrait of John Arnou in front of a black background

John Arnou MEd, BA - SRF Advisor (he/him/they/them)

SH 1014A

jarnou@uwaterloo.ca

John Arnou (he/him/they/them) is the SRF Advisor and your resource and support as you navigate your undergraduate experience and SRF program. Please don’t hesitate to connect with John via email, or book an advising appointment. For Advising Appointments, you set the agenda, but we can discuss one or more of the following:ÌýÌýÌý

  • Navigating your SRF plan and requirementsÌýÌý
  • Course enrolment and overridesÌýÌý
  • Co-op and SRF practicumÌýÌý
  • Campus resources and supportsÌýÌý
  • Getting involved and volunteeringÌýÌý
  • Future planning (careers and graduate studies)ÌýÌý
  • Changing majors/minors, adding a specializationÌýÌý
  • University and Faculty of Arts policies and regulationsÌýÌý

Connecting with John Arnou, SRF Advisor, for Advising Support:ÌýÌý

  • Email John with your questions. Please include your UW Student ID in your initial email.ÌýÌýÌý
  • Book an ONLINE or IN-PERSON Advising Appointment with John via the .ÌýÌý
  • If John's office door is open, please knock and say hello – John welcomes visits and walk-in questions. ÌýÌýÌý

Student success resources

One-on-one, Peer SupportÌýÌý

  • SJU Peer Academic Leader (PAL). PALs provide peer success coaching and peer support to students across all programs. In addition, you can find the PALs hosting group study sessions and student support events across campus.ÌýÌý
  • 1-1 Peer Success Coaching - Students can meet 1-1 with an upper year student/Peer Success Coach, and work on developing and/or strengthening their academic skills (e.g., time management, note-taking, and studying etc.). This program is available to all students, in all faculties and students can book either virtual or in-person appointments.Ìý

Academic Skills, Writing Support, and Learning Resources

  • Learning Resources - Students can independently review our academic skills resources and find learning templates to help them develop their academic skills throughout the winter 2023 term.Ìý
  • Learning Skills Self-Assessment - Students can use our learning skills self-assessment, to determine their existing learning strengths and to gain insight into which skills/areas they should focus on developing.Ìý
  • - Undergrad and Grad students can sign-up to be a tutor or search for tutoring support through the Tutor Connect platform.Ìý
  • Use the tool to help you plan your time and make big assignments more manageable. Ìý
  • AccessAbility Services provides academic accommodation support to students with known or suspected disabilities/medical conditions.ÌýIf your ability to engage in academics has been impacted by a known or suspected disability/medical condition, we encourage you to connect with AccessAbility Services. You can review their website for information on Documentation information & forms and how to apply.Ìý

Exam and Test SupportÌý

  • written by learning specialists on study strategies and taking examsÌý

Wellness resources

Campus Wellness and mental health supports

  • Campus Wellness and Counselling Services offers individual one-on-one appointments to students residing in Ontario, and it is completely free for students. To book an appointment, you can call 519-888-4567 ext. 32655.Ìý
  • provides phone and video counselling appointments for students (within Ontario and many countries). They are available 24/7, 365 days at 1-833-628-5589 (see website for non-Ontario phone number).Ìý
  • Counselling Services also offers group workshops on various topics, including alleviating anxiety, motivation, and low mood. These are great to join for some additional tips and resources.ÌýÌý
  • is a volunteer peer support program for students. This is a more informal option and can be a great place to connect with other students for social and mental health support.Ìý
  • We have spiritual care-givers and chaplains at St. Jerome’s and À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ from many faiths who are available to support students on their life, faith, and spirituality journeys.ÌýÌý
  • is student-led and serves to address racism and xenophobia on campus through peer-support, education and advocacy, and community building.ÌýÌý
  • is SJU’s queer student association and provides community, education, and advocacy. You can connect with them on Instagram, X, and TikTok at @SJUPRISM, or email: sjuprism@gmail.comÌý
  • UW Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity.Ìý

Do you know of a helpful resource that isn’t listed here? Please email SMF Advisor, John Arnou, to let them know.

SMF student society

The SMF Student Society is a student-led body dedicated to representing the needs of undergraduate students enrolled in the SMF major or minor. The SMF Society aims to strengthen communication between students and faculty, build a sense of community through programs and social events, and provide resources for academic support.Ìý

We can be contacted by email atÌýuwsmfsociety@gmail.com. You can also visit us onÌýÌýorÌý!Ìý