NeuroFOCUS Program
The NeuroFOCUS program combines technology, healthy lifestyle habits and proven learning strategies.
We are increasingly bombarded with a multitude of stimuli that are constantly interfering with our ability to concentrate. The university years are no exception to this reality. In fact, university often represents a student’s first exposure to the art of juggling multiple schedules and deadlines while maintaining a healthy balance with physical and mental health.
Students must learn how to manage their time wisely, plan their sessions effectively and overcome procrastination and stress. This important period in their lives has a major impact on their mental health.
At ÉTS, the success of our students is a top priority, but above all, we want them to leave here with the conviction that they possess everything they need to achieve all of their dreams and aspirations.
Developed by members of the Student Life Office and a Kinesiologist from the ÉTS Sports Centre, the specialized NeuroFOCUS program offers two credited workshops (1 extracurricular credit each) at the undergraduate level and a series of non-credited workshops adapted to the graduate and post-graduate levels.
Optimal Study Strategies (ATE075)
Improve your learning strategies and work methods by adopting the latest techniques related to planning, organization and time management. You will increase your efficiency and develop an optimal work structure!
One-credit extracurricular course:
- Twelve sessions focusing on five themes, alternating between theoretical and practical work
- A period of physical activity at the beginning of each session
- Follow-up and guidance offered by a designated Advisor (upon request)
- Plenary and group discussion periods
Course structure:
- 90 minutes of physical activity with a Kinesiologist at the ÉTS Sports Centre (gymnasium and training room)
- 30-minute break to change in the locker room and travel for the workshop segment
- 15 minutes of meditation
- 75-minute themed workshops
Themes:
- Planning and organization
- Note taking
- Procrastination
- Memorization techniques
- Preparing for exams
To optimize your experience, you can also register for course ATE085 (NeuroFOCUS: Life-Study Balance). The two courses are independent but complementary. You can choose to take one or the other, or both.
Please note that you can earn one extracurricular credit for this course, and the cost is that of a one-credit course. For more information, consult the page entitled Cost of Studies or contact us.
Life-Study Balance (ATE085)
Adopting strategies aimed at maintaining a healthy balance throughout your studies involves managing your stress and motivation levels, applying the skills required for working as part of a team and prioritizing adequate sleep and proper nutrition!
One-credit extracurricular course:
- Twelve sessions focusing on five themes, alternating between theoretical and practical work
- A period of physical activity at the beginning of each session
- Follow-up and guidance offered by a designated Advisor (upon request)
- Plenary and group discussion periods
Course structure:
- 90 minutes of physical activity with a Kinesiologist at the ÉTS Sports Centre (gymnasium and training room)
- 30-minute break to change in the locker room and travel for the workshop segment
- 15 minutes of meditation
- 75-minute themed workshops
Themes:
- Stress management
- Motivation
- Teamwork
- Sleep
- Nutrition
To optimize your experience, you can also register for course ATE075 (NeuroFOCUS: Optimal Study Strategies). The two courses are independent but complementary. You can choose to take one or the other, or both.
Please note that you can earn one extracurricular credit for this course, and the cost is that of a one-credit course. For more information, consult the page entitled Cost of Studies or contact us via the Info-ÉTS form.
NeuroFOCUS at the graduate and post-graduate levels
At the graduate and post-graduate levels, the NeuroFOCUS program takes into account the specific conditions and challenges facing graduate and post-graduate students. Once a week, for a duration of ten weeks, this free program aims to break the isolation that often occurs during graduate studies and to make your academic journey as balanced and effective as possible by combining three structured activities as follows:
- 1 hour and 30 minutes of physical activity, designed to help you adopt and maintain a more active lifestyle for both physical and mental health benefits. This activity, led by a kinesiologist from the Sports Center, is adapted to all fitness levels and aims to help you reconnect with the joy of movement.
- 30 minutes break before transitioning to the next activity.
- 10 to 15 minutes of guided meditation to optimize your cognitive abilities: learning to create a mental space that enhances receptiveness, focus, and attention span.
1 hour and 15 minutes of group discussion workshops focusing on the various demands of graduate studies in order to find effective work methods and strategies to improve your personal approach and foster academic success. The workshops are guided by a learning support advisor, but you will be the main participants in the discussions!Here's a sample of the topics that may be covered:
- Time management and prioritization
- Stress management
- Financial concerns
- Performance anxiety and perfectionism
- Procrastination and self-discipline
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of motivation and loss of purpose
- Life balance and well-being (sleep, leisure, substance use, etc.)
- Intercultural skills
- Challenges related to balancing work, family, and studies
- Knowledge of academic writing
- Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Any other topic of interest suggested by the group
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to participate in the group on the proposed dates, please note that the program is offered every semester.
This program is primarily offered in French, but English-speaking participants are welcome. If you feel more comfortable asking questions and participating in English, don’t hesitate, we are here to support your understanding and engagement.