Academic Learning Centre Workshops
Looking for ways to be successful this term? Study smarter, not harder! Attend one of our sessions where you’ll learn practical strategies that you can put into action right away. We’ll introduce you to proven approaches that will help you to:
- Improve time management and avoid procrastination
- More easily read and understand textbooks
- Take good notes and study more effectively
- Write academic papers and use source material properly
- Prepare for tests and exams
On this page:
Academic Skills Winter Workshops
Please register to attend!
Creating a Study Schedule
Wednesday, January 14, 2026; 2 PM - 3 PM | Room 106 Drake Centre
Want to create a sustainable study routine? This workshop offers tools that will help you feel in-tune with your academic schedule and course material early-on.
Click here to register
Getting Started on your Academic Writing
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 2 PM - 3 PM | Room 106 Drake Centre
Not sure where to begin? This workshop will guide you through understanding assignments, generating ideas, and planning your writing.
Preparing for Midterms
Wednesday, January 28, 2026; 2 PM - 3 PM | Room 106 Drake Centre
Want to feel confident going into midterms? This workshop discusses research-backed study strategies that will help you make the most of your preparation time.
Finding, Evaluating, and Citing Academic Sources
Wednesday, February 11, 2026; 2 PM - 3 PM | Online via Zoom
Learn how and where to look for sources. This workshop provides a structured approach to the research process and gives an introductory overview of the ways students can use library resources to help them through the process.
Click here to register
Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence
Wednesday, February 25, 2026; 2 PM - 3 PM | Room 106 Drake Centre
Learn to make good choices about using generative Artificial Intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, QuillBot, Google Gemini, DALL·E, etc), while also following UM academic integrity policies. This workshop is aimed at undergraduate students.
Integrating Sources: Quoting, Paraphrasing and Summarizing
Wednesday, March 4, 2026; 2 PM - 3 PM | Room 106 Drake Centre
This workshop will cover how to integrate quotations effectively, when to paraphrase or summarize, and how to paraphrase correctly. The focus of this workshop will be on how to paraphrase, and time will be spent creating a paraphrase together.
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Wednesday, March 18, 2026; 2 PM - 3 PM | Room 106 Drake Centre
The best writers write multiple drafts! This workshop provides strategies for moving from rough drafts to clear, compelling academic writing through effective revision, editing, and proofreading techniques.
Preparing for Finals
Wednesday, April 1, 2026; 2 PM - 3 PM | Room 106 Drake Centre
Want to make the most of your time as you prepare for finals? This workshop will discuss mindset and strategies that will help you end the semester well.
Academic Skills Fall Workshops
Fall 2026 workshops coming soon!
Creating a Study Schedule
Thursday, September 11, 2025; 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM | Tier Building Room 213
Want to create a sustainable study routine? This workshop offers tools that will help you feel in-tune with your academic schedule and course material early-on.
Preparing for Midterms
Thursday, October 2, 2025; 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM | Tier Building Room 213
Want to feel confident going into midterms? This workshop discusses research-backed study strategies that will help you make the most of your preparation time.
Finding, Evaluating, and Citing Academic Sources
Wednesday, October 8, 2025; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Online
Learn how and where to look for sources. This workshop provides a structured approach to the research process and gives an introductory overview of the ways students can use library resources to help them through the process.
Academic Writing Strategies for Success
Thursday, October 9, 2025; 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Tier Building Room 213
Learn how to understand assignments, organize your ideas, and write clearly and confidently. This workshop covers the basics of academic writing to help you succeed in university-level coursework. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their writing skills at any stage.
Integrating Sources: Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
Thursday, October 16, 2025; 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Tier Building Room 213
This workshop will cover how to integrate quotations effectively, when to paraphrase or summarize, and how to paraphrase correctly. The focus of this workshop will be on how to paraphrase, and time will be spent creating a paraphrase together.
Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence
Thursday, October 23, 2025; 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Tier Building Room 213
Learn to make good choices about using generative Artificial Intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, QuillBot, Google Gemini, DALL·E, etc.), while also following UM academic integrity policies. This workshop is aimed at undergraduate students.
Academic Reading
Thursday, October 30, 2025; 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM | Tier Building Room 213
Wondering how to keep-up with readings? This workshop offers practical strategies for reading efficiently, managing large volumes of material, and retaining key information.
Preventing Procrastination
Thursday, November 6, 2025; 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM | Tier Building Room 213
Struggling to start or stay focused? This workshop discusses how to build motivation, manage time, and maintain momentum in your academic work.
Preparing for Finals
Thursday, December 4, 2025; 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM | Tier Building Room 213
Want to make the most of your time as you prepare for finals? This workshop will discuss mindset and strategies that will help you end the semester well.
Write Right Workshop
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Room 302 Tier Building
Join our Writing Bootcamp and improve your citing & referencing skills!
Students who attend this small, one-day writing bootcamp will learn how to properly integrate sources through handwritten assignments and guided assessments.
Click to register.
English, Theatre, Film & Media Writing Workshops
Winter 2026 Writing Workshop Series
Approaching the Assignment
Are you having difficulties starting your first assignment? In this workshop, you will learn how to effectively read assignment guidelines and identify key information to help you get started. This 45-minute workshop will be in-person on February 4 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in 627 Fletcher Argue and online on February 4 from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. on UM Zoom.
For the online workshop, see the registration link below.
We hope to see you there!
Meeting ID: 634 1282 6550
Passcode: 618330
The Body Paragraph
Having trouble with paragraphs? Do you want to write strong and convincing paragraphs? In this workshop, you will learn how to construct a body paragraph, how to integrate evidence, and how to write strong topic sentences. This 45-minute workshop will be in-person on February 11 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in 627 Fletcher Argue and online on February 11 from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. on UM Zoom.
For the online workshop, see the registration link below.
We hope to see you there!
Meeting ID: 676 7426 8603
Passcode: 027714
Intros and Conclusions
Starting and finishing an essay can feel like the hardest part. In this workshop, you will learn how to write strong introductions and conclusions by discussing common mistakes and interactive activities. This 45-minute workshop will be in-person on February 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in 627 Fletcher Argue and online on February 25 from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. on UM Zoom.
For the online workshop, see the registration link below.
We hope to see you there!
Meeting ID: 640 5797 6562
Passcode: 201861
Writing Effective Sentences
Making sure your argument and ideas are clear is the most important part of writing in university. In this workshop, you will learn how to identify and fix common grammar errors to help you write clear sentences. This 45-minute workshop will be in-person on March 4 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in 627 Fletcher Argue and online on March 4 from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. on UM Zoom.
For the online workshop, see the registration link below.
We hope to see you there!
Meeting ID: 699 5367 3157
Passcode: 570521
Using Feedback for Growth
Getting feedback can be scary. But feedback is an essential tool to help you improve as a writer. In this workshop, you will learn what feedback is, how to receive it, and how to use it to grow as a writer. This 45-minute workshop will be offered in-person on March 11 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in 627 Fletcher Argue and online on March 11 from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. on UM Zoom.
For the online workshop, see the registration link below.
We hope to see you there!
Meeting ID: 617 2851 2496
Passcode: 653090
Preparing for an In-class Essay
In-person writing exams can seem daunting and feel overwhelming. In this workshop, you will learn tools and strategies to help prepare for in-class essays and exams. This 45-minute workshop will be offered in-person on March 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in 627 Fletcher Argue and online on March 18 from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. on UM Zoom.
For the online workshop, see the registration link below.
We hope to see you there!
Meeting ID: 625 0884 7407
Passcode: 891195
Register for Preparing for an In-class Essay (online) via Zoom
Academic Skills Video Workshops
Learn anytime, anywhere!
Creating a Study Schedule
Recorded Thursday, September 12, 2024
Learn how to organize your whole academic term, create a weekly study schedule, and keep yourself on track with daily study sessions.
Preparing for Midterms
Recorded Thursday, October 3, 2024
Learn top study strategies that successful students use to prepare for tests and exams, as well as tips on time management and self-care so you can head into midterms feeling prepared and confident.
Preventing Procrastination
Recorded Thursday, November 7, 2024
Everyone struggles with the feeling of “I’ll do it tomorrow…” This workshop provides tools on how to break the cycle of procrastination and get stuff done.
Preparing for Finals
Recorded Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Review effective learning strategies and time management tips introduced in earlier workshops. Discuss how to prioritize your health and well-being so that you feel well-rested and ready to tackle your final exam.
Graduate Student Workshops
Winer 2026 GradSteps Workshop Series
Writing at the Graduate Level
Monday, January 12, 2026; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Drake Centre Room 106
This session aims to help students transition smoothly to graduate-level writing by exploring some of the differences between undergraduate and graduate-level writing, including the different expectations related to content (complexity of ideas, critical thinking), research (depth and breadth), organization and writing style (clarity and conciseness).
Citing Sources: Why, When, and How
Monday, January 26, 2026; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Drake Centre Room 106
Knowing when and where to cite is confusing for many students but citations are as important as good data and clarity in academic writing. This workshop will explain why we cite in academia, outline basic citation rules and style expectations, and how to incorporate citations correctly and effectively.
Get Ready to Write
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Drake Centre room 106
This workshop is designed to set students up for success before Graduate Write On. This session will focus on writing strategies and setting clear, achievable goals.
Integrating Sources: Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
Monday, February 9, 2026; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Drake Centre Room 106
This workshop will cover how to integrate quotations effectively, when to paraphrase or summarize, and how to paraphrase correctly. The focus of this workshop will be on how to paraphrase, and time will be spent creating a paraphrase together.
Writing a Literature Review
Monday, February 23, 2026; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Drake Centre Room 106
Wondering what is expected in a literature review? Not sure how to start? This session will address the purpose and objectives of a literature review and offer strategies for starting, tacking, and synthesizing the information you have gathered.
Effective Reading Strategies for Grad Students
Monday, March 9, 2026; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Drake Centre Room 106
Completing a graduate degree requires a lot of reading! This workshop offers practical strategies for reading efficiently, managing large volumes of material, and retaining key information.
Thesis: Structure and Organization
Monday, March 23, 2026; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Drake Centre Room 106
Completing a thesis requires a feat of sustained effort. To manage this feat, a student needs to have clear thesis structure and organization expectations. This workshop will cover strategies and tools to help you begin and complete your thesis. Attendees are encouraged to share their writing, organization, and time-management strategies.
Graduate Writing Retreat
Graduate Write On - Virtual Graduate Writing Retreat
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. | via Zoom
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 12 to 3 p.m. | via Zoom
Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. | via Zoom
Need focused time to make progress on your thesis, dissertation, proposal, or research papers? The Academic Learning Centre, in partnership with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, is hosting a three-day virtual retreat.
Each day, we’ll meet online for a three-hour work session—no workshops, no pressure, just a quiet, supportive space to work alongside peers. This is your chance to carve out dedicated time for writing and connect with other graduate students.
All graduate students are welcome to apply. Before beginning the online submission form, we recommend reviewing the Graduate Write On planning document, drafting responses in a word processor (like MS Word), and copying and pasting your responses into the form.
Applications are due Friday, February 13, by 12 p.m.
Apply for Graduate Write On virtual retreat
For more information, please contact the Academic Learning Centre via email: academic_learning@umanitoba.ca.
You are also invited to attend our “Get Ready to Write!” workshop on Wednesday, February 4, from 4 - 5 p.m. in Drake Centre, Room 106. This one-hour workshop is designed to discuss writing strategies for the retreat, as well as help completing the application.
Register for the Get Ready to Write
For more information, please contact the Academic Learning Centre via email: academic_learning@umanitoba.ca.
Graduate Writing Retreat - In-Person
Monday, April 27, 2026 through Wednesday, April 29, 2026
9 a.m. to 4 p.m daily | Bannatyne Campus
The Academic Learning Centre, in partnership with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, is hosting an intensive 3-day writing retreat designed to help graduate students progress toward completing sustained writing projects.
The focus of this retreat is writing. Each day starts with a short workshop on writing strategies, such as writing faster, dealing with procrastination, and establishing a consistent writing routine. Attendees are challenged to write as many words as possible over the three days, with a stretch goal of 10,000 words.
All graduate students are welcome to apply; however, preference will be given to students who are close to finishing their research proposal, thesis, or dissertation, and have a clear writing plan for the 3-day retreat.
For more information, please contact the Academic Learning Centre via email: academic_learning@umanitoba.ca.
Please check back for updates.