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:
Summer Academic Programming
Reading to Write - Summer 2026 program
- A free, three-week, online, academic writing and reading program
- Practice reading academic texts and complete four basic academic writing tasks
- Get feedback on writing, reading and language skills from an ALC writing tutor
- Non-credit program – there is no grade or penalty
- Eligible for Experiential Record Credit
- Best suited for students who have completed fewer than 60 credit hours
The Academic Learning Centre will offer this program in two sessions:
Session 1: July 2 to July 22 Session 2: July 22 to August 12
Registration for RWP Session 1 ends June 15, 2026, and the registration for RWP Session 2 ends July 15, 2026. Only 20 participants will be accepted per session. Students must register prior to each session by completing the RWP Application
Academic Skills Fall Workshops
Registration will open in August 2026
Creating a Study Schedule
Thursday, September 10, 2026;
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 1, 2026;
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
Thursday, October 8, 2026;
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 8, 2026;
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 15, 2026;
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 22, 2026;
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 29, 2026;
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 5, 2026;
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 3, 2026
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 Winter Workshops
Winter 2027 workshops coming late Fall 2026.
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.
Write Right Workshop
Wednesday, March 25, 2026; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Room 360 Education 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
Spring/Summer 2026 GradSteps Workshop Series
Writing Process and Routines
Wednesday, May 6, 12:00 pm to 1:30 p.m. | Online
One of the difficult aspects of graduate work is writing without immediate deadlines. This workshop will provide strategies for establishing a writing routine and identify key aspects of the writing process and those bumps that can mess us up!
Note-taking for Research
Wednesday, May 20, 12:00 pm to 1:30 p.m. | Online
Note-taking strategies can make a significant difference in your ability to produce written work. This workshop will present ways to take and track your reading/research notes. Additional discussion time is incorporated, so bring your questions!
Basics of Writing a Research Proposal
Wednesday, June 3, 12:00 pm to 1:30 p.m. | Online
What is expected for a research proposal depends on your discipline, department, and advisor. Nevertheless, there are elements that are found in most proposals. This workshop will outline those elements and provide strategies for starting and writing a first draft.
Final Draft: Revising Your Thesis/Dissertation for Submission
Wednesday, July 15, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Online
The final stages of writing your thesis/dissertation can be a bit of a slog, which is made worse by final revisions. Starting the process with a plan, and a way to track what needs to be done next can reduce the overwhelm and make the process a bit less onerous. This workshop will provide some revision “must-do’s” and strategies you can use to reduce the overwhelm and produce a well-edited and coherent text.
Fall 2026 Workshop Series
Registration will open August 2026.
Writing at the Graduate Level
Tuesday September 22, 2026; 4:00-5:00 PM | In person
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).
Writing Concisely
Tuesday, October 6, 2026; 4:00-5:00 PM | In person
Throughout graduate school and beyond, you may find yourself encountering stifling word count expectations for grant applications, conference proposals, abstracts, and more. This workshop offers practical strategies to reduce wordiness, strengthen your argument, and improve readability.
Citing Sources: Why, When, and How
Tuesday, October 13, 2026; 4:00-5:00 PM | In person
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.
Integrating Sources: Synthesis and Analysis
Tuesday, October 20, 2026; 4:00-5:00 PM | In person
Effectively integrating existing research into your writing takes practice! This workshop explores how to move beyond description by synthesizing multiple sources, analyzing arguments, and strengthening your academic voice.
Thesis: Structure, Organization, and Motivation
Tuesday, October 27, 2026; 4:00-5:00 PM | In person
Completing a thesis requires a feat of sustained effort. To manage this feat, you need to have clear thesis structure and organization expectations. This workshop will cover strategies and tools to help you begin and complete your thesis.
Writing a Literature Review
Tuesday, November 17, 2026; 4:00-5:00 PM | In person
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, tracking, and synthesizing the information you have gathered.
Graduate Writing Retreat
Graduate Writing Retreat - In-Person
The Academic Learning Centre, in partnership with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, hosts an intensive 3-day writing retreat designed to help graduate students progress toward completing sustained writing projects several times a year.
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.
Please review the Graduate Writing Retreat Preparation document (PDF). You are highly encouraged to review the prep document in advance and prepare your answers.
Watch this space for news about the next Graduate Writing Retreat