University Learning Centre

Workshops Overview

The University Learning Centre offers workshops regularly. These workshops - led by faculty, staff and Peer Mentors - can help you to improve a variety of academic skills, from general study tips to graduate thesis writing.

Check back to this page often for updates on upcoming workshops!

Instructors and faculty may also be interested in teaching workshops run by The Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness.

If you experience difficulties registering for an event, please contact the ULC

Oct

Wed

2

Sick of PowerPoint? Try Prezi!

Tech Help Workshop with Younju Rhee

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

AGRI 3D85

If you are sick of using Microsoft PowerPoint, it is time for you to try Prezi!

Prezi is a web-based zooming presentation software. Present your ideas visually with Prezi. Discover cool features and make your presentation outstanding. Find out more in this session.

In this session, you will:

Discover the features of Prezi
Discover how to insert shapes, pictures and YouTube
Convert PowerPoint to Prezi
Share your Prezi with others and edit together
Convert Prezi to a printable PDF

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

3

On Graduate Procrastination

Grad Help Workshop

10:30 AM to 11:20 AM

MURRAY 145

Some people get to graduate school who have never procrastinated before in school and all of a sudden, without the deadlines they had in undergrad, they find themselves procrastinating. Come join Grad Help peer mentor, Stacy, in this workshop that explores the causes of grad school procrastination and ways of avoiding and overcoming it. Whether you have never procrastinated before or a chronic procrastinator come out and get some advice.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

3

Organizing a Research Essay

Writing Workshop with Megan M.

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

MURRAY G3

This workshop is designed for undergraduate students. Learn the basics of organizing a research essay.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

3

What Are Professors Looking for in First-Year Papers?

Writing Workshop with Kari D.

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

MURRAY 145

This workshop outlines some general expectations first year professors have for essays. Includes how to write a strong thesis statement, common pet peeves of professors, and a few tips to give you an edge.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

3

An Introduction to Writing SSHRC Proposals

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

This session will focus on preparing the free form components of your SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship application (Doctoral or Masters), especially the two-page “Program of Study.” We will explore strategies for integrating the numerous required elements into a persuasive and coherent account of your research plans.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Fri

4

How to Use the Research Paper Planner Tool

Library Skills

12:30 PM to 1:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Do you want to impress your professors with reliable and scholary sources? Come to this workshop about the Research Paper Planner led by two of the Library Skills Peer Mentors, Nancy, Amanda, Yiwen or Sharon. They will give you tips on using library search engines to get the best resources for your papers and help you with citations.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Fri

4

Make the Most of Your PC

Tech Help Workshop with Matthew G.

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Agric 2D15

In this session, you will:

Discover the coolest features of Windows
Observe the Control Panel and watch how to make changes
Examine time-saving techniques
and MORE!

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Fri

4

An Introduction to Writing NSERC Proposals

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

ARTS 241

This session will focus on the preparation of the free form components of your NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship application (PGS), especially the one-page "Outline of Proposed Research," which you are required to complete on your own. NSERC adjudicators assess both your "research ability or potential" and your "communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities." A well-written "Outline of Proposed Research" will enhance both these elements of your application.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Tue

8

Dealing with Procrastination

Study Skills Workshop with Joanna G., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

4:00 PM to 4:50 PM

MURRAY G3

Do you find yourself putting off what could be done today until tomorrow? In this workshop, Study Skills Peer Mentor Joanna will help you explore what procrastination is and why we do it and look at strategies for managing for managing procrastination.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Wed

9

Writing Multiple Choice Exams

Study Skills Workshop with Sam Robinson

12:30 PM to 1:20 PM

MURRAY G3

Does one of your exams consist entirely of multiple choice questions? Selecting the correct answers from a set of options can be challenging and stressful. Come to this workshop and explore strategies and learn from others to develop a systematic approach for writing multiple choice exams.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Wed

9

Harness the Computational Power of Wolfram Alpha

Tech Help Workshop with Andrew Pan

5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Agric 5C73

This session will increase your understanding of Wolfram Alpha as it pertains to math problems. In the session I will demonstrate key features of Wolfram Alpha. The topics will include:

Introduction to Wolfram Alpha
How to create an account
To input math equations (i.e. typing, picture, file)
How to download solutions (i.e. system of equations, integral, derivative, limits)
Other related programs

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

10

Note-Taking

Study Skills Workshop with Anika M., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

12:00 PM to 12:50 PM

MURRAY 102

Come to this workshop and join Study Skills Peer Mentor Anika to learn specific strategies for recording notes during lectures and summarizing important points within your readings.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

10

Networking

Grad Help Workshop

1:30 PM to 2:20 PM

MURRAY 145

Networking is a valuable part of grad school development. Join Grad Help peer mentor, Luan, to discuss methods of networking.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Fri

11

How to Use the Research Paper Planner Tool

Library Skills

12:30 PM to 1:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Do you want to impress your professors with reliable and scholary sources? Come to this workshop about the Research Paper Planner led by two of the Library Skills Peer Mentors, Nancy, Amanda, Yiwen or Sharon. They will give you tips on using library search engines to get the best resources for your papers and help you with citations.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Tue

15

Giving Presentations

Study Skills Workshop with Jeff B., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

1:30 PM to 2:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Join Study Skills Peer Mentor Jeff who will present on how to prepare for and give presentations. During this workshop you'll have a chance to share your experiences and ask questions of Jeff and the group.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

17

The Literature Review in Engineering and the Sciences

Grad Help Workshop

3:00 PM to 3:50 PM

MURRAY 102

Join Grad Help peer mentor, Moh, as he discusses the lit review in engineering and the sciences.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

17

Midterm Survival Guide

Study Skills Workshop with Shannon M., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

3:00 PM to 3:50 PM

MURRAY 145

Its midtern season again! This study session will be a comprehensive guide to preparing and writing for your midterms. Join Study Skills Peer Mentor Shannon to review strategies for exam preparation and dealing with exam anxiety, also touching on mind maps and different types of exam questions.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Fri

18

How to Use the Research Paper Planner Tool

Library Skills

12:30 PM to 1:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Do you want to impress your professors with reliable and scholary sources? Come to this workshop about the Research Paper Planner led by two of the Library Skills Peer Mentors, Nancy, Amanda, Yiwen or Sharon. They will give you tips on using library search engines to get the best resources for your papers and help you with citations.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Mon

21

Intellectual Property Rights

Grad Help Workshop

10:00 AM to 10:50 AM

MURRAY 145

Are you doing research in which you must understand intellectual property rights? You probably are if you in a grad program. Join Grad help peer mentor, Dmitriy, for a discussion on this topic.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Mon

21

Note-Taking

Study Skills Workshop with Anika M., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

3:30 PM to 4:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Come to this workshop and join Study Skills Peer Mentor Anika to learn specific strategies for recording notes during lectures and summarizing important points within your readings.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Tue

22

Statement of Purpose/Intent

Grad Help Workshop

2:00 PM to 2:50 PM

MURRAY 145

Are you applying to a graduate program and are faced with writing a statement of intent or purpose? Join Grad Help peer mentor, Jenny, to discuss strategies of creating a knock down statement.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Tue

22

Grammar I: A Review of Grammatical Terminology

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

This session will provide a lecture-style overview/review of English grammar and grammatical terminology. Many of us (especially native speakers) have trouble improving our writing because we lack a vocabulary for talking about writing. If you find yourself saying "that sounds wrong but I can't explain why," this session may help.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Wed

23

Stress Management for Grad Students

Grad Help Workshop

2:30 PM to 3:20 PM

MURRAY 145

Graduate students face many stressors. Some grad students have families. Some grad students are in a new country. All grad students have to negotiate their time between schoolwork and a personal life. Join Grad Help peer mentor Stacy for a discussion on how to manage stress while in grad school.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Wed

23

Writing Multiple Choice Exams

Study Skills Workshop with Joanna G., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

4:30 PM to 5:20 PM

MURRAY 102

There are exams that consist entirely of multiple choice questions. Identifying the correct answer from a set of options can be challenging and require nerves of steel! Join Study Skills Peer Mentor Joanna in this workshop and get some tips for approaching and writing multiple choice exams.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

24

Pitfalls of Perfectionism

Grad Help Workshop

10:00 AM to 10:50 AM

MURRAY 145

Is your need for perfection slowing fown your grad program advanement? Is it just slowing you down. Join Grad Help peer mentor, Ahmed, for a discussion on these issues.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

24

How to Read Efficiently for University

Study Skills Workshop with Cooper M., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

10:30 AM to 11:20 AM

MURRAY 102

It can be an overwhelming task to get all necessary readings done for a class AND to make that information stick. This workshop will offer strategies you can use to analyze text efficiently, recognize important sections, and take good concise notes.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

24

Learning and Memory

Study Skills Workshop with Sam R., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

1:00 PM to 1:50 PM

MURRAY G3

How do you remember the names of the influential artists during th Renaissance Period, the phases by which a cell replicates itself, or the colours of the rainbow? Sign up for this workshop and discuss strategies for improving your learning and memorization under the guidance of Study Skils Peer Mentor Sam.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Thu

24

Endnote

Grad Help Workshop

2:00 PM to 2:50 PM

MURRAY 102

Join Grad Help peer mentor Luan for a discussion on how to use Endnote.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Fri

25

How to Use the Research Paper Planner Tool

Library Skills

12:30 PM to 1:20 PM

MURRAY G3

Do you want to impress your professors with reliable and scholary sources? Come to this workshop about the Research Paper Planner led by two of the Library Skills Peer Mentors, Nancy, Amanda, Yiwen or Sharon. They will give you tips on using library search engines to get the best resources for your papers and help you with citations.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Fri

25

Applying to a PhD Program

Grad Help Workshop

2:00 PM to 2:50 PM

MURRAY 145

Are you thinking of, or planning to, applying to a PhD program? Come join Grad Help peer mentor Qin discuss some strategies and tip for applications.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Mon

28

Applying to a Masters Program

Grad Help Workshop

2:00 PM to 2:50 PM

MURRAY 145

Are you thinking of, or planning to, applying to a Masters program? Come join Grad Help peer mentor Qin discuss some strategies and tip for applications.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Tue

29

Dealing with Stress

Study Skills Workshop with Paige S., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

1:00 PM to 1:50 PM

MURRAY 102

Rules of Stress Club:

1st RULE: You do not talk about what goes on in the STRESS CLUB.
2nd RULE: You DO NOT talk about what goes on in the STRESS CLUB.
3rd RULE: There are positive ways to look at stress.
4th RULE: Stress does and will happen in life.
5th RULE: If this is your first night at STRESS CLUB, you WILL learn some ways to de-stress.

Join PAL Peer Mentor Paige in this workshop to learn some strategies to fight stress.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Tue

29

Preparing for Fieldwork

Grad Help Workshop

2:30 PM to 3:20 PM

MURRAY 145

Are you doing any fieldwork for your research? Do you have any questions and/or want to know what to expect? Join Grad Help peer mentor Jenny who uses her own experiences and the advice of others to tell you what to expect and how to prepare.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Tue

29

Writing Short and Long Answer Question Exams

Study Skills Workshop with Shannon M., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

2:30 PM to 3:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Confidential: Secrets of Short and Long Answer Exam Questions Revealed

Short and Long Answer exams are predominate in University. There is no better time than now to learn the best tips and tricks to impress your professors and ace your exams. Join Study Skills Peer Mentor Shannon in this interactive workshop to look at preparing for and writing university exams.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Wed

30

Giving Presentations

Study Skills Workshop with Jeff B., Peer Mentor, PAL Program

11:30 AM to 12:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Join Study Skills Peer Mentor Jeff to discuss how to prepare for and give presentations. You'll have a chance to share your experiences and ask questions of Jeff and the group.

Register for this Workshop

Oct

Wed

30

Poster Presentations

Grad Help Workshop

3:00 PM to 3:50 PM

MURRAY 145

Join Grad Help peer mentor Ahmed as he discusses poster presentations.

Register for this Workshop

Nov

Fri

1

How to Use the Research Paper Planner Tool

Library Skills

12:30 PM to 1:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Do you want to impress your professors with reliable and scholary sources? Come to this workshop about the Research Paper Planner led by two of the Library Skills Peer Mentors, Nancy, Amanda, Yiwen or Sharon. They will give you tips on using library search engines to get the best resources for your papers and help you with citations.

Register for this Workshop

Nov

Wed

6

Writing Research Papers in Humanities and Fine Arts

Writing Workshop with Kelly Butler

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM

MURRAY 102

Come to this short workshop on writing a strong research paper for your humanities and fine arts classes.

Register for this Workshop

Nov

Thu

7

Grammar II: Common Writing Problems

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

This session will review some of the most common problems in English grammar, usage, and punctuation. We'll focus on how to recognize trouble spots and correct your own work. You do not need to register in Grammar I to take part in Grammar II.

Register for this Workshop

Nov

Fri

15

How to Use the Research Paper Planner Tool

Library Skills

12:30 PM to 1:20 PM

MURRAY 102

Do you want to impress your professors with reliable and scholary sources? Come to this workshop about the Research Paper Planner led by two of the Library Skills Peer Mentors, Nancy, Amanda, Yiwen or Sharon. They will give you tips on using library search engines to get the best resources for your papers and help you with citations.

Register for this Workshop

Nov

Wed

27

Structure and Organization, with a Focus on the Literature Review

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

Many types of writing (e.g., the scientific thesis or article) are highly formulaic -- they follow a rigid, prescribed structure. But how does one organize an extended piece of writing where the structure is not prescribed? This session will consider the "literature review," a prescribed component of most academic writing, where the internal structure of topics, sub-topics, and paragraphs depends on the content and the research questions.

Register for this Workshop

Jan

Thu

9

Style in Scientific Writing

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

The Scientific Revolution was also a revolution in English writing style that affected all forms of expression. In this lecture-workshop session, we'll consider the main elements of scientific style, and dissect some passages of graduate-student scientific writing. We'll also consider some aspects of scientific style that are common to all academic writing.

Register for this Workshop

Jan

Wed

29

Thesis and Dissertation Proposals

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

This session will review some of the common features of Masters thesis and PhD dissertation proposals, and consider some of the differences in approach across disciplines at the University of Saskatchewan. The focus will be on tailoring the research program description to the internal university audience and to internal approval processes. For more detailed, discipline-specific advice, students should consult their supervisor or graduate chair.

Register for this Workshop

Feb

Tue

11

The Manuscript-Format Thesis or Dissertation

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

Many departments now permit students to submit a thesis or dissertation that consists of a collection of manuscripts or published papers. But such theses and dissertations must still meet some common university-wide guidelines. This session will review those guidelines, to help you transform a pile of manuscripts into a manuscript-format thesis.

Register for this Workshop

Mar

Tue

11

Revision

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

Many of us are afraid to truly revise our work. We tinker with phrasing but never consider the larger changes that would lead to real improvements. In this session, we'll work with drafts of graduate-student writing, considering the kinds of changes to sentence and paragraph structure that make a piece of writing clearer and more persuasive.

Register for this Workshop

Mar

Tue

25

Editing and Proofreading

Graduate Writing Workshop with Professor Ron Cooley

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

ARTS 241

Preparing a thesis or article for submission requires extreme attention to detail. In this session, we'll workshop some samples of student writing, focusing on the steps necessary to turn a good draft into an error-free final text.

Register for this Workshop