Academic Skills
Trent University Durham’s dedicated Academic Skills Instructors are available to provide free individual and small group instruction. An instructor will meet with you for a 45-minute consultation to discuss any aspect of your academic work including:
- Essay writing: Bring in a draft of a work in progress and we will provide detailed commentary of your essay, teaching you how to become an independent editor of your own work and indicating your strengths and weaknesses
- Essay topics: Bring in essay topics and we will discuss narrowing the topic, finding a thesis, and establishing a direction for research or discussion
- Resume and Cover Letter Critiques: Bring your resume and cover letter for a thorough critique
- Lab writing: Bring a work in progress and we will discuss strategies for organization, independent editing, and research and analysis
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Time management and study skills
- Critical reading and thinking
- Seminar presentations
- Exam and test preparation
Book an Appointment
1) Go to the Student Experience Portal
2) Login using your myTrent username and password
3) Click on “Book Appointments-Durham Campus” on the left side of the screen
Online Submissions
Durham students are invited to submit written work online. You can submit a draft of your writing at any stage of the process and an instructor will answer your questions and offer comments. Online appointments complement one-on-one sessions to make our services more available. Book an appointment online and email your assignment/questions to pamelamacisaac@trentu.ca prior to the appointment time.
Workshops (Fall 2019):
Sign up for any of these workshops at the front desk in the lobby.
Time Management
Tuesday, Sept. 17th
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Room 127 pm
Learn some tricks and tools to organize yourself for this term.
Class Participation
Thursday, Sept 19th
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Room 114 pm
Are you listening actively in class? Speaking effectively? Reflect on and learn about the principles of academic discussion.
Critical Reading & Note-Taking Skills
Monday, Sept. 23rd
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Room 127
Do you consume information actively or passively? Learn how to approach your reading, note-taking, and participation by asking questions and interrogating ideas.
Class Participation
Wednesday, Sept. 25th
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Room 127
Are you listening actively in class? Speaking effectively? Reflect on and learn about the principles of academic discussion.
Basic Essay Writing
Tuesday, October 1st
3:15 - 4:00 pm
Room 126
What are the key components of good writing in an academic setting?
Critical Reading & Note-Taking Skills
Thursday, October 3rd
11:30 - 12:00
Room 114
Do you consume information actively or passively? Learn how to approach your reading, note-taking, and participation by asking questions and interrogating ideas.
Basic Essay Writing
Monday, October 7th
3:15 - 4:00 pm
Room 126
What are the key components of good writing in an academic setting?
APA Formatting and Documentation
October 9th
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Learn why we format and cite and how to avoid unintentional plagiarism.
The Thesis Statement
October 16th
11:30 - 12:00 pm
What are the different types of thesis statements? How do you write an effective one?
Basic Essay-Writing
October 22nd
3:15 - 4:00 pm
What are the key components of good writing in an academic setting?
Writing and Editing
October 24th
3:15 - 4:00 pm
You’ve finished your draft. What now?
APA Formatting and Documentation
October 28th
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Learn why we format and cite and how to avoid unintentional plagiarism.
Sign up for any of these workshops at the front desk in the lobby.
Academic Skills Online Resources
An assortment of online academic resources are available, including
- Online Documentation Guide: What to Cite and How to Cite it
- Thinking it Through: Essay-Writing Guide
- Study Skills for University
- Exam Preparation
- Referencing, Formatting and Avoiding Plagiarism
- Grammar and Clear Writing
- Essays, Writing Assignments and Presentations
- Resources for Math and Sciences