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.
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
Academic Skills Workshops Fall 2018
Time Management - Thursday September 13, 1 to 2 pm, Room 116
Learn some tricks and tools to organize yourself for this term.
Critical Reading & Note-Taking Skills -Tuesday September 18,1 to 2 pm, Room 107
Do you consume information actively or passively? Learn how to approach your reading, note-taking, and participation by asking questions and interrogating ideas.
Listening & Speaking in Academic Settings -Thursday September 20, 1 to 2 pm, Room 116
Are you listening actively in class? Speaking effectively? Reflect on and learn about the principles of academic discussion.
The Essay: Basics - Tuesday September 25, 1 - 2 pm, Room 107
Refresh, reinforce, or develop your knowledge of the purpose, process, and product of essay writing.
The Essay: Topics, Questions And Thesis Statements - Wednesday October 3, 1 - 2 pm, Room 115
Take your ideas from general to specific.
The Essay: Drafting and Editing - Tuesday October 9, 1 - 2 pm, Room 107
Learn about the different approaches to planning, writing, and editing your assignments.