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