TAYLOR BOROWETZ

Whether or not you’re new to the University of Saskatchewan, figuring out how to get the most out of your academic term can definitely pose a challenge. If you’re wondering how to approach everything from classes and studying to stress and time management, the University Learning Centre is here to help.

The ULC is a primary resource for student learning, providing online resources, in-person help, learning communities and events like Smart Start to help students succeed.

Smart Start is a week-long series of workshops that are aimed to set students in the right direction to find academic success. During the week of Sept. 22–26, the series of free 50-minute sessions will be held in the Murray library. There will be over 30 workshops during the second annual event.

Four main areas will be covered over the week, including study skills, writing help, technology help and graduate student help. Topics vary throughout each day.

The ULC can also be a beneficial academic support destination for any student throughout the year. It is located in room 106 of the Murray Building and provides more than workshops. They offer math and stats help, in-person and online proofreading as well as advice for writing assignments and scheduled meetings with peer mentors.

They do provide various workshops from time to time throughout the year, but not of a quantity comparable to the week of Smart Start.

“At the ULC we speak to all type of students, from first years to graduate students who are already looking for assistance in the areas of writing help, study skills and time management. The Smart Start Academic Orientation that we have created packs one week full of workshops to get students on the right track,” said Erin Holcomb, clerical assistant and the front line staff member for the ULC, in a press release.

“If I can suggest one thing to those seeking how to start this year off right, it’s taking in a couple of these workshops to get some great tips from those who have been in your shoes.”

An example of a session, “Getting Started at University for Mature Students” takes place on Sept. 25 at 2:30 p.m. in Murray 102. This workshop will explain services for students at the U of S as well as different strategies for success. It will be framed for an older audience, but open to anyone.

The day will also feature eight different sessions run from 11 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Topics will include general tips for thesis writing, grammar fundamentals and working by the clock, among others. There will also be several workshops specific to grad students, covering student-supervisor relationships and effective email communication skills.

Four sessions on Sept. 26. will run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.. The first session will be focused on how to avoid common grammatical and stylistic mistakes, followed by general tips for achieving success in university, creating an effective writing process and procrastination in grad school — all held throughout the library.

Attendees at each workshop will be entered to win one of six gift certificates from the U of S Bookstore. The daily prizes are worth $50 and the grand prize is $250.

Registration for Smart Start can be done online and requires only your NSID and PAWS password. You can call the University Learning Centre at 306-966-8056, or email ulc@usask.ca for more information.