Introduction
Welcome to McMaster University!
The Student Success Centre’s academic skills team is pleased to share this resource with you.
Many of the topics will highlight your need to be an independent learner. Now, that doesn’t mean that you’re alone. It just means that, in university, you’re much more responsible for seeking out and using the supports available to you. Don’t forget, you’re now using your tuition to pay for these services!
Let’s start the discussion on independence by quickly reviewing some of the ways that university will be different than a typical high school experience.
- There’s much more student-directed learning and time spent on coursework outside of class.
- Exam questions ask you to apply information in new ways, and there’s less focus on memorization.
- You have more independence to make your own choices.
- Your varying class schedule can be different each day.
- You may have less personalized support from instructors (use those office hours!).
- Class sizes may be 400 students or more.
- Parents aren’t automatically informed of your progress and achievements.
- You may be living away from home.
- You have more financial responsibility.
How to use this resource
Use it when and how you need it. Maybe you‘ll complete it before your first classes, during second year or revisit it many times during your undergrad career. If you’re scheduling time to complete the full workbook now, it should take you approximately three hours to complete.
Our suggested strategies and tips come from research-driven best practices. The tips and resources may not always resonate with you — and that’s okay! What we ask is that you remain open to trying something new and learn that we’re always developing our skill set. To get started, here’s a list of resources, as well as other on campus that can support you.
Academic coaching
Come meet a professional educator who can share with you the science of learning and help you identify your academic goals. Together, you’ll create an action plan and share strategies to overcome challenges. Then, you can monitor your progress during the academic year.
Book appointments on OSCARplus (Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills).
Academic peer mentoring
Meet with an academic peer mentor before you start feeling overwhelmed. They can support you with your transition to university and provide great insights into student life and what it takes to succeed. You can get some great tips on note-taking, time management, studying, test-taking and more.
Book appointments on OSCARplus (Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills).
Writing advising
Writing advisors can support you with your writing development needs. They help students from all Faculties and with all writing formats. Whether you meet them with brainstorming ideas or full drafts, they can help you become a better writer. Please note that they won’t edit and proofread papers.
Book appointments on OSCARplus (Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills).
Academic skills workshops
Join other students for interactive workshops to develop your writing and academic skills.
Register on OSCARplus (Student Success Centre > Events).
Learning strategy support
The learning strategist in Student Accessibility Services works (SAS) with students with disabilities to share new approaches to learning, including assistive technology. You must register with SAS and get a referral for the learning strategist.
Online tools
- Academic Skills LibGuides: An online library of tip sheets and a term workshop schedule
- McMaster Learning Skills Inventory: A self-evaluation to help identify skills areas and habits needing improvement
- Student Success Centre website (academic skills): A comprehensive overview at the programs available to undergrad students
- Undergrad Peer Tutoring Network: The place to connect and find a current undergrad McMaster tutor
