Academic Skills Overview
Academic Skills programs support McMaster undergraduate and graduate students in key areas like reading, writing, and studying. Note: all services are currently offered virtually.
Undergraduate Services
Academic Coaching:
https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills
In this one-on-one appointment, an academic coach can help you with studying, critical thinking, time management and goal-setting skills.
Animated Series:
https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca//academic-skills/skills-development/ > Academic Skills Animated Series
Watch brief videos on note-taking, academic writing, procrastination, and online learning to learn new tips and strategies.
Educational Staff Appointments:
https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills
Education professional staff use their expertise to holistically support and monitor your academic progress. Students who are struggling academically will benefit from insights into research-based best learning and studying practices, action plans and other tools to meet your academic goals, and tools to build your academic resilience.
Learning Skills Inventory:
https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/academic-skills-learning-skills-inventory/
Take the Learning Skills Inventory to assess your skills and see where you can improve. We suggest bringing your results to an appointment with an Academic Coach.
Peer Tutoring:
https://mcmaster.tutorocean.com/home
A peer tutor can help you review course content and key concepts so you can complete assignments. Note: there is a small fee associated with this service, but we cap that fee so it remains well below the average cost of a tutor.
Study Sessions:
https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm > Student Success Centre > Events
Learn and practice active studying strategies, either individually or with a small group. We offer both general and course-specific sessions during the fall and winter semesters.
Tip Sheets:
https://libguides.mcmaster.ca > Academic Skills (Student Success Centre)
Get helpful tips anytime on topics like grammar, time management, online learning, and more.
Workshops:
https://libguides.mcmaster.ca/c.php?g=719164&p=5156488
Workshops involve small-group learning and provide practical tools to build academic skills. Attend workshops on a variety of topics, including essay writing, note-taking, presenting, and many more. Register on OSCARplus by clicking the link for the workshop you wish to attend.
Writing Appointments:
https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills
Meet with a writing advisor to discuss an assignment from any discipline at any stage, whether brainstorming, outlining, or finishing a draft. Advisors will help you build skills and learn strategies to write more efficiently and with confidence.
Graduate Services
Learning Skills Inventory:
https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/academic-skills-learning-skills-inventory/
Take the learning skills inventory to assess your skills and see where you can improve.
Tip Sheets:
https://libguides.mcmaster.ca > Academic Skills (Student Success Centre) > Graduate Student Guides
Get helpful tips anytime on topics specific to graduate students, including grammar, citation management, seminar participation, grant proposals, and more.
Workshops:
https://libguides.mcmaster.ca/c.php?g=719164&p=5222769
Workshops involve small-group learning and provide practical tools to build academic skills. Attend workshops on a variety of grad-specific topics, including working with a supervisor, leading discussion, working collaboratively, and more. Register on OSCARplus by clicking the link for the workshop you wish to attend.
Writing Appointments:
https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills
Meet with a writing advisor to discuss academic writing from any discipline at any stage, whether brainstorming, outlining, or finishing a draft. Advisors will help you build skills and learn strategies to write more efficiently and with confidence.
Writing Group:
https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm > Student Success Centre > Events
Join a drop-in writing session run by an Academic Skills program support assistant who creates a focused environment of accountability so grad students can progress on their coursework, thesis, dissertation, or any other work.