Writing and Academic Literacy
Students can get help from a subject specialist, or peer tutor in writing and academic literacies. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
- Document organization
- Paraphrasing, summarizing, and referencing/citations
- Proofreading, revising, editing
Subject specialists and peer tutors do not compose, edit, re-write, or proofread papers, assignments, or exams/other assessments.
Schedules and booking for all of our writing services are available in QuadC.
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Workshops
Browse a selection of the writing support programs coming up this Fall!
Note: The workshops listed below are a small selection of the writing workshops offered. To view additional sessions, check the schedule in QuadC.
Register for Writing Workshops
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Generative AI and the Writing Process - September 23
Generative AI and the Writing Process
Date: Tuesday September 23, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm [Online]
As generative AI (GAI) has become increasingly part of the academic writing landscape, this workshop will examine how students can utilize GAI (depending on their course guidelines) in their academic writing assignments, specifically during various stages of the writing process (e.g., pre-writing). Finally, participants will review guidelines from the university as well as common limitations with using GAI tools in university writing.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify how GAI tools can be utilized in the various stages of the writing process.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of using GAI in academic writing assignments.
- Review guidance from Ontario Tech regarding GAI usage.
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Synthesize and Summarize - September 24
Synthesize and Summarize
Date: Wednesday September 24, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm [Online]
In this workshop, students will become familiar with several key aspects of academic writing. First, students will learn about “synthesis” in writing, particularly relevant for conducting literature reviews or similar assignments. Next, students will review how to effectively summarize content in academic writing, including helpful tools and techniques. Finally, students will learn how to put it all together in their academic writing assignments.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify types of summarizing and synthesis writing and writing assignments as they relate to academic writing.
- Learn techniques and skills for effectively summarizing and synthesizing in academic writing.
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Cite With Might - September 25; October 2, 14, 15
Cite With Might
APA 7th Edition:- Thursday September 25, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm [Online]
- Tuesday October 14, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm [Online]
- Thursday October 2, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm [In person in CHA 237A]
- Wednesday October 15, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm [Online]
In this workshop, students become familiar with in-text citations and reference entries for their academic writing assignments. In addition, students will review how to cite well and cite often in their academic writing! Finally, students learn about the different styles of citations and references commonly used in their faculties.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify popular referencing styles and components of citations and reference list entries.
- Evaluate digital tools and platforms to assist in making the process of citing and referencing simpler and easier.
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Guided Practice Sessions (New for Fall 2025!)
Guided Practice Sessions
Dates: Various. View the full schedule on QuadC.
In these 1-hour sessions, learners will be guided by Writing and ESL Specialists on a specific aspect of academic skill development. These small group sessions can help students focus on a specific topic or skill for academic writing or language development.
While this format will contain a “topic”, it will engage students with practical support in the form of guided practice, discussions, and hands-on practice with relevant reading and writing materials. This is in contrast to our workshop format, in which primary focus has often been placed by design on knowledge transmission alongside knowledge checks.
Topics (Fall 2025)
- Citations and references
- Paraphrasing and summarizing
- AI-focused writing development