You will be asked to do lots of writing at U of T, and you will find lots of resources for developing your skill and confidence as an academic writer. Here is some key information for students in Arts and Science:
Writing Centres (www.writing.utoronto.ca/writing-centres/centres/arts-and-science). Each college has a writing centre, where specialized instructors are available to work with you individually as you plan, draft, and revise your writing in any subject area. Make appointments early if you can, using the online booking system (https://awc2.wdw.utoronto.ca/awc-login); there's a wait list function too.
Writing Plus group sessions (www.writing.utoronto.ca/news/writing-plus) demonstrate university expectations for written work in many genres and offer sensible advice to get you past common pitfalls. Choose the sessions and times that suit you and enjoy lively talks by experts. No registration is needed.
Online Advice Files (www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice) on U of T's popular Writing website give university-level answers to questions like how to read critically, how to give references to your research sources, and how to organize a paper without relying on unsuitable high-school formulas. The site also covers practical topics like vocabulary building and note-taking, and it recommends relevant handbooks and other online resources.
English Language Learning (www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/undergraduate/ell) offers guided practice to all Arts and Science students on the kinds of reading, writing and speaking you need to do in your undergraduate courses. For the first five weeks of term, the Communication Cafe invites you to group meetings to discuss, debate, and practice critical thinking and argumentation -- and have fun while doing it. In the online program Reading eWriting, you can develop your critical writing skills and your ability to read effectively by participating in email discussions with an instructor. Join any time. All activities are free of charge. An intensive non-credit course ELL010H is also offered in the summer.
Academic Success Centre (asc.utoronto.ca): Can't figure out how to organize your time, or meet deadlines, or stay motivated? Stress and overload hitting you at mid-term, or exam time, or all the time? Then the counselling and support at the ASC are what you need. This service provides a mix of group and individual instruction, and also a drop-in centre for personal help when you need it.
Accessibility Services (www.accessibility.utoronto.ca): If you have a learning disability that affects your writing or your ability to read effectively or follow discussions, be sure to contact this service. Eligible students can get specialized tutoring and accommodations such as extra time for exam-writing.
U of T Library system (www.library.utoronto.ca/home): Besides a world of journal articles, millions of books, and excellent computer labs and study space, the amazing U of T Libraries offer classes and individual help on finding the research sources you need. Librarians will show you how to find and use online material efficiently, and can help you decide which sources are suitable for specific projects. Don't be shy about asking! Get to know your college libraries as well as the central ones.
Prepared September 2011 by Dr. Margaret Procter, U of T Coordinator, Writing Support: procter@chass.utoronto.ca