Academic Skills - Services
The objective of the Academic Skills Program is to foster, and help students fine tune the academic skills necessary for success at university. All services are available to students in the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Education, and all services are free of charge (except peer tutoring #6). Academic Skills resource personnel are available to assist students across all disciplines.
Hours are flexible and include mornings, afternoons, and some evenings.
- Consultations:
Students may schedule a meeting with the Academic Skills Coordinator to discuss areas of academic concern (relating to specific course work, the Writing Competency Test, Math and Science-based courses or academic work in general) and to set up an individualized plan of action to address these areas. Consultations are usually one half hour in length and should be arranged by appointment.
- Tutorials:
Tutorials can be arranged to work on any academic skill: essay writing; grammar and mechanics; concepts in mathematics and sciences; Math and Science study skills, critical and comprehensive reading; listening and note-taking; seminar presentation; exam preparation; critical, creative, and clear thinking; research; etc. Tutorials may include examination of previously marked and returned assignments and tests, model essays, skill-specific exercises, practice WCTs, etc. Tutorials are usually one hour in length and should be arranged by appointment.
- Seminars:
Students' concerns can usually be best dealt with on a one-to-one basis; however, seminars will be presented, as requested, on academic writing research, grammar and punctuation, Math and Science test preparation and study skills.
- "Grammar Granny" E-mail Service:
Our Academic Skills Program Co-ordinator (alias the "Grammar Granny") will be happy to talk to you about your essay and/or grammar problems via your computer. Just e-mail georgial@nipissingu.ca
- Study Groups:
An Academic Skills Co-ordinator will help students set up a course-specific study group that can meet on a regular basis. While groups are student-run, the Co-ordinator is available for assistance; alternatively, the group may hire a peer tutor as a consultant. Students seeking assistance with specific courses may also be interested in the various subject-specific drop-ins offered by the respective departments.
- Peer Tutoring:
This service is available for students who would like their own private tutor for a particular course. Students may complete an application for the assistance of a peer tutor by contacting the Counselling and Academic Skills Secretary or the Academic Skills Co-ordinator. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 is charged for each 5-hour peer tutor contract. Please refer to the Peer Tutoring Program brochure for more details.
- Writing Centre Drop-In:
Experienced, trained upper-year students who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and ability in the aspects of academic writing across disciplines work in the Academic Skills Program Writing Centre. Hours of operation are posted outside the Office of Student Development & Services during the Fall and Winter semesters. No appointments are necessary for this service.
Some helpful information:
Grammar:
MIXED CONSTRUCTION Explanation
For more information, contact:
Georgia Lyons
Academic Skills Program Co-ordinator
Office: A201
Phone: (705) 474-3461 ext. 4559
georgial@nipissingu.ca
Emily Tian
Academic Skills Co-ordinator
Office: A201
Phone: (705) 474-3461 ext. 4151
emilyt@nipissingu.ca
Karen Deredin
Secretary - Peer Tutoring Program
Office: A201
Phone: (705) 474-3461 ext. 4507
karende@nipissingu.ca
Jennifer Brown
Receptionist - Office of Student Development & Services
Office: A201
Phone: (705) 474-3461 ext. 4321
jenb@nipissingu.ca
Dan Pletzer
Manager of Counselling and Disability Services
Office: A201
Phone: (705) 474-3461 ext. 4493
danp@nipissingu.ca
Paula Millard
Secretary, Academic Skills
Office: A201
Phone: (705)474-3450 ext. 4459
