Guided by our experts and volunteers, you’ll collaborate with students from across Queen’s to improve your academic and writing skills at our workshops, drop-in events, and writing and study groups.
You'll find series specially designed for undergraduates, for graduate students, and for English as an additional language support.
Looking for a workshop or tutorial for your course or group on any of our areas of expertise? We can work with you to offer in-course and group support in response to your students' needs. Email Dr. Johanna Amos to start your request.
Workshop types
We run workshops, events and study groups, online and in-person, for undergraduates and graduates of all levels. Read more here or follow our Instagram feed to keep up-to-date with our many offerings!
Our undergrad skills series covers everything from note-taking to reading, time management, catching up, writing your first papers, understanding academic expectations at a North American university like Queen's, and excelling in second year and beyond.
Attend one or more of our sessions to brush up on the basics of university study, develop high-level skills, and meet and work with other students!
Sessions take place online and at Stauffer Library.
Discover upcoming undergraduate events now.
Our grad series covers the core skills you’ll need to write theses, dissertations, and articles, to organize your time and stay motivated, and meet your supervisor’s expectations.
This popular series takes place once or twice a month. Led by our expert staff, our sessions will show you
- what it takes to succeed in grad school
- how to read for courses and comprehensive exams
- ways to write complex texts such as literature reviews and journal articles
- methods for editing large written projects
- approaches to giving conference presentations
Sessions take place both online and in-person throughout the year.
Explore upcoming grad workshops now!
Attend our English language events and groups to work with other students, develop your writing and communication skills, work through examples, ask questions, and make friends:
- Write It is an interactive weekly workshop that explores writing choices through a focus on English grammar and writing topics, including prepositions, sentence variety, and writing critically.
- Speak Up is a weekly group that aims to build your confidence when speaking in seminars, tutorials, and other academic settings by practicing and exploring examples with other students.
- Academic Transition Chats will introduce you to the fundamentals of academic life at Queen's: what do professors expect, what's your role as a student, and who can help you continue to improve your skills?
Check out the SASS events calendar here for where and when you can attend Write It, Speak Up, and Academic Transition Chats.
Every semester we run a range of writing and study groups for undergraduates and graduate students. Join us in
- Grad Writing Lab, our weekly graduate writing group: a structured, online space to support your writing progress and sense of community.
- Study with SASS, a weekly open study session with support from SASS staff and volunteers for all students to work together.
Follow our Instagram feed to hear about other, one-off events and new study groups. You'll be able to study with other students, make connections, and get feedback and advice on your work from our volunteers and staff - right when you need it!
Have ADHD? Think you might? Join the ADHD Skill Share group to unlock strategies, connect with other neurodiverse peers, and excel in your studies.
When / Where: The Skill Share group meets weekly for one-hour sessions, running for five weeks. Start dates vary, with sessions running in September-October, October-November, and January-February.
Sign up: Fill in our online form to get on the list for the next session!
We are committed to ensuring all of our workshops and events are accessible. If you have particular accessibility requests, please contact us and we will ensure your needs are met.
Attend an upcoming event
Jan
27
Monday
Academic Transitions Chats: Academic writing
Come chat about your academic transition to Queen’s!
Jan
27
Monday
Speak Up: Hooks and introductions
Join our interactive workshop series to develop you speaking skills!
Jan
28
Tuesday
Fall Into Focus: Peer Support
Join our co-working community at Fall into Focus, SASS’ peer writing and learning lounge.
“Thank you for this session! I learned so many practical skills I can apply to my editing process.”
Veronika T
Kinesiology, '23