Writing and Learning Services

Improve your studying, reading and writing

You need specific skills and strategies to do well in your courses. As a successful learner, you will...

  • manage your time well
  • read post-secondary level textbooks effectively
  • take useful notes using systems such as mapping or outlining
  • use techniques to improve memory and concentration
  • use test-taking strategies
  • write quality research papers
  • use grammar, spelling and punctuation correctly
  • give quality presentations

You can learn more about these topics by using the following FREE services:

 Workshops

During Fall and Winter semesters, attend FREE workshops that introduce the strategies and skills you need to succeed at the post-secondary level. No registration is necessary. You can get a workshop schedule outside T123, in the workshop brochures, or click here for the morning workshops or here for the afternoon workshops.

One-on-one appointments

Writing and Learning Strategists (WLS) teach learning strategies by using your class notes, handouts, writing samples and textbooks. A Strategist can also assist you with writing assignments by clarifying the assignment, modelling how to brainstorm and outline, giving feedback on content and organization of your drafts or helping you learn more about APA, MLA and Chicago style Your paper doesn't need to be completed before your appointment with a Strategist. Bring in what you have, and we will work on it with you.

While Strategists do not proofread or edit your writing, we do teach you how to correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and reference citation errors.

Book your 30-minute appointment with a Strategist by calling 403.440.6452 or by coming to the front desk in T123. You may meet with a Strategist once or twice a week, as long as appointment time is available. Make your appointment ahead of time to ensure that you can meet with a Strategist before your assignment is due. 

Appointment Cancellation Policy

Please cancel a minimum of two hours before an appointment so that other students may use the time. Anything less than that will be counted as a no-show. We  do appreciate more notice than that  –- 24 hours notice would be great!

Appointment No-Show Policy

If you have two no-shows (missing your appointment or providing less than two hours notice to change / cancel your appointment), you cannot make another appointment for the rest of that semester. You can book appointments again the following semester.

 Drop-in sessions at the Library

Come to Drop-in at the Library Monday to Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. to get help from a Strategist with writing, referencing, and study questions. Sessions are twenty minutes long per student. We can meet with up to six students during this time; there may be time for more only if the sessions are shorter than twenty minutes each.

No appointment is needed; sessions are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up starts 5 minutes before drop-in begins. Please do not arrive earlier than that as the sign-in book will not be available until then. Please wait near the WLS table until your turn - if you leave the area and you are not available, you will lose your turn.

Please bring a paper copy of your draft if you want us to look at grammar, the reference list or the integration of a citation into your writing. If you are unsure of how to write a particular reference, bring in a copy of the reference (book, article) with any bibliographic information. You should also bring in a copy of the Mount Royal APA or MLA guide found on the MRU Library homepage.

Remember that Writing and Learning Services is a teaching service, not an editing service. The WLS will help you learn how to edit your own paper and explain how to use referencing rules in your research papers.

Writing and Learning Services also offers workshops on referencing and paraphrasing a few mornings during the semester from 9 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. See the WLS morning workshops and afternoon workshops.  

Small group appointments

You and your classmates can make a group appointment with a Writing and Learning Strategist to discuss an assignment or learn about study strategies for a particular course. You may book a 30-minute appointment with a Strategist by calling 403.440.6452 or by coming to T123.

 Distance learning students

Please e-mail or call our Front Desk at T123 regarding the procedure for telephone appointments for students who are living outside of Calgary and the surrounding areas and taking a distance course.

 

Note: Please contact Student Learning Services with any questions.

Student Learning Services
Developing self-directed learners

Writing and Learning Services            T123     403.440.6452     sls@mtroyal.ca
Peer Tutor Program                            T123    403.440.6452      sls@mtroyal.ca

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