Services offered by the Student Learning Commons

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Your Academic Success Centre

The Student Learning Commons (SLC) offers expert and friendly help with academic writing, learning, and study strategies -- in an environment of collaboration, discussion, and peer learning.

You can find SLC services on all three campuses.

Book a consultation
Log in to book an appointment
Attend a workshop
 
Help yourself to SLC resources!
 

Book a consultation for help with writing or study strategies 

SLC consultations are available both in-person and virtually. Appointments can be booked via WCOnline. 

Get free, fast, and friendly feedback from WriteAway 

Undergraduate students can submit their writing assignments to Write Away for free, fast, and friendly feedback. 

Attend a workshop 

SLC workshops on topics such as writing, time management, study strategies, and English as an Additional Language strategies are offered both in person and remotely. 

Screencasts and recordings of live workshops are also available on our Learning strategy videos and Academic writing strategy videos pages. We are constantly updating these pages, so check back regularly for new recordings. 

Conversation Partners 

The Conversation Partners Program is for English as an Additional Language (EAL) undergraduate and graduate Simon Fraser University students who wish to be paired with a student volunteer to practice and improve their conversational English in a friendly, supportive environment.

Facilitated Groups

Let's Talk! English Conversation Group 

Let's Talk! is a weekly workshop facilitated by volunteer peer educators. The goals are to provide an opportunity for students to practice their spoken English and listening skills in a friendly group setting.  

VOW(e)L: the Virtual Writing Group (for everyone)

VOWƏL is the Virtual Open Writing Lab (for everyone). For more information, check out VOWƏL Open Writing Lab (for everyone).

SLC Study Hall 

The Study Hall is a peer-supported dedicated space for you to work alongside other students. Writing & Learning Peer Educators, Math & Science Peer Tutors, and Computing Science Peer Tutors will be on hand to provide academic support at your request, and they can point you to a host of other helpful resources on campus. 

Get a handout, view a video, and see more online resources

We offer a wide range of electronic resources  (handouts, videos, etc.) on many aspects of writing, English language learning, and learning strategies. 

The SLC Media Collection includes a number of short (2-15 minutes) videos that students can watch and instructors can show in class or post on Canvas:

Hear the latest from SLC staff and students

The Student Learning Commons also publishes a blog, with timely and informal posts for students and instructors. 

Support for Graduate Students 

Available through the Research Commons

Support for SFU Instructors 

Learn more about how the SLC can support your classes on our Information for Instructors page. 

FIC Instructors and Students 

Learn about the SLC's supports for FIC instructors and students here. 

Learn about the SFU Library’s instruction strategy. Created in consultation with partners and learners within and outside the Library, this strategy guides how the Library and the SLC work with SFU learners, teachers, and staff. We support the full cycle of knowledge creation: curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and engagement with community. We are forward-looking and collaborative, attentive to areas of growth, capacity, change, and opportunity.

What students are saying about the SLC

Photo of Wadrib

This kind of workshop is vital for any student.

Wadrib, 3rd Year, Resource Environmental Management

 

 

Photo of Ekamvir

It is really helpful that the sfu is offering these workshops. As a 4th year student, I understand that it is easy to lose motivation to study along with time. So, it has been really helpful that I am not the only one and there are resources available to me to get through this. I really appreciate all the help.

Ekamvir, 4th Year, BSC Health Sciences

 

 

Photo of Ahzy

The Academic English Coaching program at Student Learning Common helped me tailor my language skills to better suit academic and professional writing. The assigned coach was very knowledgeable, friendly, and understanding. I have managed to move from a "C" student to an "A" student in two semesters. 

Azhy G., 2nd year, Data Science

 

photo of Khanh

 

The workshops were super helpful, especially when they were right before the semester started. Even though I'm in a different time zone right now (15 hours ahead!) but the timing of the workshops was perfect, I was really happy with that. I'm glad that I was able to join and learn so many new things. Thank you all!

Khanh, 1st Year, Beedie School of Business

 

 

photo of Baljinder

 

This was my first time attending the workshop and I loved it. I always wanted to attend but never got a chance because of my afternoon classes. Glad I was able to join. Thank you so much for all the knowledge […]. Great work!

Baljinder, 3rd Year, Biomedical Physiology

 

Photo of Jelena

I really enjoyed this webinar. All the hosts were kind, inviting and made me really excited to begin school.

Jelena, 2nd year, Biological Sciences

 

 

Other support services at SFU

View details of other support services available

Visit Student Services for a comprehensive listing of services or check out some of the highlights listed below.

Academic support for student athletes

The Academics First program provides academic resources, services and support for student athletes.

Canvas support 

For support with using SFU's Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas, see guides for students and for instructors. 

Computing services 

For SFU computing services and facilities, see Technology support for students.

Counselling support

Students may encounter a range of life challenges that can affect learning and academic success if left unattended.  The  Counsellors in Health and Counselling Services provide free and confidential support for any registered SFU student. Students can also access free 24/7 mental health support through call and chat with MySSP. 

Foundations of Academic Literacy (FAL)

The FAL course has been designed to support and empower new and returning SFU students who want or need to become more comfortable and confident in their academic literacy skills. FAL will help students become effective writers, problem solvers, thinkers and learners, and will prepare them to be successful in meeting the requirements of designated W (writing-intensive) courses.  

Foundations of Analytical and Quantitative Reasoning (FAN)

FANX99 is open to all new or returning SFU students and is designed to upgrade or refresh your analytical and quantitative skills. See Q Support below for related information.

Q support

Q courses cover a range of analytical and quantitative approaches and are offered in many faculties and departments. Wondering whether you have the knowledge to succeed in a Q course? One way to find out is by taking the
Q Placement Test - but you can take the Q Placement Test only once, so preparation is key!

Q Placement Preparation Tips:

  1. become familiar with the list of Q Assessment Topics underlying the questions which may appear on the test;
  2. try the Practice Q Placement Test;
  3. warm up by trying the Math Readiness Assessment from the U of Saskatchewan.

Need more preparation for Q courses (or life)? Foundations of Academic Numeracy (FANX99) may be just the course for you. There is also a Q Support Workshop for assistance outside of the class.

Research help 

Visit the Ask a Librarian webpage to learn about the research services and supports available through SFU Libraries. 

Resumes/cover letters

The Career Management Centre in the Beedie School of Business, and Career Peers in Career Services offer help with planning and composing resumes/cover letters.

Student advising

Student Services provides general academic advising and program planning.

Support for accessible learning 

For disability related information, support and counselling available for SFU students, check out the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL).  

Are you an SFU student with a disability interested in support to navigate your work search journey? Work Integrated Learning (WIL) has a ready resource and support options you can check out here.

Support for instructors

Visit the Centre for Educational Excellence for instructional supports for faculty, instructors, and TA/TMs.