Faculty can request one of the workshops listed below by filling out our workshop request form.
Workshops are offered Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and are typically between 30 minutes and one hour in length, depending on how much class time is allotted. Presenters can work with the instructor to tailor the workshop to specific
assignments or lessons. Workshops can be offered in person or over Zoom, although in-person presentations may be limited by tutor availability.
Please note that we may not be able to accommodate workshop requests received less than two weeks in advance. If you have any questions about in-class workshops, please contact Nicole Im.
Each workshop includes a brief overview of the ULC's services, then focuses on a topic of your choice.
ULC Overview
Here is a basic overview of what the ULC has to offer, what to expect during sessions, and how to schedule appointments with us.
Fundamentals of the Academic Essay
Writers at all levels of skill can benefit from this exploration of the essay, from pre-writing to conclusion. The role of writing as a process and of academic writing and its conventions and purpose forms the basis of the discussion.
How to Develop a Strong Thesis Statement
A solid thesis statement dictates the architecture of an essay. In this workshop, the presenter reviews the characteristics of a strong thesis as well as pitfalls to avoid. The presenter then discusses how creating a well-defined thesis statement helps
organize ideas and define perspectives while enhancing a paper's clarity.
Plagiarism and Citation
This workshop explains what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it. The session familiarizes students with the concept of crediting sources and discusses when and how to quote, paraphrase, or summarize sources. The techniques can be tailored to Chicago,
MLA, or APA style.
AI: Responsible Use
This workshop focuses on productive ways for students to use AI in their academic work. The presenter starts by having students reflect on how they've been using AI and then discusses constructive, instructor-approved ways to use it. Students also learn how to cite and declare their AI use and participate in activities that allow them to put what they learn into practice.
Time Management: General or Design
This workshop provides practical strategies to help students better plan and budget their time, avoid procrastination, and feel more in control of their work. The workshop can also be tailored to creative projects, with tips for each step in the creative process: mapping and planning, research, prototyping, and revision. Students also learn how to seek and incorporate feedback while staying on track.
Reading for Research Papers
This workshop takes students through the process of collecting, reading, and synthesizing sources for research papers. Emphasis is placed on responding critically to sources, keeping notes on each source, and citing appropriately.
How to Talk About Your Work
This workshop helps students prepare for critiques and shows them how best to present their own work to others.
Software Overviews
These workshops provide a general overview of a selected program: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Unity, or Python.
Oral Presentations
This workshop consists of demonstrations and discussion of techniques for engaging an audience, with the aim of helping students develop their oral presentation skills and become comfortable and confident in front of a crowd. Tips for creating presentations are also included.
Note Taking
Note-taking skills are a vital part of student success. This workshop discusses the value of notes, explores strategies for identifying and capturing important information during lectures and readings, and explains how to use notes to synthesize learning
and prepare for assignments and/or exams.
Classroom Communication
This workshop provides students with guidelines and strategies for making the most of class discussions and face time with their professors. We cover the importance of classroom engagement, strategies for keeping discussions moving, and email etiquette.
Reading for Understanding
This workshop gives students strategies for approaching dense or complex readings.