Current graduate students

Among the many unpredictable issues that arose alongside the pandemic, a lack of interpersonal connection is arguably the most significant impact that I have experienced. Adding onto this, the imprint that the virtual workspace has made in our lives has been a quick change for myself, in which, I found it difficult to adapt my entire life to correspond with these changes. From school to work, and even socializing with my friends and loved ones, this digital era has overhauled the trajectory of all I know. As such, it is truly refreshing to be a part of the team here at The Write Spot

The Write Spot is a newly launched initiative that provides a safe and inclusive space for students to write and receive support from peer tutors. Located on campus, it offers free coffee to all students and a variety of resources to help them improve their writing skills. The initiative has been well-received by students, with many expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to work on their writing in a supportive environment. The peer tutors, in particular, have played a crucial role in the success of The Write Spot, offering personalized feedback and guidance to help students develop their writing abilities. 

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Julie Anne Nord to our team as the new Writing and Communication Advisor for our Undergraduate Programs. With her impressive background in teaching and writing, we are excited to see her take on this new role.

Julie's passion for teaching and writing began early in her life, and she has since developed her skills through a variety of experiences and training. Her work as a Lead Writing Fellow and volunteer writing tutor, as well as her experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and private music instructor, make her an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that her expertise will greatly benefit our undergraduate students.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

An Exam Essay Survival Guide

Exam essays can be intimidating. Summarizing an entire course in a few pages doesn't seem humanly possible, right?

Well, it's certainly not an easy undertaking — but as a seasoned veteran of exam essays, I can ensure you with confidence that it IS possible. Summarized in four key takeaways, this guide is what I've learned about exam essays and how to survive them.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

An Essay Exam Survival Guide

Memorize outlines, not entire essays.

When your instructor shares the essay topic(s) before the exam, it can be tempting to memorize an entire answer in advance. However, if you have a tight schedule during exam season, this strategy may not be the best use of your time! Try memorizing only the basics: the main points that support your argument and the information that proves those points (in other words: an essay outline). This approach not only saves time but also allows for greater flexibility if the adrenaline rush of the exam provides you with new ideas!