Writing skills
Students who want to improve their academic writing skills can meet with a writing specialist or a peer writing tutor to learn how to get started on an assignment, organize their writing, use references to avoid plagiarism and edit their own work.
General computer skills
- Software use (Microsoft Office)
- Using DC Connect
English language support
Additional support is provided to students who have English as a second or additional language. The English as a Second Language (ESL) Specialist helps students develop their English language skills in academic writing, speaking, listening and reading. Many students arriving in Canada are unprepared for the cultural differences and expectations of a college environment in Canada. The Academic Success for ESL Students workshop will teach students skills for coping with their transition; understanding the new expectations; and how to effectively participate in class to achieve academic success.
Students can also attend group writing skills workshops or access workshop modules through Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) ONLINE, at no additional cost. Writing workshops may include Academic Integrity, Academic Reading, APA/MLA Referencing, Editing Skills, Essay Writing and Presentation Skills.
Subject Supports
Science
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology
Math
- Algebra
- Applied Math
- Calculus
- Med Math
- Statistics
Business
- Accounting
- Business Math
- Economics
- Operations
- Marketing
Learning strategies
- College Transition Mature Learners
- Learning styles
- Listening and note-taking
- Math study skills
- Organization skills
- Procrastination
- Study strategies
- Test and exam preparation
- Time management
Policies
SALS STAFF APPOINTMENT POLICY
Students may book one 50-minute appointment with a SALS staff member each week, subject to staff availability.
Cancellations must be made no later than 7 a.m. on the day of the appointment; otherwise, it is considered a No Show.
Students who have two No Shows will not be permitted to book a one-to-one appointment with any staff member for the remainder of the semester.
Students with two No Shows are permitted to attend tutorials and workshops, and access SALS ONLINE resources.
SALS PEER TUTORING POLICY
Students who cancel a session with their peer tutor must give 24 hours’ advance notice.
Students who fail to provide 24 hours’ notice will be considered a No Show and will be charged $15 to their student account.
If a second No Show occurs, students will be charged another $15 to their account and peer tutoring privileges will be forfeited for the remainder of the semester.
Students who have forfeited their peer tutoring privileges will still be able to meet with staff, attend tutorials and workshops, and access SALS ONLINE resources.
SELF-DISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Academic assignments, course progress, and matters of a personal and private nature can be discussed with SALS staff or tutors. Your discussion with staff and tutors will be considered confidential with three exceptions:
- When staff or tutors believe you may be at risk of harm to yourself or someone else
- When staff or tutors become aware that a crime has been committed
- When you communicate or do something that is a violation of college policy
We take your well-being and your right to privacy seriously. We also take our responsibility to uphold academic integrity standards seriously.
We encourage you to review and become familiar with Durham College’s academic policies and procedures in your student handbook or online at: www.durhamcollege.ca/policies
Sals terminology
SALS ONLINE
Online access to SALS academic resources including practice tests, workshops, videos, worksheets, and quizzes, available by free registration on your DC Connect homepage. There are academic units for Writing/Peer Tutoring/Learning Skills, Anatomy/Physiology/Biology, Chemistry, Business/Accounting, Math, Physics, and Academic Integrity.
Staff Support
Appointments: One-to-one or small group appointments for learning skills, writing skills, or course-specific questions with staff can be booked by calling or visiting SALS. Limit of one 50-minute staff appointment per week.
Tutorials: Three or more students can schedule a weekly 50-minute tutorial with a staff member to review course specific materials and questions.
Workshops: Available both online and in-person, workshops cover a variety of learning and writing skills in 50-minute sessions. Sign-up at SALS is required for in-person workshops.
Peer Tutoring
Small group peer tutoring: Meet with senior students for small group tutoring. Contact the Peer Tutoring Coordinator for more information at ext. 2568. Individual tutoring will be by exception only and must be approved by the Peer Tutoring Coordinator. Additional charges apply.
Other Resources
Study rooms, reference textbooks, tip sheets, computers, printer and study space.
