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Graduate Student Academic Support
Graduate studies can be exciting, challenging, and everything in between. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate it alone. You'll find a variety of programs and resources designed to help you build strong academic skills, stay organized, and feel confident in your studies. Whether you’re juggling research and coursework, looking to sharpen your writing, or just wanting strategies to manage your workload, there are events, workshops, tools, and personalized supports to help you throughout your time at Laurier.
Academic Supports and Resources
Audience: Open to all graduate students
Booking an appointment with one of our professional Learning Consultants gives you space to step back from the pressure of graduate school and get personalized strategies that actually fit your research, coursework, and competing responsibilities. Whether you’re navigating dense course readings, making progress on your thesis, balancing a heavy TA load, working full time, or just trying to maintain focus and balance in a busy life, our consultants can help you strengthen your time‑management habits, fine-tune your reading and study approaches, and build routines that support both your academic progress and your well‑being. You can book a one-on-one appointment on the Student Success portal.
Audience: Open to all graduate students
The Graduate Writing Supports page connects Laurier graduate students with one‑to‑one writing support, workshops, and events to support academic writing at every stage.
Our Academic Skills workshops, open to undergraduate and graduate students, offer practical strategies to support success at every stage of their program. From time management and note‑taking to strengthening core study habits, these sessions provide flexible, skill‑building opportunities designed to help you stay organized, focused, and confident throughout your graduate studies.
Accessible Learning at Laurier supports graduate students with disabilities, or suspected disabilities, by promoting equitable access to the learning environment through inclusive services that respect the diverse identities students bring to campus. Registration with Accessible Learning is required before accommodations and supports can be provided.
Audience: Open to all graduate students
ASPIRE workshops offer Laurier graduate students and postdoctoral fellows a supportive space to build new skills, explore opportunities beyond academia, and connect with a wider campus community. Through practical, engaging workshops and programs, ASPIRE helps you strengthen your teaching and research, prepare for your future career, and develop as a well‑rounded scholar and professional, both during your time at Laurier and long after. You can also choose to earn the ASPIRE Professional Development Certificate, which is a great way to invest in your future.
Audience: Open to all graduate students
Student Success offers a series of targeted handouts and resources designed to help graduate students strengthen their academic skills throughout their programs. These resources can be bookmarked or printed for ongoing reference and cover key areas such as effective study strategies, writing support, editing assistance specifically for graduate-level work, responsible use of generative AI, and tools to help you plan and manage assignments efficiently.
Events and Workshops
Graduate Student Study Lounge
Audience: Open to all graduate students
Looking for a quiet, welcoming space to study and connect with others? Our Graduate Student Study Lounge offers a comfortable environment with free snacks, plenty of workspace, and access to Learning Consultants, experienced peers, and staff who can support your academic progress. Some sessions also feature campus partners who can provide guidance and support when you need it. It’s also a great opportunity to meet fellow graduate students, build community, and find accountability buddies who can help you stay motivated and on track with your goals. Come study, connect, and recharge.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 24, Mar. 10, Mar. 24, and Apr. 7
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Research and Academic Centre - West, RCW324
Monday, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 23, Mar. 9, Mar. 23, and Apr. 6
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Graduate Commons, 3rd floor of the Waterloo Campus Library
Pathways to Success: Graduate School and Beyond
Audience: International graduate students on the Brantford campusPathways to Success is a series of workshops designed to help you succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Gain practical insights into campus life, graduate academic writing, Canadian workplace culture, and learn how to identify and communicate your unique skills and experiences.
Bonus: Enjoy a free pizza lunch at every session!
Kick off your graduate experience with the tools and knowledge to thrive at Laurier and in Canada. Learn about strategies for academic success, the value of getting involved on campus, and essential immigration information that impacts your studies and work opportunities. The International Student Support and Student Success teams are here to help you start strong!
Friday, Jan. 16
Noon to 1 p.m.
One Market Building, OM209 | Registration Required
Academic writing in Canada may feel different from what you’re used to. This session introduces the expectations and conventions of writing in Canadian Universities, including structure, style, and citation practices. We'll walk you through the writing process step by step. From understanding assignments and planning your ideas to drafting, revising, and integrating sources, you’ll see how writing develops from an idea to a polished paper. Join us and gain confidence in producing clear, well-organized academic work.
Friday, Jan. 23
Noon to 1 p.m.
One Market Building, OM209 | Registration Required
What are competencies, and why do they matter?
Join the Career Development Centre to learn what competencies are, why they matter, and how to articulate your skills in resumes, interviews, and networking conversations. This session will help you showcase your strengths and stand out in competitive environments.
Friday, Feb. 6
Noon to 1 p.m.
Carnegie Building, CB100 | Registration Required
Understanding Canadian workplace culture is key to succeeding professionally. This session explores cultural norms, communication styles, and etiquette in Canadian work environments. The Career Development Centre will provide you with practical advice for job searching, networking, and preparing for employment during or after your studies
Friday, Feb. 13
Noon to 1 p.m.
One Market Building, OM209 | Registration Required
Halfway and Hungry
Audience: Open to all graduate students
Halfway and Hungry is your well-deserved break in the middle of a busy term! Take the opportunity to grab a complimentary lunch and recharge with fellow graduate students who are going through the same experience as you. It’s a chance to swap stories, reflect on how the term is going, and remind yourself you’re not doing this alone. Student Success staff will also be on hand with resources and study‑skills strategies you might not have realized you needed. Registration is required, so make sure to save your spot and give yourself the break (and lunch) you deserve!
Join your fellow Brantford campus graduate students in the One Market Building Kitchenette for a mid-semester pause. Refuel with a complimentary lunch, connect with peers, and take time to recharge.
Friday, Feb. 27
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
One Market Building, OM Kitchenette | Registration required
Open to all graduate students
Take a pause from your studies and refuel with a complimentary lunch alongside other graduate students. This casual gathering is a chance to connect, reflect, and set yourself up for success for the second half of the term.
Tuesday, Feb. 24
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fred Nichols Campus Centre, The Turret | Registration required
Open to all graduate students
End of Term Celebration
Audience: Open to all graduate students
You made it to the end of the term. Congratulations! Take a moment to celebrate and reflect on your wins, big and small, and breathe easy, you did it. Drop in and join the Graduate Student Support team for a cozy, come‑and‑go break, complete with snacks! You can relax, recharge, connect with fellow grad students, and chat about strategies that can support you in future semesters.
Stop by the Brantford campus for a well-deserved break. You can recharge, celebrate the end of the term, and connect with your fellow graduate students and the Graduate Student Support team. Registration is not required.
Friday, Apr. 10
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
One Market Building, OM209
Stop by the Waterloo campus for a well-deserved break. You can recharge, celebrate the end of the term, and connect with your fellow graduate students and the Graduate Student Support team. Registration is not required.
Tuesday, Apr. 13
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
2nd floor Peters Building, P224