Resources for SFU Students

Since we see a high volume of SFU students on AskAway, here is some information about writing, learning, research, tech support, ESL and graduate student resources available to SFU students through the SFU Learning Commons:
Writing and Learning Support:
The Student Learning Commons (SLC) offers one-to one consultations (booked and drop in) and workshops on a wide range of academic writing, grammar, and learning topics and concerns. These include writing strong introductions and conclusions, effective paraphrasing, self-proofing and editing, planning a writing project, exam preparation, study skills, note-taking, time management - and much more. Visit the SLC web site at http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/ for links to consultation and workshop registration, as well as an extensive collection of handouts, streaming videos, and other strategies and tools.
Workshops: http://workshops.learningcommons.sfu.ca/workshops
Handouts: http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/tools/find.htm
Consultations: http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/services/consultations.htm

Library Research Support:
Effective library and information research depends on knowing how to search the library catalogue and specialized databases, understanding when - and when not- to use tools such as Google and Wikipedia, developing frames of reference to evaluate search results and information sources, and creating systems to manage search results . The SFU Library offers a variety of skill-building and support services for students, including library research skills classes, extensive subject research guides, RefWorks citation management software, and in person and online real-time information services.
Workshops: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/researchhelp/tutorials/libskills.htm
Subject Guides: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/researchhelp/subjectguides/
Refworks: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/researchtools/refworks/
Ask A Librarian: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/researchhelp/askus/
Technology Support:
Many students are very comfortable with the technology they use on a regular basis, such as Facebook and other social networking tools. instant messaging and texting, or computer gaming. University courses, however, require students to work effectively with course management software such as WebCT, prepare presentations using PowerPoint, manage statistics and projects with Excel, and format papers correctly using Word, to name only the common tools.
Campus IT, the Library, and the SLC are pleased to announce that starting September 7, 2008, SFU students can access an enhanced level of online and in-person support for standard academic computing tools: WebCT, Office products, and the new SFU Collaborative Email Suite. Online help includes extensive "self serve" information, as well as live help via phone and live chat.
Technology Support for Students: http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/services/techSupport.htm
Graduate Students:
Graduate students are discovering SLC services in increasing numbers for a variety of concerns and topics. English as Additional Language (EAL) graduate students should be particularly encouraged to book a consulation with EAL/ESL specialist Tim Mossman. He will provide them with feedback and suggest strategies to improve their listening, speaking, and writing skills. His availabilty is listed in our online appointment booking system at http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/services/consultations/appointments.htm and his contact information is at http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/services/contact/staff.htm#EAL.