UNIV 001: University Preparedness

As part of the University’s student success and retention strategy, under the leadership of the AVP (Academic), the University created a new zero-credit course, UNIV 001, to support students’ transition to university. Effective Fall 2025, all new undergraduate students are required to complete the course in their first semester at the University. The course introduces students to university expectations and core academic skills essential to university studies; it also provides students with guidance regarding student supports at the University.

The course is composed of five core modules:

1. Skills to Get Started

Time management; note taking; effective strategies for studying and writing exams.

2. Academic Writing Skills across Disciplines

Different types of writing assignments; understanding instructor’s writing assignment requirements; developing arguments; using analytical logic; writing with clarity; referencing sources appropriately.

3. Research Skills  

Where/how to start research for a class assignment; how to find relevant resources; library search terms; credibility of sources; where/how to get support. 

4. Academic Integrity

Core values of academic integrity; why academic integrity is important; what is academic misconduct; the main types of academic misconduct and examples; and how to avoid academic misconduct; student rights and responsibilities.

5. Respectful Conduct

A review of the University’s Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic) and Respectful University Policy; how/where to get help.

Each module provides cases, scenarios, and “check your knowledge” exercises to help students better comprehend, and apply to real-life situations, knowledge and information from the modules.