OnBoard@OISE
The OnBoard@OISE program supports incoming and current students, especially linguistically and culturally diverse MEd students, through three core components: the Academic Skills Hub (ASH), Academic Writing Groups (AWG) and Student Experience Passport (SEP). OnBoard enhances academic and language skills, fosters social connections, and provides equitable, sustainable support.
Focusing on academic success and belonging, OnBoard@OISE offers accessible, discipline-specific resources to help students navigate their graduate studies. Created by OISE staff, students, and faculty with support from the UofT's International Student Experience Fund (ISEF), this holistic initiative empowers students to excel, build skills, and connect with the OISE and UofT communities.
Academic Skills Hub
What it is: The Academic Skills Hub (ASH) is a virtual gateway to academic support resources for the social sciences that students across the globe can access 24/7. ASH helps students navigate tasks such as reading articles effectively, taking notes, and writing papers. Resources include instructional videos, text-based resources, student assignment samples, and interactive activities on topics like academic writing, research skills, and learning strategies.
Who it’s for: ASH topics and materials are designed for graduate students in the social sciences and education, with a particular focus on the goals and challenges of students in Master of Education programs. ASH is open to the public and does not require UTORId authentication. Please share it widely!
When to use it: Students can use ASH any time. Some ASH resources are particularly helpful as starting points before you prepare your assignments, especially if you are not familiar with certain assignment types or concepts (e.g., What is a literature review? What is reflective writing?).
Academic Writing Groups
What it is: T³ó±ð Academic Writing Groups (AWGs), facilitated by OISE Student Success Centre advisors, are writing courses to support linguistically diverse students in developing essential academic writing skills through peer feedback and guided activities. Sessions include interactive discussions, peer-reviewed activities, and access to resources on Quercus to refine content, structure, and grammar.
Who it’s for:  The AWGs aim to create a collaborative and supportive academic community for MEd students from all over the world. AWGs are offered as either in-person or online synchronous cohorts and require students to enrol in advance.
When to use it:  Students can enrol in AWG sessions in the Fall or Winter semesters. Each AWG runs once a week for 10 weeks.
What it is: The Student Experience Passport (SEP) is a gamified digital tool that helps students explore university life and Canadian culture, and engage in experiential learning beyond the classroom. SEP contestants choose and complete activities across six categories—Wellbeing, Social, Explore, Academics, English, and Career—earning stamps, badges, and prizes.
Who it’s for: SEP is designed for OISE students, especially those who are new to OISE, UofT, and/or Toronto. It is hosted on Folio (a UofT platform) and requires UTORid authentication.
When to use it: SEP is available for the entire academic year (September to August). Students are encouraged to sign up in the Fall months and engage in the activities throughout the year. Prizes are awarded at the end of each academic year.