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Our transition program is called Shifting Gears, because the move from high school to
university isn't a static process; it's a shift from one learning environment to the
next. The aim of the Shifting Gears transition program is to offer support throughout your
transition to life at McMaster. The program begins with a summer workshop
series that can help you feel comfortable working in a university environment before
your classes even begin. It continues through the year with our Student Ally program, which
puts you in touch with another student who knows the ropes.
We also offer the chance for weekly hangouts at the SAS lounge and the opportunity to unwind
and meet other students at our monthly social events.
The first component of the Shifting Gears program is our summer workshop series. The
sessions are free and can help you adjust to the university way of doing things well
in advance of the first day of school. We've split up the material so you can pick and
choose what to learn. "Driving School: Essential Skills for Success"
runs on August 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. and August 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. This workshop will help
you learn important university skills, including McMaster website navigation, time management,
and resource locations. The session will also cover academic accommodations, course timetables,
the role of the faculty advisor, and financial resources specific to SAS.
"Tune-Up, Tune-In: The Lecture Experience" runs on August 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. and August
27 from 6 to 9 p.m. This session will help you get an early start in your note-taking
skills by offering you a real lecture with the professor, who will go over your notes
with you afterwards. Different forms of note-taking software will also be demonstrated.
"Information Highway: Library Use in the Fast Lane" runs on August 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. and
August 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This workshop will show you how to find and access resources
you will need in your classes, highlighting assistive software, and services offered by
our four campus libraries. "Academic Accommodations at the University
Level" is running on August 22 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and August 29 from 10 a.m. to 12
p.m. This session will discuss the accommodations that are available to you at the university
level, the role of the IEP, our documentation requirements, and specific financial resources
that may be available to you. "Saturday Sessions" runs on August 24 from
10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This workshop is a combination of "Driving School" and a shortened
version of "Tune-Up, Tune In". It also includes a free lunch.