Preparatory Arts Labs

In partnership with the English Department, Academic Skills Centre professionals act as lab instructors in the Preparatory Arts Program, training students in a wide range of learning skills while helping them develop confidence and a mature approach to their studies.

Preparatory Arts is a program unique to Dawson and open to a limited number of first-year Social Science students (two groups of 29). Candidates are selected mainly on the basis of original or insightful content in their English placement essays.

Preparatory Arts students select all their courses in consultation with Skills Centre personnel, and benefit from pre-registration.

They complete all four CEGEP English courses within their first year, working with a single teacher. This intensive approach – and a challenging literary curriculum – help the students adapt quickly to the demands of college studies.

Meanwhile, the Skills Centre instructors conduct weekly labs focusing on learning skills and the development of college-level reading, writing and research abilities.

The Skills Centre professionals also meet individually with each Preparatory Arts student at least three time per semester to review assignments, monitor progress and to provide tutorial help when necessary. They also prepare the students to pass the Ministerial English Exit Examination in May of their first year.

Preparatory Arts students have an impressive record of success, and the “preparatory” skills acquired in the program serve them well at university. Academic Skills Centre professionals have played a very active role in this successful program ever since its inception in 1974.