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Get Ready for Success

We are here to support you during your time at university! Our Academic & Communication Excellence (ACE) certificate program is designed to help you develop essential skills to thrive as a student and after graduation. You can also meet with a PASS or SNACK leader for FREE tutoring support in your most difficult courses and achieve academic success!

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Academic & Communication Excellence (ACE) Certificate

Strengthen your academic communication skills, excel in collaboration and become career ready with the Academic Communication and Excellence (ACE) Certificate Program.  

group of students in the classroom

The ACE Program is designed to empower you with the skills and experiences needed to excel in your academic and professional journeys. Through interactive, practical workshops and hands-on projects based on real-world scenarios, you will:  

  • Develop exceptional communication and teamwork skills to thrive in academic settings and group projects.  
  • Build impressive portfolio-worthy accomplishments to showcase on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and in job interviews, giving you a competitive edge.  
  • Receive an official physical or digital certificate to showcase your achievement —perfect for academic and professional milestones!  

Learn more about the certificate:

Certificate Options

Steps to Certification

Themes & Workshops

Explore your Options

Not sure if you should complete the Certificate program or just do individual workshops? Learn more about the benefits provided by the certificate and workshop-only options below.

Certificate Option

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  • Comprehensive learning with structured workshops  
  • Hands-on projects showcasing your knowledge and application of skills  
  • Recognition of your achievements with a certificate 
  • Register now

Workshop-Only Option

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  • Flexibility to attend workshops that align with specific skills or topic of interest 
  • No long-term commitment  
  • Can enrol into the ACE Certificate program at any time
  • Register for individual workshops

Five Steps to Certification

To earn an ACE Certificate you must:

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Step 1

Complete the registration form to sign up for individual workshops or the full program.  

Step 2

Attend four workshops (at least one from each theme.)  

Step 3

Complete two projects in total (one project per theme of your choice.)  

Step 4

Submit a short reflective survey after each workshop.

Step 5

Fulfill all requirements within two years of attending your first workshop.  

Program Themes & Workshops

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Theme 1: Academic Foundations

Building essential skills and strategies to thrive academically and navigate university life with confidence. 

Start your university journey with confidence! This workshop equips you with practical strategies for navigating the challenges of university life. From managing your time effectively to utilizing campus resources and staying organized, you'll leave with tools and tips to thrive both academically and personally. Whether you're new to university or looking to enhance your skills, this session will set you up for success.  

Boost your exam performance with proven strategies to study smarter, not harder. This workshop will guide you through effective preparation techniques, time management strategies, and stress reduction methods tailored for midterms and finals. Learn how to create a personalized study plan, tackle challenging questions, and approach exams with confidence to achieve your best results.

Achieve academic success without sacrificing your well-being! In this workshop, you'll discover effective study strategies, time management techniques and stress relief practices to maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal life. Learn how to stay focused, avoid burnout and create habits that support long-term success while keeping stress in check. 

Here’s a brief snapshot of the projects you can choose to complete (you only need to choose one):  

  1. Create a personalized toolkit to help yourself or others navigating university life. This can include a study plan, campus resource map or recommended study strategies that actually work. 

Attend workshops in this theme to learn about the details and start the project! 

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Theme 2: Academic Communication 

Developing clear and effective written and verbal communication for academic and professional success. 

Elevate your writing skills and develop a strong academic voice with this interactive workshop. Learn how to structure your ideas effectively, support arguments with evidence and refine your writing for clarity and impact. Whether you're tackling essays, research papers, or assignments, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to excel in academic writing.

Take an active role in your learning with this workshop designed to help you participate in class discussions with confidence. Discover strategies for preparing your thoughts, articulating ideas clearly and responding effectively in a supportive environment. Build the skills to engage meaningfully with peers and instructors, enhancing your academic experience and communication abilities.

Strengthen your academic and professional relationships by mastering email etiquette and effective communication with professors. In this workshop, you'll learn how to write clear, professional emails, ask thoughtful questions and build meaningful connections with your instructors. Gain the confidence to navigate academic interactions and create opportunities for mentorship and support.

Here’s a brief snapshot of the projects you can choose to complete (you only need to choose one): 

  1. Prepare a short scholarship article on the topic of your choosing, and it must include citations, reference list and visuals to enhance understanding. 
  1. Prepare email communications to various types of people you will interact with in a university setting. 
  1. Record yourself leading a discussion of an academic topic of your choosing. 

Attend workshops in this theme to learn about details and start the project! 

Group of four students working together

Theme 3: Collaboration & Presentation

Mastering teamwork and presentation skills to create impactful group projects and deliver engaging content.

Master the art of collaboration with this workshop on navigating group projects effectively. Learn how to communicate clearly, delegate tasks, manage conflicts and contribute to a positive team dynamic. Whether you're working on academic assignments or preparing for professional teamwork, this session equips you with practical strategies to thrive and succeed in collaborative environments.

Focus on the art of delivering powerful presentations in this engaging workshop. Learn how to captivate your audience through confident speaking, clear structure and effective storytelling techniques. Whether for academic or professional settings, this session will help you refine your delivery skills to communicate your ideas with clarity and impact. 

Transform your presentations with compelling visuals that tell a story and enhance your message. In this workshop, you'll learn the principles of effective visual design, including layout, color and typography, to create slides and graphics that engage your audience. Gain hands-on experience using tools and techniques to bring your ideas to life and make your presentations unforgettable.

Here’s a brief snapshot of the projects you can choose to complete (you only need to choose one): 

  1. Prepare a group pitch deck and record your group presentation on a solution to a real-world issue. 
  1. Create a group proposal or presentation in any format on any academic topic 

Attend workshops in this theme to learn about details and start the project!