The RGASC's Head Start program is designed to introduce incoming UTM students to the academic environment, expectations, skills, and resources they can expect to encounter in their first year on campus.
Free sessions feature senior student panels, first year faculty, RGASC learning strategists, and campus partners on topics related to how to manage the transition from high school to university successfully.
Head Start is part of UTM's pre-arrival orientation programming. Head Start 2026 sessions will be taking place on September 1- September 3, 2026. Registration details will be coming soon this summer, so keep an eye on this page for updates!
Why Attend Head Start
Discover what is expected of first-year students as active learners in the academic community at UTM
Identify learning strategies and academic skills that you can develop to enhance your academic confidence and performance
Learn about key campus resources that will support your learning and development through your first year to graduation
Schedule
The table below includes a sample schedule of sessions that took place last year for Head Start 2025. Check it out to get an idea of the types of workshops and panels you can look forward to in our 2026 iteration. A detailed and up-to-date schedule for 2026 will be available here and on the program Quercus site later this summer. Registered students will be added to the Quercus site.
| August 25 (in person and online) | August 26 (in person and online) | August 27 (online only) | August 28 (in person and online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Reading for Deep Learning | Prioritizing Health and Wellness with UTM Health & Wellness Centre | First Year Math 101 | Effective Time Management Strategies for Undergraduate Students |
| Writing for University and Beyond | Developing Research Skills across Disciplines | Understanding Academic Integrity at UTM | Contextualizing Generative AI at the University Level |
| Lunch with Senior Students | Effective Note Taking Strategies for University Lectures | Senior Students Share UTM Tools for Success | Closing Reception with Faculty and Senior Students |
| Behind a Name: Maanjiwe Nendamowinan with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives | UTM Library: Your essential partner for academic achievement | Meet First Year Faculty Panel |
Student Reviews
Hear from past participants of the RGASC's Head Start program as they share how the experience helped them feel more prepared, confident, and connected before starting their first year at UTM. Learn how Head Start can make your transition to university smoother.
FAQ
You’re welcome to bring a laptop if you’d like, but it’s not required. We’ll provide all the materials and resources you need during the Head Start sessions!
EagleConnect is an online program that helps you get comfortable with UTM through short modules, webinars, and virtual events, all supported by upper-year Squad Leaders. Head Start is an in-person event in late August that focuses on academic preparation with sessions led by professors, learning strategists, and senior students. Both are free and designed to support your transition, just in different ways.
If you have any questions about Head Start or need more information, feel free to email us at academicskills.utm@utoronto.ca, we’re happy to help!