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 shows the schedule of sessions that will be taking place this year for Head Start 2026! More details will be available on the program Quercus site later this summer. Registered students will be added to the Quercus site.
| September 1 (in person and online) | September 2 (in person and online) | September 3 (in person and online) |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Reading for Deep Learning | First Year Math 101 | Prioritizing Health and Wellness with UTM Health & Wellness Centre |
| Writing for University and Beyond | Understanding Academic Integrity at UTM | Developing Research Skills across Disciplines |
| Lunch with Senior Students | Senior Students Share UTM Tools for Success | Meet First Year Faculty Panel |
| Indigenous Workshop | Effective Note Taking Strategies for University Lectures | UTM Library: Your essential partner for academic achievement |
| Effective Time Management Strategies for Undergraduate Students | Navigating Your Learning in the Age of Generative AI | Upper Year Student and Alumni 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!