Arts & Science students in first and second year can join learning communities to enrich their undergraduate experience. Learn more about First-Year Learning Communities or read below for Second-Year Learning Communities.
Plan for success in second year & beyond!
A second-year learning community (SLC or “slick”) brings together small groups of second-year students pursuing majors or specialists within the same department to develop their academic interests and networks together.
SLCs offer interactive, developmental and social activities to grow your network and support your academic success. Activities are facilitated by senior students who act as peer mentors, with guidance from faculty and staff advisors.
Programming includes:
- Connecting with workplaces and alumni in your field
- Academic skill development for second-year courses
- Off-campus field trips
- Social opportunities with faculty members
SLCs are free, co-curricular opportunities available to students in select academic departments and programs at the Faculty of Arts & Science.
Why Join a Second-Year Learning Community?
SLCs provide the opportunity for you to:
- Build a strong academic and social network
- Benefit from the knowledge and support of peer mentors, faculty and staff advisors
- Engage in learning opportunities outside of the classroom and experience Toronto
- Learn from expert panels in your field
- Explore future career and graduate school options
- Develop competencies around intercultural communication and collaborative learning
What to Expect in a SLC
SLCs meet in person and on campus. You will meet your SLC group at a welcome session during the first week of classes and then meet with them every other week. When you attend 10 of the 13 SLC sessions, you will receive a transcript notation indicating the successful completion of the SLC program.
SLCs do not count as course credit.
SLC applications for the 2023–24 academic year will open in June 2023. If you have any questions, contact the Student Success Programs team at ssp.artsci@utoronto.ca.
Discover Your SLC
SLCs are available to students entering a major or specialist in the following academic departments and programs:
- Cell & Systems Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
- Economics
- Geography & Planning
- Human Biology
- Mathematics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistical Sciences
FAQs
SLC activities are free for students enrolled in participating programs. Students can take advantage of all activities, including field trips, visits with industry experts and group meals at no cost.
If you are planning to enrol in a program in the summer during the second request period, you might be able to join a SLC in August or early September. Once you have confirmed your program enrolment in ACORN, check this webpage to see if your SLC is still accepting applications. If you have questions, contact ssp.artsci@utoronto.ca.
It may be valuable to disclose your SLC participation in applications for graduate studies, research opportunities and employment to reflect your engagement in your academic area of study and understanding of academic skills included in the SLC program. The notation reflects positively on your motivation to succeed.
No, your peer mentors are not tutors. Peer mentors are upper-year students who are here to support you, share their experiences and facilitate your SLC sessions along with staff and faculty advisors.
I missed the deadline to apply to SLC. Is there another program I can join as a second-year student?
Yes. Recognized Study Groups (RSG) are student-led study groups of up to eight classmates enrolled in the same Faculty of Arts & Science course. RSGs are available to help you make friends in your courses, better understand course material, prepare for tests and exams, learn study skills and stay focused. You can apply to lead or join an RSG for one of your courses at the start of the term. You can also search for additional opportunities within your department or program.