Sidney Smith Commons

Online resource for A & S students

Join a Recognized Study Group

A collage of some Arts & Science student portraits

By joining an RSG, you can:

  • Increase your understanding of course material
  • Make friends in your course
  • Prepare for tests and exams
  • Stay focused while studying
  • Learn valuable study skills

Fall 2023

  • Applications to lead an RSG will open August 21, 2023
  • Applications to join an RSG will open September 7, 2023
Join an RSG

How to join an RSG

You can join an RSG through A&S Online Services.

  1. Log into A&S Online Services with your UTORid and password. 
  2. Click on the “Student” menu on the landing page.  
  3. Click on “Recognized Study Groups.” 
  4. On the Student Dashboard, click on “Join RSG.” 
  5. Review the pre-filled information. 
  6. Using the drop-down menu, select the course you’d like to join a RSG for. 
  7. Choose from the available RSGs which one works best with your schedule. 
  8. Click “join”.  

RSGs will be added over the first few weeks of classes as RSG leaders attend training and register their RSG. If you don’t find an RSG for your course, you can apply to be a leader and start your own RSG.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JOINING AN RSG

WHAT IS AN RSG?

Recognized Study Groups (RSG) are small, student-led study groups of up to 8 classmates enrolled in the same course within the Faculty of Arts & Science. RSGs meet online through Zoom or in person on the St. George campus on a weekly basis.

An RSG for a particular course is created by a student who volunteers to be an RSG leader. The RSG leader is trained and chooses the day, time and delivery mode (online or in-person) for their RSG to meet. Once the RSG is created, it is opened for classmates to join.

An RSG leader is not a tutor – they learn alongside the group. All group members participate in the RSG by reviewing course material, asking questions and preparing for tests together.

In addition to your study group meetings, you will also get support from Study Group Assistants who help with study strategies and answering your questions.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF RSG PARTICIPANTS?

Joining an RSG is approximately a one-hour commitment per week – time well spent connecting with classmates to study together. All RSG participants are expected to meet the following expectations:

  • Attend weekly RSG meetings
    • Fall/Winter: Minimum of 4 per term
    • Summer: Minimum of 3 per term
  • Prepare for each study group session by staying up-to-date with coursework
  • Bring questions about the course material
  • Attend one of these academic skill development experiences with your study group. Examples include:
    • Academic skills workshop as a group
    • Instructor or TA office hours as a group
  • Attend a Meet to Complete session
  • Complete a reflection survey at the end of the term

All students who meet these expectations will earn a CCR credit.

HOW ARE RSGS CREATED?

An RSG is created for a course by one student volunteering to be an RSG leader. Once the RSG leader is trained, the group is opened up for students to join. Here is how it works:

  1. A student applies to be an RSG leader.
  2. All student volunteers attend an RSG leader Training session.
  3. After training, each Leader can start an RSG by selecting the course and preferred weekly meeting time for their RSG.
  4. The RSG is posted to A&S Online Services.

Students can join the RSG on A&S Online Services.

What can I do if there is no RSG available for my course?

RSGs are available for all A&S courses on the St. George Campus, however they’re only available in courses a student has volunteered to lead it. If you don’t see an RSG listed for a course, check A&S Online Services back later or apply to lead an RSG. No experience is necessary and we will provide you with training on how to facilitate your RSG as well as ongoing support throughout the term.

If you have questions about Recognized Study Groups, email rsg.artsci@utoronto.ca or use the chat box.