As an RSG Leader, you will be working to improve your own academics and also help to support the success of your classmates. You are joining a group of over 950 Arts & Science students who are leading their own RSGs across all programs and years of study.
Fall 2024
- RSG Leader applications are now closed.
- You can join RSGs until November 8, 2024.
If you are an RSG Leader who led an RSG during the winter term with at least 2 members, you can register for “Returner RSG Leader Training” to meet other leaders and build your facilitation skills!
How to apply to be a RSG Leader
You can apply to become an RSG leader through A&S Online Services.
- Log into A&S Online Services with your UTORid and password.
- Click on the “Student” menu on the landing page.
- Click on “Recognized Study Groups.”
- On the Student Dashboard, click on “Apply as Leader.”
- Review the pre-filled information and click “Submit.”
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LEADING AN RSG
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS AFTER I SUBMIT MY RSG LEADER APPLICATION?
Once you submit your RSG Leader Application, you will be invited to RSG Leader Training.
Here are the steps to follow after submitting your RSG Leader Application:
- Apply to be an RSG Leader for an F, S or Y course.
- Attend RSG Leader Training.
- Register your RSG after you complete training by logging on to A&S Online Services and indicating the course, preferred weekly meeting time and delivery mode (online or in-person) for your RSG.
- Your RSG will be posted online to A&S Online Services and you can invite students to join.
- Host your first RSG meeting.
WHY SHOULD I BE AN RSG LEADER?
Volunteering to be an RSG Leader is a great way to:
- Make friends in your courses
- Gain new leadership and group-facilitation skills
- Increase your focus on coursework
- Prepare for tests and exams
- Boost your resume
- Earn a Co-Curricular Record (CCR) credit
Plus – you will meet other RSG leaders and upper-year Study Group Assistants who will train you and be available to support you during the year.
You don’t need prior experience to be an RSG Leader. Learn about the expectations of an RSG leader below to see if this is a good opportunity for you.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF AN RSG LEADER?
RSG Leaders are not tutors. You are not expected to have any previous knowledge of course material – you just need to have an interest in building a positive study experience for yourself and others. We will provide training and support to help your RSG succeed.
Time commitment: RSG Leaders spend approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours each week on their RSGs – time well spent building new leadership skills and connecting with classmates to study.
Each group can have one RSG Leader and an Assistant RSG Leader who can help ensure the group is a success.
As an RSG leader, your role is to:
Coordinate your RSG:
- Set up weekly RSG meetings (minimum six meetings for Fall or Winter terms; four meetings for Summer terms)
- Communicate with group members
- Keep track of attendance
- Ensure academic integrity is upheld
Facilitate RSG meetings:
- Host weekly RSG meetings on Zoom or in person
- Create a welcoming, safe and positive space for members
- Identify topics of discussion from course material and lectures
- Use review activities and questions to help the group study together (simple Collaborative Learning Techniques (CoLTs) that you will learn about during training)
Additional Expectations:
- Participate in one online or in-person training session for RSG Leaders
- Attend a minimum of one online or in-person check-in with your Study Group Assistant
- Communicate issues or concerns about your RSG to your Study Group Assistant
- Organize and attend at least one academic skills development experience with your study group (this could be attending your instructor’s office hours or a workshop)
- Complete a reflection survey at the end of the term
All students who meet these expectations will earn a CCR credit, and help create a positive experience for all group members.
CAN I CO-LEAD A STUDY GROUP?
Yes! All RSGs are encouraged to identify an Assistant RSG Leader who can help co-lead. You can choose a friend to be the Assistant Group Leader when you register your RSG, or identify a group member once you have started to meet.
The Assistant Group Leader’s role will be to help co-coordinate and facilitate the RSG if the RSG Leader needs to miss a session. Assistant RSG Leaders are also eligible to earn a CCR credit.
HOW DO STUDENTS JOIN MY RSG?
Once your RSG is created, students can join through A&S Online Services. For more information, students should visit the Join an RSG page.
