STRIVE
STRIVE: Where learning meets community.
STRIVE is a workshop series that supports students in their academic journey connecting them with a disability-affirming community. Thanks to the immense feedback we received in our STRIVE survey Winter 2025, we are reimagining STRIVE this Fall with your feedback at the heart of its changes!
You asked. We listened. Here’s what’s new in STRIVE this Fall.
| You Asked... | We Listened... |
| 100% of students were in agreement in wanting to improve their learning strategies (e.g., note-taking, essay writing) and 91% of students expressed interest in learning more about assistive technology tools. | We are creating hands-on sessions that help you put strategies into action and explore assistive technology with support from IL staff and peers. |
| 78% of students said they prefer scheduled, registration-based workshops | We are saying goodbye to drop-in programming. Starting this Fall, you can register in advance for STRIVE studio sessions, with lots of notice about upcoming programs. |
| 78% of students would prefer to hear about STRIVE updates from STRIVE email blasts | We are making sure you’ll get regular STRIVE news, session details, and program updates sent directly to you. |
| 83% of students agreed that they want STRIVE to provide a sense of community with other students with disabilities | We are working hard to make STRIVE a space where students with disabilities can connect with each other, affirm their identities, and discover campus supports that expand their network. |
Fall 2025 Workshops
You asked for workshops that speak to your real experiences as students.
We are bringing you sessions that combine skill-building with community, designed around what matters most to you.
Crafting a Thesis
(in collaboration with Writing Support)
Tuesday September 30th
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
4th Floor of the Student Learning Centre (SLC 453)
Build confidence in your writing this midterm season. Join us to explore strategies for crafting your thesis statements and get a jump-start on your essays.
How to Manage Academic Workload with Chronic Pain
Thursday October 23rd
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Zoom
Together we will learn with and from each other about the highs and lows of navigating being a student while dealing with chronic pain. Join us for a space to share, reflect, and build strategies in a disability-affirming community.
How to Structure your Time as a Neurodiverse Student
(in collaboration with Community Wellbeing/Thriving in Action)
Monday November 3rd
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Active Learning Classroom (Kerr Hall West 57)
Struggling with procrastination, time blindness, or juggling multiple priorities? You’re not alone. In fact, 32.5% of AAS students told us in the STRIVE survey that they want help figuring out how to structure their time as neurodiverse learners, so we built this workshop just for that. Bring your calendar (or app or sticky notes — whatever works). We’ll practice simple strategies designed to work with your brain, not against it. Just in time for exam prep!
STRIVE D2L
STRIVE D2L contains STRIVE's favourite learning strategy and assistive technology resources adapted to the specific impacts for your disability. New disability-specific modules will continue to be added throughout the academic year.
Interested in STRIVE D2L? Review and sign our Consent Form to be added to the D2L Shell.
Study with STRIVE: Body Doubling Study Sessions
For many students, the presence of another person (even virtually) can support focus.
Join us in this virtual study hall just for students with disabilities where you can study alongside your peers and get the support you need. An LS/AT will be present to facilitate the session and help you stay motivated and on track.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from Study with STRIVE:
- We start the study session by reflecting on our goals/getting clear on our intentions: What academic work are you hoping to focus on today? How much time do you want to spend on it? What needs to take priority? What tasks do you have capacity for today?
- Then we’ll work independently, alongside each other
- We’ll come together for the last 5 minutes to talk (without judgment) about: Where did you land? How is your course work going? What’s next to work through?
Note: This is a dedicated space for quiet studying - if you have any questions related to your accommodations or the BSWD, you must book a 1:1 LS/AT appointment or meet with your Facilitator.
Dates: Daily, December 1 - 5
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom link: https://torontomu.zoom.us/j/92350856479 (external link)