English Language Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does ELS offer ESL classes?
A: No, this is not the ESL Department or the English Department. ELS offers non-credit support programs for Ryerson stiudents in all departments on campus. Click on the links below for the following information:

Q: Who can participate in ELS programs?
A: All Ryerson students who use English as an additional language, as well as students from other institutions (such as George Brown College) who are in combined programs with Ryerson can participate in ELS programs. Students who are attending the Chang School of Continuing Education are also welcome to participate. Graduate students, please see our graduate page.

Q: How much do ELS services cost?
A: All ELS programs and services are free of charge to Ryerson students.

Q: Where is ELS located?
A: Our main offices are on the lower level of the Victoria Building (VIC-B17). ELS programs are offered in 3 locations: VIC-B9, VIC-B9A, and VIC-312.

Q: When is ELS open?
A: Main Office hours are generally 9am-5pm. ELS Program times vary by location - check the appointment calendar..

Q: Do ELS programs address all language skill areas - reading, writing, listening, and speaking?
A: Yes, ELS programs assist students to improve overall communication skills. Individual one-on-one sessions, classroom instruction, and on-line & distance learning modules are available.

Q: Who are the student facilitators at ELS?
A: The team of Student Facilitators are undergraduate students hired through the Experiential Work Study Program. They come from departments across campus and are trained and supervised by ELS staff..

Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Go to the Online Registration page. If you have difficulty, email: els@ryerson.ca

Q: What if I am late for an appointment?
A: Five minutes after your appointment was scheduled to start (15 minutes after the hour), you will be entered as a "Did Not Show" and the student staff member will start working with another student (if one is waiting)

Q: What should I do if I need to reschedule?
A: Appointments can be made up to 12 hours before & cancelled up to 24 hours before an appointment time. If you miss 3 ELS appointments without calling or cancelling online (at least 24 hours before), your ELS account will be suspended and you will be unable to make additional appointments. You must contact ELS staff in order to have your account reactivated.

Q: How do I cancel an appointment?
A: Cancel online (see above) or email els@ryerson.ca, or call (416) 979 5000 ext. 4682.

Q: How many appointments can I book?
A: It is strongly suggested that no more than 2 appointments per student per program be made each week - this allows more people to participate. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Q: What happens if I do not come to my appointment?
A: If you do not cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before, we will enter you as a "Did Not Show." If you miss 3 appointments, your ELS account will be suspended.

Q: What should I do if no appointments are available?
A: You can look at other times or days, or you can drop in to see if someone canceled his or her appointment or finished a session early.

Q: Can I request a particular Student Facilitator?
A: No, the online reservation system does not allow for this, but Student Facilitators have the same weekly schedule, so you can you make an appointment when he or she is available. All of the ELS Student Facilitators are skilled in providing support.

Q: For a Paper Partner appointment, at what stage of the writing process should I come in? Do I need to have a finished paper?
A: You can bring an idea to discuss and brainstorm, an outline, or a draft. It is best to come in well before the paper is due so you will have time to implement changes and write the final draft of your paper - you can always make additional appointments. Please be realistic as to how much can be done during a 50-minute appointment.

Q: What kind of help will I receive in a Paper Partner appointment?
A: The Paper Partners program uses a read-aloud technique. Participants read their work aloud and are stopped by ELS staff at various points for clarification, correction, stylistic comment, etc. ELS staff wil make suggestions to improve grammar, syntax, clarity, and flow. It is our goal to help participants become more aware of their common errors, which in turn will lead to self-correction, and better writing. ELS staff will not write any part of your paper for you.

Q: Where can I get handouts or tip sheets with information about how to solve a particular writing or research problem?
A: English Language Support (ELS)
A: The Learning Success Centre (LSC)
A: The Writing Centre

Q: How can I find source materials when I am researching my chosen topic?
A: The Library has a “Research Guides” page with links to a large number of topic areas. Choose a topic area and find links to sources of information about that topic.

Q: Is ELS accessible?
A: Yes. Just let ELS staff know what you need. If you require an elevator to access ELS programs in the Victoria Building basement, please leave a message at (416-979-5000 ext. 4682) or email us at els@ryerson.ca.

Q: Can my friends and family get help at ELS too?
A: No, only students who are registered in one of Ryerson's programs are allowed to use our services.