SAWC FAQs

Q. Is SAWC just for students entering English Programs?

A. Not at all. SAWC is a university writing program: our program addresses critical thinking and writing skills that are applicable to all faculties. Certain seminars will address writing in specific subjects, but participants can choose which seminars to attend.  SAWC enrollment generally mirrors Western’s faculty populations with a large portion of our participants entering Western’s two largest faculties: science and social science.

 Q. Is SAWC a remedial program for those entering university?

A. SAWC is a transitional program, not a remedial program. The program is open to anyone interested in advancing their postsecondary writing skills and preparing for university standards. Participants do not need particular writing qualifications in order to attend. However, we do expect participants to be mature, academically motivated, and ready to tackle the responsibilities and challenges of postsecondary education.

Q.  Do I receive academic credit for attending SAWC?

A. No, attending SAWC will not count as academic credit. However, Western students can list SAWC as an approved activity on Western’s Co-Curricular Record, an online record of extracurricular activities, which can be featured on résumés and applications.

Q.  Will my attendance at SAWC show up on my transcripts?

A.  No. 

Q.  I am attending SAWC with my friend.  Can we be in the same group?

A. Requests for accommodation should be sent to the SAWC Programmer (sawc@uwo.ca) well in advance of your session’s start date. We will do our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee all participants’ requests will be met.

Q. I am attending another university in the fall or do not plan to enroll in university this year. Can I still enroll in SAWC?

A. Anyone can enroll in SAWC, although only Western students can earn Co-Curricular Record recognition.

Q.  Can I attend a seminar offered in a subject outside of my faculty?

A.  Participants can attend any seminars that they want.

Q.  Do I have to sign up for the seminars?

A.  Participants are not required to sign up for the seminars.

Q.  Who will be teaching the seminars?

A.   All of our instructors are experienced Writing Support Centre staff and include Western faculty members.

Q.  What professors will be attending the professor panel?

A. Panel speakers will not be finalized until close to the session start date. Our scheduled time limit allows for 4 - 5 speakers. Consequently, we cannot accommodate a professor from every faculty, although we strive to make our panel as diverse as possible. Participants are asked to arrive on time as a sign of courtesy to our speakers.

Q.  I have questions/concerns regarding my upcoming first year.  Can I ask the instructors for advice?

A. Instructors are happy to answer participants’ questions. Additionally, most of the volunteers and dons assisting with SAWC are either current or recently graduated Western students and would also be happy to answer your questions.

Q.  Is there homework?

A. No homework is assigned during SAWC. Our busy seminar schedule does not allow enough time for completion and evaluation of a written assignment for the number of participants who attend our program. Furthermore, it is against Writing Support Centre policy to grade work as this is the responsibility of course instructors and/or TAs alone. 

Q.  Can I bring previously written work?

A. On Thursday (Day 2) afternoon, instructors will be available to discuss one example of participants’ previously written work one-on-one. These limited one-on-one sessions are on a first-come first-served basis. Participants may bring either a printed or digital copy of written work.

Q.  When do classes begin?

A. On Wednesday (Day 1), registration runs from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with the first class beginning at 11 a.m. On Thursday (Day 2) and Friday (Day 3) classes will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Q. Can I skip registration?

A. No, everyone must attend in-person registration. In addition, underage participants must provide a printed copy of their Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk form, signed by a legal guardian, during registration. Underage participants who do not provide this form will not be allowed to attend SAWC.

Q.  What time do classes end?

A. Wednesday (Day 1) classes end around 5:00 p.m. Thursday (Day 2) classes end at 4:30 p.m., but participants may stay for the optional one-on-one session, which ends at 5:15 p.m. Friday (Day 3) classes end at 2:30 p.m. Participants staying in residence must return to residence to pick up their luggage and drop off their room key with the Front Desk before 3:00 p.m. Friday. A $25.00 fee will apply to anyone not checked out of residence by this time.  

Q.  Can I leave early on the last day?

A. Participants may leave at any time for any reason; however, if you are staying in residence you must remember to return your room key to the Front Desk. 

Q.  I am staying in residence. When do I have to checkout?  

A.  Participants have until Friday 3:00 p.m. of their session to remove their luggage from their room and return their room key to the Front Desk. Failure to check out of residence by this time will result in a $25.00 charge.

Q. I have an appointment to see my academic counselor but will have to miss a class. Is that okay?

A. While at SAWC, participants are expected to assume the responsibilities of a university student: the decision to miss class is yours. Participants will not be reimbursed for any class they miss for any reason. If you miss a class, you should arrange to get notes from a fellow participant, not instructors.

Q. How will I find my way around on Day 1?

A. After completing registration, participants may join a group led by one of our staff members or make their way to class using the map and schedule provided in their registration bag. Staff members will direct participants to where meals will be taken.

Q.  I want to buy some of my textbooks while I’m on campus.  Will I have time to do that?

A. The Book Store typically closes around 4:30 p.m. in the summer. If participants want to buy textbooks or purchase Western gear, they should plan on using part of their lunch break to visit The Book Store. The Book Store is located in the lower level of the University Community Centre.

Q.  Are evening activities planned?

A. Western student volunteers and SAWC staff will be coordinating a number of activities that will give participants the chance to explore Western and connect with other students. Participants will learn about these activities when they arrive on campus and can speak with staff members and volunteers if they have questions. Participants staying in residence will also have access to sports equipment, lounges with TV and DVD equipment, indoor table-top games, and a workout room.

Q. Can I use any of Western’s recreational facilities during SAWC?

A. Participants may purchase guest passes to Western recreational facilities, such as the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC) and University Tennis Centre (UTC), but may have to bring their own equipment and/or appropriate gym/pool wear. A day pass to WSRC typically costs around $10.00 + tax.. Court space at UTC must be booked in advance.

Q. Is there a curfew?

A. No, but getting a good night’s sleep is strongly encouraged. Participants are expected to be punctual and alert in class. Arriving late to class is disruptive to your instructors and fellow participants. Instructors will not provide participants with class notes if they are late or miss class.

Q.  What residence will SAWC be using for overnight accommodation?

A. Overnight accommodation will be at Ontario Hall, Western’s newest residence. Ontario Hall is located on the south end of campus at 230 Sarnia Road (entrance via the Althouse Faculty of Education off Western Road, south of Sarnia Road). Ontario Hall is a semi-suite style residence, so participants will have a private, lockable bedroom but share a washroom with their suitemate. Ontario Hall is also the location of Western Summer Accommodations (WSA), which offers affordable, overnight accommodation from May to mid-August. If you are looking for additional nights of accommodation in London for either yourself or family members, you can arrange that directly through WSA by calling 519-661-3476 or visiting stayatwestern.ca.

Q.  Do I need to bring a pillow or blanket?

A. Beds will be made with sheets, pillows and a blanket.  If needed, more blankets can be requested from the Front Desk. Please be advised that the residence mattresses are firm; if you feel it necessary to your comfort, you may bring a personal blanket or topper.

Q.  Do I have to bring my own towels/shampoo/soap?

A. Towels (medium-sized) and soap are provided, but shampoo is not provided. 

Q. Is Wi-fi available?

A. Yes. During registration, all SAWC participants will pick up their temporary Wi-Fi username and password from the Front Desk, even if they are not staying in residence. Some SAWC seminars include accessing the UWO wireless network on your personal device, and we would like all participants to have the necessary credentials to do so.

Q.  Is drinking permitted during SAWC?

A.  Drinking is NOT PERMITTED during SAWC. SAWC is a dry event. Any alcohol will be confiscated. 

Q.  Can I arrange to stay an extra night before the clinic begins/ends?

A.  Yes; however, participants must make their own arrangements. SAWC staff will not coordinate extra nights, and you will not be able to book the same room that you will stay in during SAWC as these rooms are booked internally. To arrange extra nights, call Western Summer Accommodations at 519-661-3476 or visit stayatwestern.ca.

Q.  My parents/guardians are coming to town with me.  Can you provide them with accommodations?

A. Your parents/guardians are welcome to book their own accommodation with Western Summer Accommodations by contacting 519-661-3476 or visiting stayatwestern.ca. Please note, if you plan to share a suite with your parent/guardian, you should register for SAWC under the ‘non-accommodation’ rate so that you are free to book your own accommodation through Western Summer Accommodations. Parents/guardians are not allowed to stay in the same suite as participants who have registered ‘with accommodation.’

Q.  I lost/broke my room key.  Do I have to pay to replace it?

A.  There is no fee to replace a lost or broken key. 

Q.  Furniture was broken in my room.  Who is responsible for replacing it?

A. All participants must agree to the terms set out in the Damage Waiver when they complete online registration. These terms state that if a student damages any Western property, including residence rooms and SAWC equipment, he or she will take responsibility. Any damages to that room will be billed to the participant accordingly.

Q.  My room is messy.  Will housekeeping clean it for me?

A. No, housekeeping will not clean your room until after you have checked out. Any mess that is considered excessive will result in an additional charge to the participant staying in that room as per the Damage Waiver. 

Q.  I want to leave campus.  Is this permitted?

A. Participants may leave campus; however, as per the tems set out in the SAWC Code of Conduct and the Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk that each participant must agree to when they complete online registration, Western is not responsible for any actions or consequences that may occur to participants on or off campus. Participants leaving campus should take responsibility by telling family, friends, or fellow participants where they plan to go and when they plan to return. As part of online registration, participants are asked to provide their cellphone number in case of an emergency. SAWC staff will only contact a participant’s cellphone in the event of an emergency. SAWC staff will not monitor when participants leave or return to campus.    

Q. Where can I park during SAWC if I am staying overnight in residence?

A. Participants staying overnight in residence can purchase a parking pass directly through Western Summer Accommodations by clicking on the link below and following the directions:  https://conference.has.uwo.ca/Register/default.aspx?code=C0008611 Overnight parking is located behind Ontario Hall in Lot H (Althouse Lot). See Western parking map.

Q. Where can I park during SAWC if I am NOT staying overnight in residence?

A. Participants not staying in residence may use the metered parking behind Ontario Hall to park during registration. Participants may continue paying the metered rate at Ontario Hall, or move to one of the core lots such as Lot J (Social Science) or Lot D (Weldon). Be prepared to pay with either cash or credit. Some meters allow payment with HonkMobile. See Western parking map

Q. Where can my parent/guardian park during registration?

A. If you are being dropped off for registration, your parent/guardian can pull up to the circular drive in front of the Ontario Hall entrance (follow the purple Western Summer Accommodation signs). This area is for drop-off only; any cars left in the drive or in the parking spots near the drive will be ticketed. Parent/guardians staying for registration should park in the metered spaces directly behind Ontario Hall. Parking can be paid for at the master meter or by downloading and using the app, HonkMobile. After paying for parking, you can enter through the back entrance of the residence and take the stairs or elevator to the 3^rd floor where the lobby is.

Q. What is the cancellation policy?

A. You must give notice to the SAWC Programmer by email (sawc@uwo.ca) a minimum of two weeks before the start date of your session in order to receive a refund. Please not that there is a $15.00 fee for cancelling your SAWC registration. 

Q. Can I bring cash or a cheque and pay on the first day?

A. No. All payments must be made by credit card online through the SAWC registration website.                             

Q.  Can I get a receipt?

A. You should be able to print your receipt after you complete your online credit card payment. If you experience any difficulties accessing your receipt, email the SAWC Programmer at sawc@uwo.ca and include your session date in your request for a receipt.

Q. How will meals be served.

A. A buffet will be set up specifically for our group. Participants can serve themselves from the buffet during meals.

Q.  I am not staying overnight.  Am I still allowed to have the provided breakfast/lunch/dinner?

A. Yes, meals are included in both rates for all participants. All participants are given lunch and dinner on the first day (Wednesday), all three meals on the second day (Thursday), and breakfast and lunch on the third day (Friday). Please note, the cost of meals cannot be subtracted from either rate. Those who choose not to partake in meals will not receive a refund or reduction in their program rate.

Q. Are snacks provided?

A. No, snacks are not provided. Participants should bring spending money and/or debit if they wish to purchase snacks at any of the campus/residence vending machines or campus eateries. Please note that during the summer, many of the campus eateries operate on reduced hours. Food and snacks can be also purchased at the grocery store and pharmacy in the lower level of the University Community Centre. There are several restaurants (Subway, Pizza Hut, Barakat Mediterranean Cuisine) and a 7-Eleven convenience store located near Ontario Hall (corner of Western and Sarnia Rds).

 Q.  Are there vegetarian options?

A.  All meals include vegetarian options.

Q.  I have a food allergy/restriction. How can I make sure my meal is safe?

A. Participants with dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance, should approach catering staff at meal times and notify them about their dietary restriction. The caterer will then identify what foods on the buffet are suitable.  Participants with extreme allergies should notify catering staff at meal times and, if necessary, will have a separate meal arranged. Please note, the caterers are aware that some participants will require accommodation for a dietary restriction/allergy and are prepared with a limited number of alternatives; however, it is the participant’s responsibility to directly approach and communicate with catering staff during mealtimes to ensure their dietary needs are met.

Q: I see that Summer Academic Orientation (SAO) runs from June 24th to July 5th this year. Does that mean I will have to plan two separate visits to do both SAO and SAWC?

A: We recognize the inconvenience of having to make two trips to campus this summer. If you would like to meet with an SAO counsellor while at SAWC, please contact SAO staff at sao_registration@uwo.ca to arrange an appointment. Please note, if you are meeting with your SAO counsellor after classes on Friday, you must either return to residence and check out before 3:00 p.m. or leave your luggage with the Front Desk before classes start in the morning. They will hold your luggage in a secure location. Failure to checkout of residence before either of these times will result in a $25.00 charge. To learn more about SAO, visit the SAO website.

Q. Will I have to do a lot of walking?

A. Yes. Only certain classrooms and residences have availability and amenities during the summer to accommodate our group, which is why these locations have been selected despite their distance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and give themselves enough time to travel between buildings. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Ontario Hall to the SAWC classrooms in the Social Science Centre and another 5 minutes to walk from the Social Science Centre to the Grad Club where we will have our meals. Be prepared to walk in rainy weather, as well as hot/cool temperatures. Participants need to be alert for both vehicular traffic and building construction and obey all pedestrian traffic signs when getting around campus. 

Q.  Can I bring my laptop?

A. Yes, although classrooms have a limited number of outlets for students to plug in their laptops.  Additionally, participants are responsible for the security of their laptops and should not leave them unattended.

Q.  Why haven’t I received some of the emails?

A. Some email accounts, such as Hotmail, may send our emails to your junk mail. If possible, use your Western email account when you register. Email is the primary means by which SAWC staff will contact participants. If you suspect you are not receiving emails, get in touch with the SAWC Programmer at sawc@uwo.ca or by calling 519-661-2111 x85500. 

Q.  How do I get to SAWC registration from the train station?

A. London has a variety of taxi companies, or you can take the bus. For more information visit London Transit