Library and Writing Centre orientation

Hello and welcome!
Whether you're getting ready for your first class or finishing up your capstone project, this orientation is for you! It's designed to support your learning through all phases of your time at RRU.

When developing this orientation, we were guided by the Traditional Knowledge shared in the Four Feathers Writing Guide – in particular, the four Traditional stages of learning shared by Cowichan and T'Sou-ke Nations Elder Shirley Alphonse and SC’IÁNEW̱ Elder Nadine Charles. We sought and obtained permission to weave the Indigenous Knowledge shared in the Four Feathers Writing Guide into this orientation. The ownership of the Traditional Knowledge remains in perpetuity with the appropriate Nation; the information must not be re-used without explicit permission from the appropriate Nation(s).

We invite you to explore the four stages of the orientation below.
eagle looks directly at camera

1. Develop a vision: Be of good heart and mind

Are you a new student who has just been accepted to your program but you haven't started your coursework yet? The information at this stage is intended for you and is a very general introduction to the Library and Writing Centre.

Let's go!

Heron on rocks with water in background

2. Gather Information: Learn more from others

Have you started your coursework and you're needing to know more about research and writing? This stage is for you! In this stage, we're focusing on practical, hands-on information about the basics of research and writing.

Let's go!

Owl in tree surrounded by green leaves looking down

3. Identify knowledge: Prepare to tell the story

Are you a student who has some experience with research and writing and you're looking to that final push to complete your program? This information is for you! This stage is an opportunity to think about what you know about research and writing and what you need to know more about in order to complete that final exam, project, paper, thesis, or dissertation.

Let's go!

Loon on lake looking to side

4. Share your voice: Communicate your knowledge

Are you working on your final exam, project, paper, thesis or dissertation? Perhaps you're looking beyond that final project toward publishing your work? This stage is for you!

Let's go!

Owl perched on tree trunk staring at camera; foliage in background

Four Feathers Writing Guide

The approach taken in this orientation grew out of work begun in the Four Feathers Writing Guide. Explore the guide to learn more about the four Traditional stages of learning.

Visit the guide

Land acknowledgment

Royal Roads acknowledges the campus is located on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations

Totem with purple flowers in foreground