CFANS 3002

Resources for CFANS transfer students!

Start with:

Then try any of the following:

Tutorial: Choosing a research paper topic

Choosing a research paper topic tutorial video. 4 minutes.
After completing this tutorial, you will be able to:
  • Find ideas and language on a topic using online tools and techniques
  • Use techniques like mind mapping, the 5W’s, and freeform writing to narrow a large topic

Tutorial: Creating an effective search strategy

Creating an effective search strategy tutorial video. 3 minutes 24 seconds.
After completing this tutorial, you will be able to:
  • Use meaningful keywords to find the best sources
  • Apply search strategies like AND and OR to connect keywords

Tutorial: Database search tips

Database search tips tutorial. Self-paced.

Improve your searches! This guide will help you:

  • Apply search modifiers AND, OR, and NOT to your database searches
  • Recognize phrase searching and other advanced search techniques

Tutorial: How to read and comprehend scientific research articles

How to read and comprehend scientific research articles tutorial video. 5 minutes.
After completing this tutorial, you will be able to:
  • Read scientific research articles
  • Find the main points of articles
  • Engage with articles by taking effective notes

Citation managers

Feature Zotero Mendeley (not recommended) EndNote 20 EndNote Online
Cost Free Free Price options Free
Styles Many citation styles Many citation styles Many citation styles Fewer citation styles
Plug-ins Microsoft Word, Google Docs Microsoft Word (not compatible with UMN Office 365) Microsoft Word Microsoft Word
Access Desktop/Web Desktop/Web Desktop/Web Web
Storage 300MB free 2GB free Unlimited 2GB free
PDF reader yes yes yes no
Editor integration Word, Google Docs Word Word Word
Sharing Unlimited Limited Unlimited Limited
Support Zotero support Mendeley support EndNote 20 support EndNote Online support

Tutorial: What is a citation manager and when to use one

What is a citation manager and when to use one. Self-paced
After completing this tutorial, you will be able to:
  • Identify the features of citation managers
  • Recognize when citation managers are important to use

Tutorial: Academic Integrity: The scholarly conversation

The Scholarly conversation tutorial video. 1 min 45 seconds.

Understanding how scholarly conversations occur is important for participating in scholarship. Join the conversation!

Wellness resources: Taking Care of U

There are resources all over campus to support you as you navigate student life:

  • Student Counseling Services: They promote student success by helping you with: mental health and life concerns, learning and academic skills challenges, career uncertainty, faculty/staff to student communication, and more!
  • Boynton Mental Health: They support mental health through counseling services, medication management, and crisis care.  
  • Learn to Live: This platform offers therapy in five targeted areas: Social Anxiety, Depression Program, our Insomnia, Substance Use, and Stress, Anxiety and Worry.
  • Let's Talk: These are informal virtual and in person drop-in consultations for students throughout the academic year. No appointment is necessary and find out more about counseling options. 
  • Nutritious U Food Pantry: They provides fresh and healthy food to students that struggle to get enough to eat. Any student can visit the food pantry, no proof of need is needed.
  • RecWell: Campus exercise and fitness facilities, classes and more. Studies show that working out can reduce stress and improve your mental health. Physical health is very important! 
  • Pet Away Worry and Stress: (PAWS): Hang out with some of our furry and feathered friends, offered weekly this semester!
Last Updated: Feb 16, 2024 5:26 PM