Writing Center

Writing tutors are available for half-hour appointments or "drop-in" consultations starting the third week of each quarter. The student tutors are not proofreaders. Rather, they help you spot errors and give assistance in organizing and communicating your thoughts on paper. The Writing Center is sponsored by the English department and housed in the Center for Learning.

• I have comments on my essay from my professor about grammatical issues, and I don't understand what I'm doing wrong.
• I want someone to look over my essay to see if my thoughts make sense.
• I am having trouble communicating my ideas on paper.
• Commas drive me crazy! I need some extra assistance in understanding the rules about commas.
• I am having trouble organizing my paper.
• What is a thesis, and what's an arguable claim!?
• My roommate read my paper and said it didn't make sense. I need help!
• I just received an assignment for a paper, and I have no idea where to begin.
• My professor requires an outline for my paper, and I don't know how to write an outline.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments are scheduled through the Center for Learning office-(206) 281-2475-and held in Lower Moyer Hall. Writing tutors are available for 30-minute appointments as well as for drop-in consultations.

What are the Writing Center hours?
Typically Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Writing Center offers appointments starting the third week of each quarter. The Center is closed during finals week and during summer quarters.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Bring your syllabus or assignment sheet, your book or research materials, and a pen or pencil. Also, bring in a complete or incomplete draft of your writing assignment. The Writing Center tutors can help you at any stage of the writing process, even if you have no idea where to begin.

How are Writing Center tutors chosen?
Writing tutors are usually upper-class English majors whom faculty members have identified as having excellent writing skills. If you are interested in becoming a writing tutor, contact Dr. Tom Amorose, Professor of English and Director of Writing, at (206) 281-2089 or tamorose@spu.edu.