Tutors Are Available in the Learning Center to Help With Writing Projects

Drop-in help is available four days a week

If you are struggling with a writing project, help is available in the Learning Center. The college offers drop-in hours on Mondays, 9 a.m. to noon; Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m.

“When students come to the Learning Center, tutors will want to see the specifics of the assignment from the instructor,” said Julie Wilson, assistant professor and director of the Writing Center. Students can get assistance with any writing assignment. Whether you are enrolled in Biology or English, History or Speech, Chemistry or Business, ESL or Psychology, someone is available to assist you in planning, researching, organizing and writing your paper. From the initial brainstorming through the final draft, the tutors in the Writing Center can support students in the entire writing process.

“In my experience with Cañada students, the most important area writers need help with is the organization and development of ideas,” Wilson said. “I often find the need to remind writers that they are responsible for guiding their audience. They need to consider their reader when they are writing.”

Wilson said students also need help with grammar and mechanics but she always encourages them to prioritize their ideas first.

For students needing help at the Writing Center, Wilson said it’s important that they bring a draft of the paper, some scratch paper, and a pencil or pen. Tutoring appointments run for about an hour. “There’s not enough time to assist students through every minute step of the essay,” Wilson said. “Tutors are taught to prioritize their support for students, not necessarily resolve every issue in every essay. We don’t want to overwhelm students with corrections, but we want them to focus on their top areas for growth.”

She said students should expect tutors to help them make significant improvements in their essays, but not perfect it for them. “Our goal is for students to continually grow in independence as writers.”

Wilson said the earlier students start their essays, the more time they will have to get feedback from tutors and from friends... so come by the Learning Center today!

For more information, visit the Writing Center website or contact Wilson at wilsonj@smccd.edu.