Writing Center

Come to the Writing Center. We can help!

We offer a variety of resources to help you complete your writing assignments and become a better writer in the process. We offer tutoring for any writing project in any class at any stage of the writing project. There is no charge for any of the services in the Writing Center.

Information

Hours

Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location

Library & Learning Commons (LLC) 109

We offer free computing, printing, and tutoring services. Tutoring is available face-to-face or through Zoom.

Writing Center Tutor Schedules

Writer Center Mission

At the USU Eastern Writing Center, our main goal is to help students become independent writers. We support all types of writing assignments in all academic disciplines.

We strive to:

  • Teach students to implement writing concepts discussed in class;
  • Create a safe environment for students to find answers to their writing questions;
  • Cultivate the skills students need to produce effective writing; and
  • Increase students' confidence in their writing.

What to Expect

  • Make an appointment at least 48 hours in advance. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment information and additional instructions.
  • Email your paper to your tutor at least 24 hours before your appointment. To contact your tutor, reply directly to your confirmation email. If you do not have a paper to work on, that's okay. Email the tutor to let them know you'd like to brainstorm during your appointment.
  • During your session, access your tutor's chat room by clicking on the link found in both your confirmation and reminder emails. Log in with your A# and USU password.
  • You will have 25 minutes to work with your tutor.
  • After the appointment, your tutor will email an overview of the session to you and your teacher, confirming your visit with the writing center.

Drop-by Tutoring

As you generate ideas, draft and revise your papers, we can provide critical yet supportive feedback. We can also help you be a more effective writer. Emphasis is placed not only on the mechanics of writing, but also on the content and structure.

What to Expect

  • Appointments are not necessary. You can drop by any of our locations when it is convenient for you.
  • Come with a digital or hard copy of your paper, the assignment description, and any questions or concerns you have about your paper. You may also come without a paper if you are in the beginning stages of writing.
  • The tutor is sitting at the front desk. Let them know you are there to get some help with a writing assignment. Don't forget to sign in!
  • Expect your tutor to read your essay out loud (if you have a draft of your essay with you). Plan to be involved in your tutoring session by asking and answering questions, clarifying ideas, and turning off your phone.
  • Plan on about 30 minutes to work with your tutor. You might be able to have a longer session if no one is waiting for tutoring.

Online Tutoring

Make an online appointment

How to Complete an Online Appointment

What to Expect

  • Make an appointment at least 48 hours in advance. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment information and additional instructions.
  • Email your paper to your tutor at least 24 hours before your appointment. To contact your tutor, reply directly to your confirmation email. If you do not have a paper to work on, that's okay. Email the tutor to let them know you'd like to brainstorm during your appointment.
  • During your session, access your tutor's chat room by clicking on the link found in both your confirmation and reminder emails. Log in with your A# and USU password.
  • You will have 25 minutes to work with your tutor.
  • After the appointment, your tutor will email an overview of the session to you and your teacher, confirming your visit with the writing center.

Resources

Computer Services

We provide computers and printers for basic word processing. There is no charge for using the computers or for printing. If you are not familiar with word processing, we can help you get started. We have self-tutorial software programs to help you with various areas of grammar and punctuation.

MLA/APA Documentation

Below are links to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab, a website that includes information on writing in-text citations, creating a reference list, and using end notes and footnotes for both MLA and APA citation styles.

Online Resources

  • Grammar lessons and exercises
    From the Purdue University OWL. This particular link will take you to the grammar lessons and exercises of Purdue's Online Writing Lab. The tutorials contain simple explanations and examples concerning grammar and punctuation topics.
  • Washington State University's plagiarism information site
    Plagiarism is a serious issue that applies to any writer, especially when it comes to research papers. USU's own penalties for plagiarism are strict. Make sure to learn how to identify and avoid plagiarism in your own writing.
  • Playwriting tips for Playwriting 101
    Of all types of writing, playwriting is one of the least used; therefore, many tutors and 1010 students find themselves rusty.