What We Do

Our tutors can help you...

Understand your assignment

Brainstorm and talk through your ideas

Organize and outline your main points

Focus your thesis and/or paragraphs

Develop evidence and discussion

Strengthen arguments and critical thinking

Understand research and documentation (MLA, APA, etc.)

Improve editing and proofreading skills

Tips for Effective Tutoring Sessions

Don't wait until the last minute--schedule your session at least a few days before the paper is due.

We gladly accept walk-ins when tutors are available, but we recommend scheduling in advance for a session beginning on the half-hour (e.g. 12:00, 12:30, etc.) and lasting approximately 25 minutes.

Please be on time for your session; otherwise, you may only receive limited help since other students or different tutors may be scheduled for the next the half hour. Students more than 5 minutes late may lose their appointment.

Bring your assignment sheet and any drafts, outlines, research, or other planning materials.

Prepare a few specific questions to begin the tutoring session.

Remember that typical sessions last only 25 minutes; the tutor may focus only on certain sections or aspects of your paper, rather than the entire draft, as time permits.

Remember that as the author of your text, you are ultimately responsible for all revisions and the quality of the final draft.

Note: Tutors cannot sign or stamp students' work; if instructors require a record of a tutoring session, they can contact the Writing Center Coordinator at maradee.kern@sjcd.edu.