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Reading & Writing Center

University Reading & Writing Center Mission

At the University Reading & Writing Center (URWC), we work as peer tutors to collaborate and guide student writers through all stages of the reading and writing processes. We value individual voices and diverse styles of expression. Our goal is to support the development of college-level reading and writing skills that empower students across the entire campus.

URWC Locations & Hours

The URWC is located in Calaveras Hall 128 and is open starting on week 3 of the fall and spring semesters at the following times:

  • Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

What We Do at the URWC

URWC peer tutors consult with students on projects at any stage of the reading or writing process.

A URWC peer tutor is an authentic reader here to discuss your ideas, share advice, or provide an in-person response to your work.

Most often, tutors ask questions about why you are reading or writing. We ask what you want your text to do and why you're making certain choices.

If there are questions about grammar or formatting, tutors will provide resources that you can use to edit your work more effectively.

What We Don't Do at the URWC

URWC tutors are not going to revise or rewrite your work for you.

The URWC is a peer tutoring site. This means tutors do not consult directly with faculty about expectations or grading practices. Tutors also do not report to instructors about the tutoring sessions.

While tutors are happy to review prompts or other course materials during a session, students are responsible for discussing assignment expectations and grading practices with their instructors.

Making an Appointment

The URWC offers one-on-one tutoring services. Tutoring sessions are 25 or 55 minutes in length.

Options include:

  • In-person (scheduled or drop-in)
  • Remote synchronous (via Teams)
  • Email feedback with a 48-hr. turnaround

Live Appointments

Schedule an in-person or online (Teams) tutoring session through Microsoft Bookings. Choose a 25-minute or 55-minute session.

Book a Live Session in Microsoft Bookings

Asynchronous Feedback

Prefer written comments instead of a meeting? Join our Canvas site and submit your draft through the Asynchronous Tutoring Request module.

Join the URWC Canvas Course

Feedback is usually returned within 48 business hours (Monday–Friday). We review up to 50 drafts per week, with the week running Friday–Thursday.

Need Help in Person?

Visit the URWC front desk in Calaveras Hall 128. Staff can help you use Bookings or Canvas to set up your session.

Note: Appointments are not scheduled by email. Please use Microsoft Bookings for live sessions or Canvas for asynchronous tutoring.

URWC Services Description

The URWC provides undergraduate and graduate students one-on-one assistance with reading, writing, and research. Peer tutors are trained to tailor sessions to the specific needs of each student.

Students can bring assignment prompts, research materials, readings, work completed so far, or anything else they think will help with the tutoring session.

During 25-minute sessions or 55-minute sessions, we provide assistance, feedback, and resources on concerns ranging from:

  • Content
  • Organization
  • Clarity
  • Development
  • Understanding
  • Citations
  • Mechanics (spelling & grammar)

English 121 - Writing Center Tutoring for Credit

ENGL 121 is a semester-long, 1-unit tutoring course. Students meet weekly with a tutor to work on reading, writing, and research assignments (e.g., understanding prompts, prewriting, revising, reading strategies, editing, integrating research, citations).

How to Enroll

  1. Submit the request form: Request Enrollment in ENGL 121
  2. Once you submit the form, the URWC will contact you to confirm a weekly 55-minute appointment (in Calaveras 128 or online via Microsoft Teams), as long as space is available.
  3. After your recurring appointment is set, the URWC will register you for ENGL 121.

Enrollment requests are accepted during the first two weeks of the semester.

Course Credit Requirements

  • Students must attend their scheduled 55-minute session each week.
  • Missed sessions must be made up to receive credit.

Note: Enrollment is handled through the Google Form and confirmed by URWC staff. We do not schedule ENGL 121 by email.

Become a Tutor

Students may apply to become a tutor with the English Department. After completing a training session during the first two weeks of the semester, students can become paid tutors at the URWC. You do not have to be an English major to be a writing tutor; we encourage strong writers from across all disciplines to apply! Your subject-specific expertise will fulfill a particular niche of the broader skill of writing within the URWC.

Other Campus Resources

English Department

Writing Programs

Library Resources

SAGE Advising

Peer & Academic Resource Center