Writing Center

Overview

The writing center at Franciscan University provides free tutoring in all things relating to student success in writing. Whether you need help with classwork, are crafting a thesis statement or citing sources in MLA or Chicago style, the writing center can help. Our peer tutoring program is one of the pathways of student success that Franciscan utilizes to optimize student success.

The Writing Center is located on the first floor of Egan Hall, Room 105.

Peer tutoring is available both face-to-face and online. Students can schedule up to two appointments per day or four per week.

Types of Tutoring Available

In-Person Tutoring

Tutoring services are offered on campus at Franciscan University of Steubenville can be used by resident and commuter students. After scheduling an appointment, you will meet with your tutor, discuss the goals of your research paper or writing project with them, and fine-tune your writing style.

Video Tutoring

Video conferencing allows you to interact with a writing consultant from a distance, but in a dynamic, real-time environment. To participate in virtual advising, you must have access to a computer with a webcam and a high-speed Internet connection.

 

Schedule an Appointment

What to Expect During a Writing Consultation

Each writing consultation is only 45 minutes long, so it is important to establish an agenda with your tutor at the beginning of the appointment. Students are welcome to schedule multiple appointments with the same consultant in order to work with someone familiar with their writing style and their paper’s requirements.

It is also important to note that the role of writing center staff is to help students become more effective writers and set them up for academic success, not to do their work for them. For example, writing tutors do not revise diction or correct grammatical errors. They can, however, point out several errors in a paper and teach students how to identify and correct such errors themselves.

In order to get the most out of the academic support services offered by the writing center, once you have scheduled your tutoring session, always bring in and discuss any instructions or guidelines from your professor with your tutor. Before attending your appointment, familiarize yourself with:

  • The prompt and general research paper instructions
  • Page or word length requirements
  • Correct citation styles
  • Number and type of sources needed

The more your tutor knows about your professor’s expectations, the more effectively they will be able to assist you.