Writing Center

We ask that you attend all classes and keep current with course readings. Tutors can help in all aspects of writing, from idea generation and development, to research, to organization, to editing and polishing, so you don't have to have a completed draft in order to come for help. Bring all relevant materials to sessions (instructions, examples, rubric, etc.), but do not expect the tutor to do the writing for you. Tutors are here to help you improve your writing skills and strategies.

Peer Tutor positions open each semester as needed; look for us on Handshake. 

• Job description: The Center for Student Success provides writing tutoring for all students at Saint Martin's University. Writing tutors meet regularly with students either individually or in small groups to ask questions and make suggestions that help writers generate topics, organize material, and clarify ideas. Rather than edit papers, writing tutors respond to student writing as readers and give their overall impression of student papers. Writing tutors notice patterns of error as well as strengths in student writing.
• Qualifications: 
  • Current enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate SMU student
  • A GPA in writing classes of 3.5 or higher
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • The ability to analyze writing strengths and weaknesses in student papers
  • The ability to explain and clarify writing concepts and mechanics
  • The ability to communicate effectively with fellow students
  • The desire to support students in their learning about and practice of writing
  • The ability to offer feedback with empathy
  • Interest in and/or previous experience assisting students from diverse backgrounds
  • Helpful but not mandatory: previous tutoring experience, either formal or informal
• Responsibilities:
  • Become well versed in the tutor scheduling platform
  • Post availability at least 2 weeks in advance according to the Center's needs
  • If embedded in a writing class or working drop-in hours, create a work schedule in conjunction with the instructor of the course and the Center's needs
  • Respond promptly to all tutoring requests
  • Meet with students either face-to-face, virtually, or both during scheduled appointments or drop-in hours (or both)
  • Assist students at any stage of the writing process: brainstorming ideas to polishing final drafts
  • Learn strategies for assisting writers
  • Attend regular training sessions
  • Market tutoring services by visiting classes. Visits will take place at the beginning of the semester.
  • Assist staff in maintaining a functional, safe, and effective learning environment for students to engage in working together
  • Respect confidentiality in all appropriate aspects of tutoring
  • Communicate regularly and effectively with other tutors and staff about tutoring experiences, concerns, and strategies
  • Assist in evaluating the tutoring program
• Hours/salary: Minimum wage. Tutors are paid for all training.

• Purdue Online Writing Lab Home (OWL)
• University of Toronto General Writing Advice

• APA citation  Purdue OWL 

• MLA citation Purdue OWL 

• Chicago citation Purdue OWL

• MLA Made Easy: Citation Basics for Beginners by Marilyn Heath. Available through the Electronic Book Library (EBL) of the Orbis Cascade Alliance 

Are you a U.S. military connected student?

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, is a program that provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help at no cost to eligible service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents. With live, expert tutors available 24/7, military-connected students can receive academic help at their moment of need—anywhere they have an internet connection. Our tutors at Saint Martin's are always glad to help but this option has 24/7 support and may offer support in subjects we do not have tutors for.

Check out this free tutoring service.