Writing Center

The Writing Center offers FREE in-person and online tutoring services to all STCC students who need assistance with writing projects. We provide peer tutoring for all STCC classes – not just for English classes.

Services

  • Support for all courses  
  • Support for all types of writing - essays, research papers, lab reports etc.
  • Support for all stages of the writing process
    • Brainstorming
    • Organizing ideas
    • Documenting Sources
    • Evaluating and improving sentence structures
    • Drafting, revising, and so much more!
    • Guidance in APA and MLA formatting
  • Tutors can also help with discussion board posts

Scheduling an Appointment

Tutoring is available both online and in-person and is based on the availability of our tutors each semester. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 413-755-4715 or send us an email at ssc@smashmello.com or writingcenter@smashmello.com. Please include your name, student ID number, subject, and some days/times you are available. For our current schedule, please visit our Portal Page.

Become a Writing Tutor

We are always looking for student peer tutors interested in helping their peers be successful. To apply, fill out the peer tutor application form by clicking on the link below for more information.

Peer Tutor Application

Meet our Tutors

Workshops

We host several workshops throughout the semester geared towards student success, academic skills, and more! All workshops are free for students and are typically held through Zoom. For a full list of our previous topics and workshops, please visit our Portal Page.

Fall 2024

College Essay Writing

  • Monday, Nov. 4th at 12:15 p.m.
  • Zoom link
    • ID: 413 755 4715
    • Passcode: 721576
  • Description
    • Join the Writing Center to learn about the basics of College Essay Writing! We'll be covering everything from MLA & APA formatting, to brainstorming and outlining a paper.

Resources

For a full list of free resources, please visit our Portal Page.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can call us at 413-755-475, email us at ssc@smashmello.com, or visit our office in-person to schedule an appointment.

Yes. Whether you’ve just started, are in the middle of, or have finished your writing assignment, you can receive help.

You have the option between online or in-person, depending on the availability of the tutor.

Students can schedule three appointments a week with a tutor for up to one hour each appointment.

Yes, as long as the tutor you are requesting is available, you can work with them as many times as you need. 

For remote appointments, we encourage students to have their cameras on whenever possible as it is easier when reviewing your work. If having your camera off makes you most comfortable please let your tutor know.

Yes, tutors are here to help with both APA and MLA to ensure your assignment meets the required formatting.

No, tutors are only permitted to correct the format of your writing, so they cannot tell you whether an answer is correct or not.

Tutors share only what students give permission to share such as specific topics discussed in the session. Sharing with faculty shows them that you are serious about doing well in their course.

The Writing Center can help with all aspects of writing such as (research papers, case studies, and subjects such as History, Science, and more). Please specify the assignment and subject when booking your appointments.

Online/Zoom Session Tips

  • One-on-one with tutor
  • Ability to screen share 
    • Use of on-screen annotation or drawing 
  • Ability to work through Google Doc 
    • Both parties should have this open to collaborate
  • Camera on whenever possible
    • This helps to facilitate nonverbal communication which can be more informative at times
    • This will also allow you to feel more of a human connection with your tutor 
  • Find a quiet and comfortable place to work
    • Preferably alone so there are no distractions.
  • Establish your working area with minimal distractions
    • If possible ask others to leave the room 
    • Turn off music/televisions 
    • Do your best to avoid answering your cell phone whenever possible
  • Make sure you test your video/lighting/and sound prior to the session 
    • Test headphones ahead of time if you use them
  • Open your assignment instructions.
    • If you’ve started your assignment, keep it open so that it’s easy to turn to.
  • Have any draft of your assignment ready to be shared for collaboration
  • Prepare questions and concerns you have before a session.
    • These can be broad or vague ideas to get started at first
    • Examples
      • “What should my outline contain?”
      • “How do I write a thesis statement?”
      • “Can you help me understand the assignment criteria?”

Contact

Office Location: Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (Building 19), 2nd floor

Phone: 413-755-4715

Email: WritingCenter@smashmello.com

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.