Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Writing Studio?

The Writing Studio is a place where Sage College students can get help with their writing projects in all courses across the curriculum. We offer one-on-one tutoring, small group sessions, and workshops throughout each semester.

Who Can Come to the Writing Studio?

Writing Studio services are available to the Sage Colleges' graduate and undergraduate students.

Who Staffs the Writing Studio?

We are experienced graduate and undergraduate student writers who are specially trained to help students improve their writing skills. All of our tutors are hand-picked for their strength in writing, and some have gone through the advanced English course, "Peer Writing Practicum," to get special training in teaching English composition to college students. Tutors are directed and supervised by an English Department faculty member.

What Services Do We Offer?

We can help you with a writing project at any stage, including:

• Understanding your reading and writing assignments--whether expository, argumentative, or creative--for any writing-intensive course
• Understanding what is expected of you in academic writing assignments
• Learning pre-writing strategies to help you start the writing process
• Identifying and becoming aware of your audience
• Brainstorming for ideas
• Clarifying and refining your ideas and meanings
• Articulating and deciding on a topic for a paper
• Developing a thesis for a paper
• Keeping your paper focused on your thesis statement
• Planning a research project
• Planning, drafting, organizing, and revising papers
• Identifying problems with grammar, punctuation, and standard written English
• Learning how to edit your errors
• For speakers whose first language is not English, help with practicing the English language
• For students with learning disabilities, help with learning strategies to help you make the most of your skills

What Kind of Help is Not Offered?

The Writing Studio is a learning support service whose goal is to actively involve students in the writing process. We are not a "quick fix" shop, and, therefore, we won't do your work or writing for you, nor will we mark your papers to correct or proofread for errors. We will, however, do something much more valuable: We will help you learn to become a better writer by helping you to see the pattern of your errors and help you to learn techniques to eliminate commonly-made errors. Our goal is to make you independent so that when you leave Sage to go out into the "real world" (or even before!), you will be a more accomplished writer and thinker.

How Will You Help Me?

Tutors will work with you during individual sessions to help you become a more capable writer. Tutors' goals will be to help you learn basic writing principles, and not to get you through the paper that is due tomorrow. They will be friendly readers and ask you questions designed to help you clarify your ideas and solve your writing problems.

Do You Offer Any Computer Skills Support?

Yes! Writing Studio tutors can also help you learn how to send e-mail, how to use the computerized "card catalog" of the Sage libraries from our computers, how to use Moodle and Mahara, and how to begin your research projects by accessing the appropriate tools on the Web. Before coming in for these services, make sure you get your e-mail account.

Is There Online Tutoring?

Not at this time, but you can get access to resources we have posted on Moodle. Any student who visits the Writing Studio is given access, and if you want access right away, please let a tutor or Prof. O'Connor-Salomon know, and your name will be added to the database.

How Much Will It Cost Me?

Our services are FREE! In fact, part of your student activities fees have gone to pay for Writing Studio services. So. . . don't you think it would be a good idea to drop in and get your money's worth?

Where Are We?

We are located in Hart Hall on the Troy campus--above the Upton Center.

How Do I See A Tutor?

Drop in, email, or call (518) 244-6737 for an appointment. It's a good idea to plan ahead and make appointments, especially during "high-volume" days, such as at mid-term and end-of-semester "crunch times." Senior Seminar students, or others with extensive writing projects, would be wise to schedule regular appointments spaced throughout the semester.

What If English Is Not My First Language?

No problem. Our tutors are specially trained and supervised to be aware of your particular needs. In fact, keep an eye out for our special workshops and small-group sessions we will be offering just for you.

When Are You Open?

We are open each fall and spring semester through the last day of final exams. We are closed during all academic breaks, except for "reading days" so that we will be available for your special study days. Please see the Writing Studio Hours for specific tutoring hours and workshops scheduled during the current semester.

What Should I Bring With Me?

Bring your assignment and any work you've done so far. Also, bring your textbook, English handbook, and any sources you're including in your paper. If you find yourself "stuck," and all you can bring is an idea or assignment, that's okay too-- just bring a willingness to think and to master new skills. For more suggestions on what you can do to get the most out of your tutorial session, please see How to Get the Most Out of Your Tutorial and A Typical Session with a Writing Studio Tutor.

For more information, please contact the Writing Studio Director Prof. O'Connor-Salomon.