Student Writing Resources 

Spring 2023 Workshops

The Writing Center hast a variety of tutor-created workshops on writing related topics. Each workshop is one hour long. We hope to make portions of the writing process more personable and engaging for students. We invite you to come work on content and expanding your skills. Please plan to participate by bringing some writing you hope to develop with us. Beware: spaces are limited, so show up early to secure your spot!
MARCH

Title

Date

Location

Description
Brainstorming and Outlining: Finding Your Perfect Match! Thursday March 9th, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM 

 

 H321A
If you've ever struggled to begin writing, you're not alone! In this workshop, you will learn about prewriting strategies that will help you fall in love with your first drafts. Together we will speed-date brainstorming tactics to find out what works for you, and then we'll get some hands-on practice with outlining! Come by and find a love connection with prewriting!
Beginning and Ending Your Essay Thursday March 16th, 9:00-10:00 AM H321A   Do you struggle to begin and end your essays? This workshop will demystify the process of writing thesis statements, introductions, and conclusions.
Breaking the Mold: Alternatives to the 5-Sentence-5-Paragraph Rule Monday March 20th. 5:00-6:00 PM GH 207 In this workshop we will be discussing alternatives to the commonly accepted and encouraged five-sentence-five-paragraph "rule" for student essays. We will offer some examples of how to break this mold in creative ways, effectively giving students practice in approaching the writing process with unique perspectives. We will work on papers to develop ideas further outside the format and find opportunities to switch around main points in the papers' outlines.
APRIL

Title

Date 

Location

Description
Outlining and Organizing your Essay and Draft Monday April 3rd, 10:00-11:00 AM GH 203 In this workshop we will be discussing alternatives to the commonly accepted and encouraged five-sentence-five-paragraph "rule" for student essays. We will offer some examples of how to break this mold in creative ways, effectively giving students practice in approaching the writing process with unique perspectives. We will work on papers to develop ideas further outside the format and find opportunities to switch around main points in the papers' outlines.
Tools for ESL Writers Thursday April 13th, 10:00-11:00 AM GH 203 English classes are hard enough for people who grew up speaking the language—so they must be even more difficult for those who did not. This workshop will demonstrate the tools and resources available to help ESL students succeed on their writing assignments.
Common Grammar Mistakes in Sentences Wednesday April 19th, 10:00-11:00 AM GH 203 Grammar may seem scary, but come join our workshop where we discuss common errors such as fragments and comma splices, while also gaining a solid foundation on sentences to help you avoid these errors.
Counterarguments: Responding to Naysayers Ethically and Effectively Wednesday April 26th, 10:00-11:00 AM GH 203 Some people see counterarguments as a waste of valuable time and space in their essays; we disagree. In this workshop, we will explain where, when, and how to use counterarguments and provide a space for students to practice including them in their own writing.
MAY

Title

Date

Location

Description
Show Us Your receipts! MLA  In-Text Citations Monday May 1st, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM H321A Parenthetical citations? Block quotes? Quote integration? We’re here for you! Come join us for this interactive workshop to help you duck the plagiarism allegations and integrate your sources in MLA like a pro.
Show. Don't Tell. Or Death? Thursday May 4th, 1:00-2:00 PM GH 202 When we write, we can be quick to describe and summarize things for the reader rather than let our writing speak for itself. This workshop will help you as a writer learn to show rather than tell using sensory details, imagery, actions, and feelings. Using this 'show, don't tell' technique will strengthen your creative writing and give your reader a clearer understanding of exactly what is happening in each scene
Tips for Revising Papers and Beyond Thursday May 11th, 12:00-1:00 PM H321A Are you struggling with a paper? Does your current draft fall flat? What's the difference between revising and editing anyway? This workshop offers students the opportunity to learn, discuss, clarify, and practice the steps of the revision process. We will discuss various revision strategies, including reading your text, diagnosing problems, generating solutions, and re-writing. We will also participate in fun group activities to improve revising confidence.

Other Writing and CSUF Technology Resources

  • http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/Opens in new window Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) is the most comprehensive writing resource on the Internet. The site offers help with everything from getting started on a paper to using systems of citation.
  • http://www.apastyle.org/ Opens in new window The website of the American Psychological Association (APA) offers advice and online tutorials for using APA style documentation.
  • https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.htmlOpens in new window The website for the Chicago Style Manual offers examples and advice on correctly implementing Chicago style in your paper.
  • https://www.fullerton.edu/it/students/software/office/ Office Suite/Office 365 Opens in new window is available through your school account. This will make it free to you as a student. The Office Suite and Microsoft Word are commonly used in writing courses.
  • http://www.fullerton.edu/it/students/software/grammarly/Opens in new window Grammarly is an online free or paid resource that provides writers with assistance when it comes to wording, punctuation, and clarity. Please note that grammarly does not fix all grammar issues, nor does it replace reading your own work. California State University, Fullerton has acquired Grammarly@edu for currently enrolled CSUF students. You can sign up for Grammarly@edu by using your campus email address (@csu.fullerton.edu) but do NOT use your campus password. Please create a new password upon signing up.
  • https://speechify.comOpens in new window Speechify is a free text to speech reader that will help with anything from prompt reading to listening to your own writing. Listening to your writing will aid in the comprehension and refining process. https://www.turnitin.com Turnitin allows for students to check over their writing and review for commonalities or potential plagiarism. By creating an account and running your writing through turnitin you can be assured the level or originality in your writing and the correctness of your source integration and intext citation work.
  • https://www.easybib.comOpens in new window EasyBib is an online citation generator that encompasses a plethora of citation styles from MLA to APA. This is a free or paid resource that allows for writers to manually create citations and input source information to ensure correct formatting.
  • http://www.fullerton.edu/it/students/equipment/longtermcheckout.phpOpens in new window California State University, Fullerton has a Long Term Equipment Loan Program that allows currently enrolled students to check out devices, such as, laptops, iPads, MiFi [portable hotspots], headsets, webcams, monitors, and eGPU's.Please visit the linked site to fill out the request form.

Writing Center Social Media

Tutoring Services at CSUF

  • The University Learning Center http://www.fullerton.edu/ulcOpens in new window The University Learning Center provides free tutoring for most undergraduate general education courses including those in science and math; humanities and social sciences; as well as other subjects. We offer one-to-one tutoring, online appointments and online writing review, and many more services to help you reach your academic goals.
  • The College Tutoring Center https://business.fullerton.edu/Student-Success/Tutoring/RoomsOpens in new window The College Tutoring Center (operated by the Steven G. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics) helps business students become more successful by offering tutoring assistance in a friendly and supportive learning environment.
  • Supplemental Instruction http://www.fullerton.edu/SI/Opens in new window SI provides weekly, peer-led group study sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. SI study sessions bring students together in a collaborative learning environment where they improve their understanding of course material, review and discuss important concepts, develop study strategies and prepare for exams. In SI, students connect what to learn with how to learn.
  • Student Success Center for Science and Math (OCSAMS) http://www.fullerton.edu/nsm/student_success/ocsams/ocsams.phpOpens in new window The Center offers free drop-in tutoring for Biology, Chemistry, Math and Physics for all students taking GE and major science courses. The tutoring schedule is available in the Center and online at the start of each semester. It includes the courses and hours for which tutors are available. The Center also offers access to study tables, computers, printer, photocopier, involvement opportunities and other valuable resources.
  • Center for Academic Support in Engineering and Computer Science (CASECS) http://www.fullerton.edu/ecs/resources/casecs.phpOpens in new window CASECS is an academic support program designed to recruit, retain and graduate students. CASECS serves educationally disadvantaged students and emphasizes participation by students from groups with low eligibility rates for four-year colleges, providing a study center, tutoring, and academic counseling for participating students. CASECS can be found at CS 201 and takes walk in appointments.
  • Computer Science PC and Linux Lab https://www.fullerton.edu/it/students/computerlabs/computer_science.phpOpens in new window The Computer Science PC and Linux Lab offers an open lab with current students available to assist those seeking help with courses requiring PC and Linux skills. Check out their page to get specific information on hours, courses, and more.
  • Computer Science Tutoring Center http://www.fullerton.edu/ecs/cs/resources/tutoring.php The Computer Science Tutoring Center offers tutoring for students enrolled in CPSC 120, CPSC 121 and CPSC 131. They are located in CS-401. Follow the link below to check out their page and get more information on using this helpful service.
  • Academic Advising Center http://www.fullerton.edu/aac/Opens in new window The Academic Advising center allows for students to receive guidance and help as they work towards degree completion. Services are currently virtual.

Research

  • http://www.library.fullerton.edu/research/Opens in new window Pollak Library provides a vast array of research guides and services. You can receive research help 24/7 from a librarian, get specific consultations for research in your subject, and learn about the vast resources in-person or online.

Tutoring Services at CSUF

  • The University Learning Center http://www.fullerton.edu/ulc The University Learning Center provides free tutoring for most undergraduate general education courses including those in science and math; humanities and social sciences; as well as other subjects. We offer one-to-one tutoring, online appointments and online writing review, and many more services to help you reach your academic goals.
  • The College Tutoring Center https://business.fullerton.edu/Student-Success/Tutoring/Rooms The College Tutoring Center (operated by the Steven G. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics) helps business students become more successful by offering tutoring assistance in a friendly and supportive learning environment.
  • Supplemental Instruction http://www.fullerton.edu/SI/ SI provides weekly, peer-led group study sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. SI study sessions bring students together in a collaborative learning environment where they improve their understanding of course material, review and discuss important concepts, develop study strategies and prepare for exams. In SI, students connect what to learn with how to learn.
  • Student Success Center for Science and Math (OCSAMS) http://www.fullerton.edu/nsm/student_success/ocsams/ocsams.php The Center offers free drop-in tutoring for Biology, Chemistry, Math and Physics for all students taking GE and major science courses. The tutoring schedule is available in the Center and online at the start of each semester. It includes the courses and hours for which tutors are available. The Center also offers access to study tables, computers, printer, photocopier, involvement opportunities and other valuable resources.
  • Center for Academic Support in Engineering and Computer Science (CASECS) http://www.fullerton.edu/ecs/resources/casecs.php CASECS is an academic support program designed to recruit, retain and graduate students. CASECS serves educationally disadvantaged students and emphasizes participation by students from groups with low eligibility rates for four-year colleges, providing a study center, tutoring, and academic counseling for participating students. CASECS can be found at CS 201 and takes walk in appointments.
  • Computer Science PC and Linux Lab https://www.fullerton.edu/it/students/computerlabs/computer_science.php The Computer Science PC and Linux Lab offers an open lab with current students available to assist those seeking help with courses requiring PC and Linux skills. Check out their page to get specific information on hours, courses, and more.
  • Computer Science Tutoring Center http://www.fullerton.edu/ecs/cs/resources/tutoring.php The Computer Science Tutoring Center offers tutoring for students enrolled in CPSC 120, CPSC 121 and CPSC 131. They are located in CS-401. Follow the link below to check out their page and get more information on using this helpful service.
  • Academic Advising Center http://www.fullerton.edu/aac/ The Academic Advising center allows for students to receive guidance and help as they work towards degree completion. Services are currently virtual.

Research

  • http://www.library.fullerton.edu/research/ Pollak Library provides a vast array of research guides and services. You can receive research help 24/7 from a librarian, get specific consultations for research in your subject, and learn about the vast resources in-person or online.