This blurb about the Writing and Speaking Center is provided for professors to include in syllabi, assignments, and websites:
The Writing & Speaking Center will be operating online only for Fall 2020, but it will continue to offer free peer tutoring in writing and speaking. The peer tutors are students themselves, but they have completed extensive hands-on training to learn how to assist their peers at any step of the process (planning, drafting, or revising) for any writing or speaking assignment, and they have also now been trained how to deliver this help via Zoom sessions. Although the peer tutors cannot diagnose issues or make revisions for you, they can work collaboratively with you to discuss ideas, consider options, and find solutions so that you can continue solo. This collaborative approach is one of the best ways to help students develop their abilities because all writers and speakers need audiences—just ask the peer tutors, who often schedule tutorials with each other. If you are unable to attend tutorials via Zoom, the Center will also be providing “Draft Drop-Off” tutorials where you can submit your draft online and receive feedback via e-mail.
To schedule a Zoom or Draft Drop-Off tutorial, please visit the Center’s website (www.smcm.edu/writingcenter) and click the “Make an Appointment” button. The Center’s website also has videos of sample tutorials, helpful handouts on different writing elements, an FAQ section with more information, and details for how to become a tutor. If you need assistance scheduling or have additional questions, please contact the Assistant Director of the Center, Mandy Taylor, at apheatwole@smcm.edu.