Reading & Writing Center

University Reading & Writing Center Mission

At the University Reading & Writing Center (URWC), we work as peer tutors to collaborate and guide student writers through all stages of the reading and writing processes. We value individual voices and diverse styles of expression. Our goal is to support the development of college-level reading and writing skills that empower students across the entire campus.

URWC Locations & Hours

The URWC is located in Calaveras Hall 128 and is open starting on week 3 of the fall and spring semesters at the following times:

Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

What We Do at the URWC

URWC peer tutors consult with students on projects at any stage of the reading or writing process.

A URWC peer tutor is an authentic reader here to discuss your ideas, share advice, or provide an in-person response to your work.

Most often, tutors ask questions about why you are reading or writing. We ask what you want your text to do and why you're making certain choices.

If there are questions about grammar or formatting, tutors will provide resources that you can use to edit your work more effectively.

What We Don't Do at the URWC

URWC tutors are not going to revise or rewrite your work for you.

The URWC is a peer tutoring site. This means tutors do not consult directly with faculty about expectations or grading practices. Tutors also do not report to instructors about the tutoring sessions.

While tutors are happy to review prompts or other course materials during a session, students are responsible for discussing assignment expectations and grading practices with their instructors.

Making an Appointment

The URWC offers one-on-one tutoring services. Tutoring sessions are 25 or 55 minutes in length.

Options include:

In-person (scheduled or drop-in)
Remote synchronous (via Zoom)
Email feedback with a 48-hr. turnaround

In Person

Stop by the URWC front desk and make a tutoring appointment in Calaveras Hall 128.

Email

Send your appointment request to wc@csus.edu.

Be sure to include your name, student ID number, and a list of times you are available to meet with a tutor in your email request. Please provide your preference for in-person, synchronous, or email feedback.

URWC Services Description

The URWC provides undergraduate and graduate students one-on-one assistance with reading, writing, and research. Peer tutors are trained to tailor sessions to the specific needs of each student.

Students can bring assignment prompts, research materials, readings, work completed so far, or anything else they think will help with the tutoring session.

During 25-minute sessions or 55-minute sessions, we provide assistance, feedback, and resources on concerns ranging from:

Content
Organization
Clarity
Development
Understanding
Citations
Mechanics (spelling & grammar)

English 121 - Writing Center Tutoring for Credit

ENGL 121 is a semester-long, 1-unit tutoring course. In this course, students meet with their tutor to work on their reading, writing, and research assignments. Topics range from understanding assignments, prewriting, revising, reading strategies, editing strategies, integrating research, and using citations.

How to Enroll in ENGL 121

Enrollment takes place during the first two weeks of the semester. Before enrolling, students sign up for a recurring, weekly tutoring appointment at the URWC. Once students set up their recurring appointment, the URWC will register them for the 1-unit course.

To sign up for these appointments, either send an email to wc@csus.edu or visit the URWC to enroll in person during the first two weeks of the semester.

Emails sent during the opening 2 weeks of the semester should include the following information:

Your name
Your student ID number
Your preference for in-person or virtual tutoring
A list of times you are available to meet
Your interest in enrolling in ENGL 121
The types of reading and/or writing assistance you are interested in receiving

To receive the 1-unit credit, students must regularly attend their weekly 55-minute tutoring session. Students are required to make up any missed appointments.

Become a Tutor

Students may apply to become a tutor with the English Department. After completing a training session during the first two weeks of the semester, students can become paid tutors at the URWC. You do not have to be an English major to be a writing tutor; we encourage strong writers from across all disciplines to apply! Your subject-specific expertise will fulfill a particular niche of the broader skill of writing within the URWC.