The Writing Center
About The Writing Center
The USC Upstate University Writing Center is dedicated to assisting both experienced and inexperienced writers at all stages of the writing process, in any discipline. We assist students with pre-writing, revision strategies and proofreading techniques. Tutors can offer help with global aspects of your writing such as organization and structure, or provide instruction on word choice, punctuation and grammar. Tutors also assist with other writing projects such as resumes, cover letters, admissions essays and scholarship letters.
Students can come in for one-on-one tutoring at any stage in their writing process, which includes:
- brainstorming
- developing outlines and drafts
- organizing drafts
- learning practical strategies to address specific writing challenges
- reviewing patterns of grammatical error (not proofreading)
- reviewing papers for unintended plagiarism and reviewing documentation styles
- receiving limited instruction on database and other library searching
- preparing graduate school essays, resumes and other school-related documents
Distance Tutoring
The Writing Center is pleased to offer Distance Tutoring via Skype! This service is intended for students who are unable to come to campus -- particularly students at the University Center in Greenville and students who take solely online classes.
Students who attend classes at the Spartanburg campus are ineligible for this service. These students are encouraged to take advantage of the face-to-face sessions offered at the Writing Center.
To prepare for a Distance Tutoring session, please follow the directions below:
- Download Skype or arrange access to a Skype-enabled computer. Make sure that you also have a working camera, microphone, and earphones/speakers.
- Add the Writing Center to your "Contacts" on Skype. This can be done by searching for "Latressa Wright" and selecting the one that has the username "Writingcenter136."
- Make an appointment with the Writing Center. When you call, specify that you want to arrange a Distance Tutoring session. If you don't do this, the tutor will be expecting you to come in person.
- Email a copy of your paper to writingcenter@uscupstate.edu at least one day prior to your appointment.
- At the time of your appointment, select "Latressa Wright" (the Writing Center) and choose "Video Call." This will dial the Writing Center.
- Your tutor will answer. Once you are sure that your camera and sound are working, you can proceed with the session as usual.
Who are the Writing Center tutors?
Tutors are University faculty members and students who have been selected to work in the Writing Center because of their outstanding teaching and writing ability.
Why should I come to the Writing Center?
Students who come to the Writing Center benefit from sharing their writing with a fellow student who is both knowledgeable and service oriented. By working with tutors, students have the opportunity to learn more about writing and to become better writers over time.
How long are the tutoring sessions? What should I bring? Will I need an appointment?
The Writing Center provides free 50-minute, one-on-one tutoring sessions. Please bring your assignment instructions along with your paper draft. Appointments should be scheduled in advance with the Writing Center, but walk-ins may be occasionally accommodated.
Tutors are very busy during midterms and the end of the semester. Please plan ahead and call the Writing Center at (864) 503-5883 for an appointment!