Individualized Writing Assistance

The SSS Project offers one-on-one writing assistance to its participants. Project writing tutors assist participants in developing solid writing skills and in gaining expertise in academic writing.

Prior to Your First Tutoring Appointment

If you are new to the SSS project and have already completed your orientation into the project, you will be asked to provide a writing sample for assessment prior to your first tutoring appointment. This assessment will allow writing tutors to learn more about your writing strengths and weaknesses so that they can offer assistance to meet specific writing needs.

Scheduling a Tutoring Appointment

To schedule a 50-minute session with a writing tutor, please make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. We also offer 30 minute walk-in appointments. (if you are new to the SSS project, you will be asked to provide a writing sample prior to your first tutoring appointment in order to assess your writing needs.) Please call 619/594-5315 or email shaslem@mail.sdsu.edu to schedule appointments.

During a Tutoring Session

SSS writing tutors offer assistance with:

• Brainstorming
• Developing a thesis statement, ideas, and paragraphs
• Refining the structure of a paper
• Specific grammar concerns through discussion/instruction
• Documentation

Writing tutors will not:

• Edit
• Proofread
• Fix spelling and grammar mistakes

General Guidelines

• Tutoring sessions are 50 minutes long.
• Walk-in appointments are 30 minutes long.
• If you cannot make an appointment, please call to cancel or reschedule.
• Please bring at least one hardcopy of your draft and a copy of the assignment instructions.
• If you have a take-home exam and would like writing assistance, you must acquire written consent (Permission Form for Take-home Exams) from your professor.

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Haslem, SSS Writing Specialist, at 619-594-8336 or shaslem@mail.sdsu.edu.