SVC Writing Center
Frequently Asked Questions
The SVC Writing Center is a writing tutoring service and writing workspace for Skagit
Valley College students. We are in Lewis Hall Room 321 (Mount Vernon Campus). We also
offer writing consultations online!
Students visit the Writing Center to receive support from our Consultants (peer tutors)
with writing assignments or to work alone on writing-related projects in our quiet
space.
Nope! We can help with any writing assignment, in any class, at any stage of the writing
process. We also specialize in scholarship and university transfer application essays.
Our goal is to help students develop the skills they need to be effective and confident
writers. Your Consultant will ask about your assignment and your concerns. Then, together
you will go over your paper or ideas to identify your writing strengths and to suggest
ways to help improve or move forward with the writing.
Current hours are displayed in the box at left. (And we also have online services!
See the last question in this list.)
Yes! Most students drop in. You can also make an appointment–whichever you prefer.
Students can work with a Consultant one time per day for up to three times per week.
Students are welcome to work alone in the Writing Center as often as they’d like!
It’s a great opportunity to ask quick questions while they’re working.
It's best if you bring a printed or hand-written copy of your work and your assignment
sheet. Other materials related to your assignment are also helpful to have on hand.
We can work from your laptop or on one of our computers, if that's easier.
Absolutely! We can help you get started. This can include helping you understand the
assignment, brainstorm ideas, and outline a draft–whatever you need.
No, we can promised anything about grade. But we understand that grades are important.
(We’re students, too!) In the Writing Center we focus on helping students build the
skills they need to be successful. Over time, this will likely improve your grades.
We encourage students to visit us often to get the practice and feedback they need
to become confident and effective writers.
Probably, sure. However, we’ve found it’s usually best to work from a printed copy.
If it's a problem, we’ll help you locate a place to print the work.
Sometimes we can print work for students who are having a full session with a consultant.
Otherwise, our computers are not set up for student use or student printing. The closest
printing is available in the Math and Tutoring Centers in Lewis Hall.
Of course! We help a lot of students identify and practice correcting grammar and
punctuation errors.
No, that we can't do; we’re not an editing service. But we can work with you to help
you learn to edit your own work, starting with your current paper!
Absolutely! All students are welcome to use the Center as a quiet place to work on
writing assignments. (We call this “Writing Studio.”) Students use our space all the
time to work on their own because it’s quiet and they can ask the Consultants questions.
There are no limitations for how many times you can come in to work on your own.
All students are welcome to use the Writing Center as a quiet space for writing. Sometimes,
students work quietly on their own assignments at the same table. Our expectation
is that all students keep their discussions to a minimum. This is not the best space
for group projects.
Only if that’s what you want! Some instructors offer credit for working with a Consultant.
When you sign in for a session, you can indicate that you want your instructor notified
and give us your instructor’s name, and we'll let them know! (Notifications are sent
to instructors roughly weekly.) Otherwise, we won’t say a word.
Throughout the year, the Writing Center hosts free writing workshops for students
and other activities. Watch for our promotions, and join us whenever you can!
We can help you online, too! Our Consultants are available for both "real-time" (synchronous) and "feedback" (asynchronous) sessions online. To learn about SVC Writing Center ONLINE, go to skagit.mywconline.com.
NOTHING! We are a fee- and institution-supported service. Come on in or connect with us online any time, at no cost. We're YOUR Writing Center!
SVC Writing Center (MVC)
Location: Lewis Hall 321 (L-321)
Phone: 360.416.7855
Email: SVC.WritingCenter@skagit.edu