Where to Get Help

If you’re looking for some extra help with an assignment or with some aspect of your writing, don’t worry: there are a range of resources on campus that offer assistance, both in person and online. While your teachers are the best source of help when you have questions about something you’re working on, there are a number of other offices and programs you should know about as well if you’re looking for some help with written work.

Writing Center

The campus Writing Center, located on the first floor of Penfield Library, offers support at all stages of the writing process, from interpreting assignments to considering final edits. The center is staffed by experienced peer-tutors, all of whom are strong writers, appointed only at the recommendation of faculty members across campus who’ve read their work in classes. Tutors are available to meet at a range of hours each week.

Writing Center appointments are free for all students. To make an appointment and find out how to prepare, click here. The Writing Center also offers drop-in appointments. The schedule can be found here.

Write Ways Workshops

Each Friday at 3 pm during the fall and spring semesters, a faculty member will give a workshop on some aspect of writing – grammar and mechanics, citation, writing technologies, writing process, or something else. All workshops are open to all students. Check here for this semester’s schedule.

Penfield Library

The librarians in Penfield are a wonderful resource for help on all issues connected to research – and they’re very easy to get in touch with. Not only is a librarian on duty most hours the library is open, but you can email, text, or chat with a librarian remotely. For more information on how to contact a librarian, click here. Don’t look to them to help you develop ideas or proofread, of course, but they’re the experts on how to imagine and locate effective sources for your papers. We recommend them highly.

English as a Second Language

If English is not your first language and you’re wondering about resources for help on campus, we encourage you to take a look at the resources and support provided by International Language & Education Center (ILEC). If you have any questions or want to learn more about additional support and resources provided for ESL students by ILEC please email esl@oswego.edu.

Office of Accessibility

If you have or suspect you may have a physical or intellectual disability that affects your reading or writing for coursework, we suggest you contact the Office of Accessibility Resources. The office can advise you about how to manage and document your disability as well as how to arrange for specific accommodations in classes (like read aloud versions of course texts, a notetaker, or extended time on exams).