Students in need of a helping hand with written and oral assignments, whether for a freshman composition paper or a graduate level thesis, can find the help they need at ETSU’s Writing and Communication Center (WCC).
The center offers one-on-one peer tutoring to students of all levels and majors.
“The people who work here are students, just like you guys,” WCC Director Rob Russell said. “Sitting down and having a dialogue with someone, one to one, really helps a student work through their thought processes. This often helps students come up with new and innovative ideas.”
The WCC isn’t just for written papers either. Tutors can help with public speaking assignments, including interviews and debates. The WCC can even videotape oral presentations and then make suggestions on how to improve speech delivery.
The WCC, located in Warf-Pickel Room 407, offers help with Microsoft PowerPoint, laboratory write-ups and poster presentations as well. The center has two private practice rooms students can utilize to prepare for oral presentations.
International students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL) can also receive individual tutoring at the WCC. Tutors specializing in English can help ESL students with writing and speaking assignments, as well as with conversational English.
“Many international students come in with a good knowledge of grammar,” said graduate tutor Jessica Brown. “But they often struggle to understand English speakers, or to make themselves understood when articulating an idea. Taking the time to visit the WCC will help them overcome these communication barriers, just as it will for any other student.”
The WCC hosts The English Table, a weekly meeting to help ESL students familiarize themselves with American culture and language. The English Table meets at the WCC every Tuesday at 3 p.m.
WCC staff members stress that communication skills are important for all fields of study.
“One common misconception is that all tutors are English majors,” said graduate student and tutor Jonathan Snellings. The WCC employs both graduate and undergraduate tutors from several different fields of study.
“We encourage all students to take advantage of the WCC,” Snellings said. “We can help with any writing assignment, all the way up to graduate theses.”
Students needing help with specialized writing or oral assignments can arrange to meet with a tutor trained in that particular field. English graduate tutor Sarah Gilliam encourages students to make an appointment if they’re dealing with something unique. “You can prep us ahead of time to help us prepare for special cases,” she said.
Tutoring sessions can last anywhere from 10 to 50 minutes. Students are welcome to make multiple appointments as they revise their assignments, however, the WCC does not accept dropped off papers.
The WCC does ask students to be prepared before coming to the center. “Bring a hard copy of your draft,” Russell said. Students should also bring a syllabus and any written instructions pertaining to the assignment.
Russell warns that the worst thing a student can do is procrastinate. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” he said. “The worst way to use the writing center is to show up the day your paper is due.”
Ultimately, the goal of the WCC isn’t just to help students finish an assignment. “We want to make sure every time you come in that you learn something you can apply in the future,” Russell said. “It’s like the CPA, you’ve already paid for it, so take advantage of it.”
Students can make an appointment by walk-in, or by calling the WCC at 439-8202.

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