Back to Top

Apply Now Earn a Degree, Certificate or College Credit Get Job Training and Professional Skills Take Classes for Fun or Personal Enrichment

STUDENT SERVICES

Learn more about our services, in-person hours and other resources.

person typing on a computer with pad and pen in foreground

Motivated to succeed on a paper, research project, application or personal writing project? If you’re lost or stuck, the Writing Center provides free help to students with one-on-one tutoring. At the Writing Center, we:

  • Walk you through the mechanics of writing
  • Provide training in grammar, punctuation and usage
  • Offer feedback on your work
  • Help you understand errors on graded papers

You do not need a draft to get help. We're here to help no matter where you are in the writing process. 

Some of our services are also open to staff, faculty and other members of the community. Review our Ways to Get Help section for details on what's available.

Ways to Get Help

The Writing Center offers different ways you can get help:

  • Walk-in Writing Center

    Hours/Dates: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hours are in place from Sept. 2 to Dec. 11. Closed during college holidays.

    Location: Truxal Library Room 136

    Open to: AACC students, faculty, staff, family members, high school students and any other members of the community

    Get help with: AACC writing and research assignments in all subjects; personal statements for admission, transfer or scholarships; cover letters and résumés; and personal writing projects

    Is an appointment required? No

    How to access: Come to LBRY 136 with two hard copies of your draft (printing services are available in the library) or your own laptop with an electronic version of your draft.

  • Virtual Writing Center

    Hours/Dates: Sessions are available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours are in place from Aug. 25 to Dec. 13. Open during college holidays.

    Location: Online via Zoom

    Open to: Current AACC students

    Get help with: AACC writing and research assignments in all subjects; transfer and scholarship essays

    Is an appointment required? Yes

    How to access: In Canvas, select Student Resources, then Enroll in Virtual Writing Center. Enroll in the course, then go to the course. Select VWC Resources. Complete the Orientation Module and Readiness Survey to gain access to the booking app, from which you can make appointments with writing tutors or research librarians.

How We Help You

At the Writing Center, we want you to get a higher grade on the assignment you've brought to us. More importantly, we want you to improve your writing and learn concepts that will help you get higher grades on your next assignments. The Writing Center is a beneficial resource for every student. Learn more about how our tutors can help you.

What Tutors Will Do

  • Read some of your work and identify problems in unity, coherence, grammar, punctuation and mechanics
  • Teach you how to repair errors
  • Guide you through the process of developing a thesis statement
  • Share proofreading strategies that you can use on your own
  • Help you assess if you have documented your research-based paper correctly (APA or MLA style)
  • Raise questions about conformity with assignments, ethical use of sources and use of generative AI

What Tutors Will Not Do

  • Proofread or edit your paper for you
  • Make any marks or corrections on your paper
  • Approve, grade or evaluate your work
  • Certify that your paper is free of plagiarism or generative AI

Help with Transfer Essays and Personal Statements

The Writing Center is happy to assist with transfer essays and other personal statements for admissions, scholarships, awards and contests. Current AACC students are welcome to use our Virtual Writing Center and in-person services. Begin the process of writing an effective transfer essay or personal statement by watching this instructional video.

When to Come

As often as you wish, but at least one full day before an assignment is due. This gives you time to make the suggested revisions. Be sure to check the hours of our services first. 

What to Bring

Know the items and information you will need to have a successful visit:

  • Your assignment sheet
  • A typed, double-spaced draft of your paper (if you are at that stage of the writing process)
  • A pen or pencil for making corrections on your draft
  • Specific questions
  • Your seven-digit student ID
  • Your instructor's name
  • Your course number

What to Expect

  • A 30-minute individual session with a tutor. They will focus on area(s) you identify you need help with. This may include:
    • Thesis/topic sentences
    • Style
    • Organization
    • Grammar/punctuation
    • Documentation.
  • The tutor will go through some of your paper with you.
  • Online follow-up activities for skill development can be assigned, if applicable and desired.

Note: During peak times you might need to wait for the next available tutor.

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional help related to the AACC Writing Center (virtual or otherwise), see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Additional Resources

Online Writing Resources

Skill Development

The Grammar Bytes site offers interactive exercises, handouts, videos and tips.

Our Mission

We strive to provide our students with welcoming environments that offer opportunities for you to improve your writing skills, ask questions and raise your grade on future writing assignments. 

AACC's Writing Centers will:

  • Provide you with customized one-on-one tutoring in multiple formats to accommodate you.
  • Teach concepts rather than edit essays so that you can obtain transferable skills rather than just earning a higher grade on a specific paper.
  • Provide assistance to current, former, and prospective students; faculty and staff; and our community at large.
  • Assist with written assignments in college courses, skill development, resumés, cover letters, essays for admission or scholarships and personal writing.
  • Assist in all disciplines, both credit and non-credit courses.
  • Promote engagement, retention and completion by forming relationships with students and serving as a bridge to other services.

Questions?

We're here to help.

The Writing Center

Jessica Rabin, Ph.D.

Send Email