Have questions about how the studio works, or need help with the Penji app? send us an email
The Research, Reading, & Writing Studio serves current students who are seeking to read, write, and research better. We come alongside students at any stage of the writing process, offering strategies for how to move forward with their own projects.
- Prioritize a few things you want to work on and schedule a 25-minute virtual appointment
- Join the virtual drop-in session queue and ask your questions as you work
Spring Quarter Drop-in times:
11 am - 2 pm Monday through Friday
6 - 8 pm Saturday through Thursday
Then use your SPU username and password to sign-up for a Penji account.
(You will likely get logged into the Center for Learning section,
just switch to the Research, Reading, & Writing Studio for writing assistance.)
How can the Studio help me?
The Studio will provide assistance in and strategies for research, reading, and writing including, but not limited to:
-Topic Selection
-Assignment decoding
-Addressing instructor feedback
-Searching for sources
-Evaluating sources
-Reading difficult texts
-Creating a thesis statement
-Organizing a paper
-Referencing and citing sources
-Editing/proofreading
Who can use the Studio?
Any current SPU student--both undergraduate and graduate--is welcome to use the Studio.
What kind of papers do you help with?
We can offer guidance on any paper you're working on for any class, whether WRI or HIST or BIO or SOC. We'll work alongside you to strengthen your thesis, support your claims, and cite your sources, whatever it is you're writing.
What do I need to bring when I interact with the Studio?
As much or as little as you like. If you have a draft of your essay, use that. The assignment sheet and grading rubric can help the writing assistants understand your assignment. You might also want to have ready any books or research materials you've been working with.
How are Studio Assistants chosen?
Studio Assistants are hired in the spring for a one-year renewable appointment beginning the following fall. All Studio Assistants take a one-credit, year-long course while on staff (WRI 2930, "Methods for Writing Assistants"). If you are interested in becoming a Studio Assistant, contact Dr. Peter Wayne Moe, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Campus Writing, at moep@spu.edu.