Research, Reading, & Writing Studio

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.

Holiday hours: MLK Jr. Day (1/18/2021) Drop-in Studio will be closed 11am-2pm (opening for the evening hours, 6-8pm)

Remote assistance from the Studio: 

There are two formats for you to work with our writing assistants online through Zoom:

 - 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

Winter Quarter Drop-in times:
11 am - 2 pm Monday through Friday
6 - 8 pm Saturday through Thursday

Get started by downloading the Penji app:

Computer | iOS Device | Android Device

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.)

What to expect at a Zoom drop-in session

• Sign in online and join a virtual queue (line) of students who want to talk with a writing assistant.
• On your turn, you will have time to meet with a writing assistant; during peak times we may help you get started with a strategy, or working on a section of your paper, and then ask you to rejoin the queue to ask additional questions.
• If you have more questions, you can rejoin at the end of the queue until drop-in hours end.

What to expect from a 25 minute Zoom appointment

• Appointments must be booked at least 2 hours in advance, also appointment-time options may vary from week to week
• At appointment time, you will meet for 25 minutes with a writing assistant; we recommend prioritizing a few things you want to work on beforehand, so you can make the most of the appointment time. 
• You will have an opportunity to upload documents (paper, assignment rubric, etc.) to a private Google drive space when making your appointment.
• Sign up is limited to two appointments per day.

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.