Writing Workshops


Every semester, the Instructional Support Services Program offers free writing workshops on a variety of writing topics. Students receive a weekly newsletter notifying them about upcoming workshops.

Build an Argument Series

Crafting Powerful Topic Sentences

Learn to use topic sentences to construct cohesive paragraphs and guide readers through your argument.

Monday, March 3
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Developing Thesis Statements

In this workshop, we’ll examine model thesis statements and consider common thesis pitfalls; then you’ll work on drafting a thesis statement of your own.

Monday, March 17
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Evidence, Analysis & Claims

Every effective argument weaves together these three elements. In this workshop, you’ll analyze evidence of different kinds (data, statistics, quotes), then develop a claim based on your analysis.

Monday, April 7
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Reading Strategies

Wait, What Did I Just Read? Active Reading for Difficult Texts

In this workshop, you’ll develop strategies for tackling challenging texts, including scholarly articles drawn from different disciplines.

  • Thursday, March 20, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Analyzing Texts: Reading to Write

In this workshop, you’ll practice noticing details and seeking patterns as you read.  This style of attentive engagement with a text will prepare you to write a textual analysis paper (commonly assigned in humanities courses).

  • Tuesday, April 8, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Citation Basics

Overview of citation basics, including when and how to cite sources in your paper. APA focus.

  • Monday, March 24, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm 

Effective Writing

This workshop series reviews elements of clear, correct writing. Attention to grammar and sentence structure, especially for multilingual writers.

  • Wednesday, March 19 - 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm 
  • Wednesday, April 9 - 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm 

Academic Writing Boot Camp

In this workshop series, aimed at demystifying academic writing, you’ll explore and practice the skills involved in producing research papers.

  • Saturday, March 1, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Saturday, March 8, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Writing the Literature Review

Overview of the writing process for this key academic genre, emphasizing organizational and drafting strategies.  

  • Tuesday, April 1, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm