Writing Center

For Summer I and II, the Writing Center will offer services remotely, and although we will miss seeing you in the Writing Center, we look forward to seeing you online. See the links below for more information about connecting with a writing tutor. More resources are available to you in the Writing Center course in Blackboard. 

Writing Tutoring by Appointment​ (How to join a session)

Writing tutors are available over video chat to work with you on your writing and reading assignments. Blackboard Collaborate is a lot like Zoom or Google Hangouts; you can see the tutor, speak with them, and share your paper and other resources—just like you would face-to-face in the Writing Center. Appointments are available Monday through Friday. 

Drop-in Virtual Writing Assistance (How to join a session)

If you would like to ask a writing tutor a quick question about your writing or reading assignment, you can do so virtually through Blackboard Collaborate during our drop-in hours on Thursdays and Fridays.

The Writing Center course in Blackboard has links to: 

• ThinkingStorm Online tutoring, where you can submit a paper and receive written feedback within 12 hours
• Turnitin Plagiarism Checker, where you can submit a paper, and detect plagiarism, get citation help, and fix other writing issues instantly
• Online Writing Labs
• QCC Writing Center Handouts
• Blackboard and QCC IT Help

You are also welcome to email WCInfo [at] qcc.mass.edu for assistance or with any questions.

For QCC updates see the Coronavirus Information Section.

The goal of tutoring at QCC is to engage students in the learning process and empower them to become independent, lifelong learners. Tutors support students in their coursework by working collaboratively, encouraging active learning, and modeling effective study and learning techniques.

The Writing Center is a tutoring and student resource center for writing, as well as those skills integral to the writing process, including reading comprehension, critical thinking, planning, and organization. Students can work with a tutor on their writing, reading, and study skills  for any course. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, the Center offers a variety of services, including writing and grammar workshops, English Conversation Sessions, and writing reference guides. The Writing Center is not a proofreading or editing service.

Resources for Students

Tutoring for Writing and Reading

The Writing Center tutors work collaboratively with students to improve their skills and aid them in becoming more accomplished and confident writers, readers, and college students. Tutors can assist students with writing assignments for any course and can help at any point in the writing process. Tutors are also available to help students with reading strategies. They can also assist with organizing and documenting speeches and presentations. Writing and reading tutoring is available on a walk-in basis or by appointment. Study skills tutoring is available by appointment only. Sessions typically last from half an hour to an hour.

Tutoring for Study Skills (by appointment)

Study Skills tutors are available to work with students on a variety of skills important to college success, such as goal setting, time management, note taking, and test taking. Study Skills tutoring is by appointment only. To set up an appointment, stop by the Writing Center or contact the Center via phone 508.854.7488 or email wcinfo [at] qcc.mass.edu.

Writing, Reading, and Study Skills Workshops

Fall and Spring semesters, the Writing Center offers a series of free writing workshops on a variety of topics important to successful college writing, reading, and study skills. These workshops are included in the Tutoring Centers’  College 101 Workshops.

Drop-in Group Grammar and Usage Workshops

Students interested in improving their sentence-writing skills will work together and with the manager of the Writing Center to understand concepts and apply them to their own writing. Students should bring to the workshop examples of their writing, as well as specific questions about grammar and usage. 

English Conversation Session (by appointment)

Students interested in practicing and improving their vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation skills in English can make an appointment for a one-on-one or small group English Conversation Session. To set up an appointment, stop by the Writing Center or contact the Center via phone 508.854.7488 or email wcinfo [at] qcc.mass.edu. Additional resources for English Language Learners.

Reference Materials

A variety of handouts that address a number of writing, grammar, punctuation, and formatting concerns are available at the Center. Writing workbooks and handbooks are also available for student use.

For assistance with the English portion of the Placement Test, visit our Placement Test Study Materials page.

Blackboard Help

Tutors in the Writing Center can assist students with navigating Blackboard and answer questions about submitting assignments, checking grades, etc. The QCC Help page has technical help resources available online for students 24/7.

Online Writing Center through ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring:

See instructions on how to log into ThinkingStorm, free online tutoring available to currently enrolled QCC students.