Writing Center

SPSG Writing Center Mission Statement

The mission of the Writing Center is to help students become better writers, improving the formulation and effective expression of their ideas. The Center is an encouraging setting for students to talk with trained peer coaches about their writing, both academic and creative. The Writing Center and its programs will allow girls to discover the joy of the writing process. Thus, the Writing Center will support SPSG's mission to educate "girls in a supportive ... environment" and create "independent and confident" writers.

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What would a writing conference include?

A writing conference allows a student writer to elicit feedback at any stage of her writing from initial brainstorming to polishing or revising a final draft. A student may come to the Writing Center for help with formulating, clarifying, and organizing ideas for a writing assignment. While a peer coach may work with a writer to strengthen elements of expression and style, it is not her role to proofread for grammar and usage errors.

The writer is an active participant in the discussion; the responsibility for the final product lies with the student and at no time will the coach take over authorship of the paper. All procedures conducted by the Writing Center will be in accordance with SPSG Honor Code.

What are the responsibilities of a peer tutor?

  • Participation in and successful completion of three-step training program in the fall 
  • Establish weekly schedule with writing center administrator; keep appointments
  • Document each session using conference summary form

How is a peer tutor different from an editor?

  • “Focus on the writer’s development and establish rapport” (Gillespie, Lerner 45)
  • "Make sure the writer takes ownership” (Gillespie, Lerner 45)
  • “Ask questions rather than give suggestions” (Gillespie, Lerner 45)
  • Help the writer to develop her own voice, organization, style
  • Emphasize big picture elements of writing first – structure, content, focus, style – and correctness second
  • “Comment on things that are working well,” “make sure the writer takes ownership” (Gillespie, Lerner 45)
  • Ask writer’s plans for revision
  • Uphold the SPSG honor code

 How to book an appointment in the Writing Center

Contact the Writing Center at thewritingcenter@spsfg.org to make an appointment with one of the coaches.