Past Events
We run special events and programs every semester, including contests, writing groups, and writing retreats. This archive provides details about programs that we have offered in previous semesters.
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Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Events/Programs
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Writing Group Creation Training
Writing in college can be long, lonely, and challenging! Many student writers can feel burned out! One of the most effective remedies for these feelings is to participate in a writing group with other students.
A writing group is a supportive community of like-minded writers who form a group to offer mutual support, ideas, and accountability. Working with other student writers creates a safe space to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and discuss any fears.
This virtual training is for everyone who wants to learn how to set up and run their own successful writing group. This training will explain the benefits, discuss best practices, and share tools for four different kinds of peer writing groups: support groups, work groups, feedback groups, and hybrid groups.
We are offering this training three times this semester. Each training covers the same material, so you only need to attend one.
Event Times:
- Friday, September 30th, 10:00am - 11:00am PT
- Thursday, October 13th, 2:30 pm - 3:30pm PT
- Monday, November 14th, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm PT
Foundations of Graduate Writing Workshop Series
Graduate writing is different from undergraduate writing, and writing is a communication skill that you need to master regardless of your major. Do you know all the parts of a graduate research paper? How to write an abstract or literature review? How to find articles based on your research question? How to seamlessly integrate sources into your writing?
The Writing Center is here to help! We have partnered with the College of Graduate Studies to help you gain the resources and skills you need to improve your writing skills as you enter into advanced study of your field/discipline.
The Foundations of Graduate Writing series includes eight carefully selected workshops to help you increase your confidence and comfort with writing at the graduate level. This pdf explains in detail the eight workshops that we offer. All sessions are conducted online via Zoom.
Foundations of Graduate Writing Series ScheduleTuesday, October 4th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
- Graduate Writer Mindset (Workshop 1), 9:00-10:15
- Break, 10:15-10:30
- Working with Sources (Workshop 2), 10:30-11:45
- Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 11:45-12:00
Tuesday, October 11th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
- Recognizing the Parts of a Research Paper (Workshop 3), 9:00-10:15
- Break, 10:15-10:30
- Academic Voice (Workshop 4), 10:30-11:45
- Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 11:45-12:00
Tuesday, October 18th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
- How to Find Good Articles (Workshop 5 with Librarian Bernd Becker), 9:00-10:15
- Break, 10:15-10:30
- Abstracts and Literature Reviews (Workshop 6), 10:30-11:45
- Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 11:45-12:00
Tuesday, October 25th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
- Creating Easy-to-Read Sentences and Paragraphs (Workshop 7), 9:00-10:15
- Break, 10:15-10:30
- Sentence Variety and Rhythm (Workshop 8), 10:30-11:45
- Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 11:45-12:00
Mastering Presentations Workshop Series
The Writing Center is pleased to partner with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on this series of presentation workshops for international students. Other members of the SJSU community are welcome to join, too!
Academics and professionals need to learn how to present their expert knowledge to non-specialist audiences, such as teammates, supervisors, collaborators, and the general public. You can have the best ideas in the world, but if you cannot successfully communicate them, then your ideas lose much of their power.
These four interactive workshops will take your presentation skills to the next level. You will learn how to organize a compelling presentation, design effective slides, deliver with strong vocal variety, and energize your presentation with body language.
To get the most out of these workshops, we strongly recommend attending all four sessions.
Mastering Presentations Writing Series Schedule
Friday, September 16th, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (PT)Workshop 1: Crafting Your Powerful Presentation
Learn how to distill the essence of your projects or research to capture the audience’s interest and attention. In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to talk about complex research and creative topics in a way that is accessible, relatable, and compelling.
Friday, September 23th, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (PT)
Workshop 2: Designing Effective Slide for Academic Presentations
Explore different styles of slide design, discover new tools, and learn to create effective and powerful presentations. Build an engaging presentation that will help your audience remember and internalize your key points.
Friday, September 30th, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (PT)
Workshop 3: Mastering Vocal Delivery for Academic Presentations
Your voice is your first and most powerful tool to bring vitality to your presentation. You greatly increase your audience’s interest and information retention when you practice strong vocal variety. You will learn to vocally deliver a confident presentation using the four tools of vocal variety: pitch, power, pace, and pause. See how these tools can be used to convey energy, build interest, and make complex information understandable.
Friday, October 7th, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (PT)
Workshop 4: Harnessing Physical Delivery for Academic Presentations
Your credibility as a speaker is intrinsically linked to how the audience perceives you. Do you look comfortable and knowledgeable on stage? Do your gestures and body language help the audience understand your topic? Or do they distract from your presentation? You will learn techniques about body language, eye contact, and gestures to energize your presentation and make an impact.
Finals Writing Drop-In
The San José State University Writing Center is offering a special writing drop-in before finals week. Writing tutors will be available to support students for shorter, 20-minute slots on campus at the Writing Center in the MLK Library.
Tutors will be available to answer any quick questions you have about writing. They will still engage in a dialogue with you—similar to a regular tutoring appointment--but the time is much more limited. The scope of your question has to be narrow enough that a tutor can help you with it within the timeframe of about 15-20 minutes. If you want more extensive help, then the tutor will direct you to schedule a tutoring appointment.
If you have any writing-related questions that you would like advice on before finals week, please follow the three steps below book your drop-in:
1. Make sure you have a WCOnline account. Here is the video for help registering and activating your account
2. View the schedule in WCOnline on the morning of the drop-in. The grey slots are the available ones.
3. Contact us to book your drop-in. Call 408-924-2308 to book a slot over the phone, or from 10 AM, visit us at the Writing Center MLK library location on the second floor to book your slot in person.
A drop-in can only be booked up to two hours ahead of time (i.e., from 9 AM, a student may book an available drop-in time up to 11 AM; and from 10 AM, a student can book a drop-in up to 12 PM).
Slots are limited to one per student.
SJSU ID will be required on the day.
Event Times:
Wednesday, November 30th, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM PT
UndocuSpartan Scholarship Workshop
Many scholarship opportunities do not require an SSN# or AB540/SB68 eligibility. UndocuSpartans are invited to sign up for a two-part workshop series where we’ll introduce resources, tips, and actionable steps to apply for scholarships. This virtual workshop series is open to current and formerly undocumented students.
This workshop is presented by Maria Revuelta (she/her), a current SJSU graduate student working on her MA in English with a certificate in Professional and Technical Writing.
UndocuSpartan Scholarship Workshop Schedule:
Identifying Scholarships Year Round
Thursday, November 10th, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm PT
In this workshop, students will become familiar with undocu-friendly
scholarship search engines and the resources available to help put
together a strong application. Students will walk away from this
workshop having identified at least one scholarship they can apply for
over the Winter.Preparing Your Personal Statement
Thursday, December 1st, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm PT
Writing a personal statement can be intimidating, especially when one is
not sure about how much to disclose about one's immigration status. In
this workshop, we will tackle those questions and identify strategies to
tackle a personal statement from the lens of an undocuscholar.
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Fall 2021-Spring 2022 Events/Programs
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Spring 2022 Finals Week In-Person Writing Drop-In
The San José State University Writing Center will be offering writing support before finals week through a special, in-person drop-in event. Trained writing tutors will be available to provide quick writing help (up to 15 minutes each) on a first-come, first-serve basis at our library location. We'll also be giving away a Writing Center swag bag for each student who attends! Please note this is not a Zoom event and will not involve any screen sharing. No appointment is required.
Event Date
Wednesday, 05/12/2022, 12 PM to 3 PMLocation
Writing Center, 202, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr LibraryOur Procedures
- The Writing Center is not an editing or proofreading service. Writing tutors will not write your papers for you or perform line-by-line editing. You cannot leave a paper to be corrected by a tutor. You must be present and prepared to learn--tutoring is a collaborative process.
- Writing tutors will not discuss a grade you have received or anticipate a grade you may receive. Professors assign grades--not Writing Center tutors. Tutors also will not offer commentary on a professor’s written feedback.
- Writing tutors have the right to refuse to work on a paper that is due the same day or multiple papers during one tutoring session. The goal of the Writing Center is to help you learn writing skills. It will be difficult for you to learn concepts and make meaningful revisions to your work when you are rushing to do more or to meet an imminent deadline. Writing is a process!
- The Writing Center services are supplemental to in-class instruction. We will still adhere to our mission even if you are visiting the Writing Center for the sole purpose of receiving extra credit or fulfilling a class assignment. Writing tutors will not act as peer reviewers to make up work that you missed in class.
- Group essays, projects, or assignments will be handled at the discretion of the writing tutor. All of our regular expectations and procedures still apply.
- Please visit the Accessible Education Center (AEC) if you need accommodations. Once you have your accommodation letter, email it to us or bring a copy to the Writing Center.
SJSU Writing Center Info Booth
The Writing Center team members will be available on campus on Wednesday, March 9, from 12 PM to 1 PM to share information on the services available to SJSU students and thank our current users for their continued support!
If you have ever used any of the Writing Center services, please come and grab some thank you freebies!
Stop by 7th Street Plaza (between Clark Hall and the Student Union) to say hi and meet some of our tutors in person. We look forward to seeing you!
Event Date
Mar 9, 2022 12:00 pm to 1:00 pmLocation
7th Street Plaza
Writing Group Creation Training
Writing in college can be long, lonely, and challenging, which can cause student writers to burn out. One of the most effective remedies for these feelings is to participate in a writing group with other students.
A writing group is a supportive community of like-minded writers who form a group to offer mutual support, ideas, and accountability. Working with other student writers creates a safe space to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and discuss any fears.
The SJSU Writing Center is proud to offer virtual training for any SJSU student to learn how to set up and run their own successful writing group. This training will explain the benefits, discuss best practices, and share tools for four different kinds of peer writing groups: support groups, work groups, feedback groups, and hybrid groups.
We are offering this training three times this semester. Each training covers the same material, so you only need to attend one.
Event Date
Feb 15 , Mar 17, and Apr 20 2022 at varying timesLocation
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Unraveling Black Girlhood/Womanhood with Author Dr. Kai Harris
The San José State University Writing Center is pleased to acknowledge Black History Month 2022 by highlighting Black health alongside stereotypes in creative writing.
Dr. Kai Harris, author of WHAT THE FIREFLIES KNEW (Tiny Reparations Books), unpacks the stigma around mental health in the Black community, centering on the importance of mental health awareness and support for Black girls and women. (https://kaiharriswrites.com/home/)
Alex Zvargulis Robertson and Natalie Wollenweber, lead tutors at the San José State University Writing Center, will follow with an interactive session on the ways to subvert and rewrite offensive stereotypes in creative writing. The presentation will involve discussion and breakout room activities to explore student writing experiences in this area.
There will also be a special signed giveaway of five copies of Dr. Harris’s new novel during the webinar.
Event Date
Feb 15, 2022 2:30 pm to 4:00 pmLocation
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
ISSS Writing Workshop Series (Spring 2022)
The Writing Center is pleased to partner with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on a series of writing workshops for international students. Other members of the SJSU community are welcome to join, too!
PowerPoint Like a ProSlides and data visualizations can make or break your presentation. This workshop is meant to teach design principles and introduce online tools for non-designers. Before and after examples will be used to showcase how to use color schemes and white space, to contrast elements, and to communicate main ideas effectively. During the workshop, you will practice redesigning slides and leave with a list of tools you can start using today in your own presentations.
Event Date
Feb 14, 2022 12:00 pm to 1:00 pmLocation
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Personal Statements for Scholarships and ApplicationsScholarships and applications often ask students to submit paragraph or essay answers to personal questions, such as "what do you value the most?" or "what is your career goal?". These personal statements have real stakes, so it is valuable to learn how to approach them. In this workshop, you will learn how to create a plan of attack, review successful essay examples, and practice writing a short scholarship prompt.
Event Date
Feb 28, 2022 12:00 pm to 1:00 pmLocation
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Harnessing Business EnglishWorking in a second language in a business setting is challenging: Getting your writing, tone, and etiquette right is critical to successfully completing job applications, communicating with potential employers, creating professional website bios, writing emails to employers and supervisors, and composing other kinds of job-related writing. This workshop is a general guide for how to use standard business English and etiquette when establishing a new professional contact. You will learn how to get your business tone just right, discuss formal email etiquette, and review helpful business English phrases.
Event Date
Mar 14, 2022 12:00 pm to 1:00 pmLocation
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Fall 2021 Finals Week Writing Bootcamp
This event is being held to provide all currently enrolled SJSU students (undergraduate and graduate) with an opportunity to get writing support before their final exams. The Zoom format will consist of breakout rooms with our fully trained team of tutors available to provide one-to-one support for your writing needs the week before finals. No appointment is necessary; however, registration is required.
Event Date
Dec 1, 2021 2:00 pm to 5:00 pmLocation
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Info Booth
The Writing Center team members will be available on campus on Wednesday, October 20, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm to share information on the services available to SJSU students. Stop by 7th Street Plaza (between Clark Hall and the Student Union) to say hi, pick up freebies, and meet some of our tutors.
Event Date
Oct 20, 2021 2:30 pm to 4:00 pmEvent Location
7th Street Plaza (between Clark Hall and the Student Union)
ISSS Writing Workshop Series (Fall 2021)
The Writing Center is pleased to partner with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on a series of writing workshops for international students. Other members of the SJSU community are welcome to join too! Sign up for the Zoom workshops at https://www.sjsu.edu/isss/events/workshop/index.html.
Emailing NetiquetteAll emails are not created equal. An email to a job interviewer or faculty member should be written in a different style and tone than one to a friend. How can you be polite over email? You want to get it right the first time! This workshop will teach you about professional and academic emails and appropriate "net etiquette."
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Thursday, Sep 9, 2021, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm PST
PowerPoint Like a ProSlides and data visualizations can make or break your presentation. This workshop is meant to teach design principles and introduce online tools for non-designers. Before and after examples will be used to showcase how to use color schemes and white space, to contrast elements, and to communicate main ideas effectively. During the workshop, you will practice redesigning slides and leave with a list of tools you can start using today in your own presentations.
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Thursday, Oct 7, 2021, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm PST
Creating Easy-to-Read Sentences and ParagraphsThe goal of any piece of writing is to communicate one’s ideas clearly. Increasing cohesion between sentences and coherence among paragraphs increases both clarity and readability in any piece of writing. This workshop will provide self-editing techniques and practice to refine your writing from any discipline.
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Thursday, Nov 4, 2021, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm PSTFoundations of Graduate Writing Workshop Series
Graduate writing is different from undergraduate writing, and writing is a communication skill that you need to master regardless of your major. The SJSU Writing Center has partnered with the College of Graduate Studies to help you transition into graduate writing. We'll provide you with the resources you need to help you succeed.
Workshop Series Dates:
Sep 24, Oct 1, Oct 15, and Oct 22 (Fridays)
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Peer Writing Group Creation Training
Writing in college can be long, lonely, and challenging, which can cause student writers to burnout. One of the most effective remedies for these feelings is to participate in a peer writing group. A peer writing group is a supportive community of like-minded writers who form a group to offer mutual support, ideas, and accountability. Working with other student writers creates a safe space to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and discuss any fears.
The SJSU Writing Center is proud to offer virtual training for any SJSU student to learn how to set up a successful Peer Writing Group. This two-hour training will explain the benefits, discuss best practices, and share tools for four different kinds of peer writing groups: support groups, work groups, feedback groups, and hybrid groups.
Event Date:
Sep 30, 2021 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
WoW: Writing at the College Level
We are offering students an opportunity to meet with writing tutors on a one-on-one basis to find out more about what college-level writing looks like and how we can support you at the SJSU Writing Center.
Event Dates:
Sep 7, 2021 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sep 8, 2021 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
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Fall 2020-Spring 2021 Events/Programs
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Foundations of Graduate Writing Workshop Series
Graduate writing is different from undergraduate writing, and writing is a communication skill that you need to master regardless of your major. The SJSU Writing Center has partnered with the College of Graduate Studies to help you transition into graduate writing. We'll provide you with the resources you need to help you succeed.
Requirement:
You must be an SJSU graduate student to participate.Workshop Series Schedule:
Wednesday, 2/24, 2:00-5:00
Graduate Writer Mindset, 2:00-3:15
Break, 3:15-3:30
Working with Sources, 3:30-4:45
Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 4:45-5:00Wednesday, 3/3, 2:00-5:00
Recognizing the Parts of a Research Paper, 2:00-3:15
Break, 3:15-3:30
Academic Tone, 3:30-4:45
Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 4:45-5:00Wednesday, 3/10, 2:00-5:00
How to Find Good Articles (with Librarian Bernd Becker), 2:00-3:15
Break, 3:15-3:30
Abstracts and Literature Reviews, 3:30-4:45
Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 4:45-5:00Wednesday, 3/17, 2:00-5:00
Creating Easy-to-Read Sentences and Paragraphs, 2:00-3:15
Break, 3:15-3:30
Sentence Variety, 3:30-4:45
Discussion, Q&A, Evaluations, 4:45-5:00
Register: tinyurl.com/gradwritingworkshopsClick on the link above to register for the workshops included in our series. (Registration is required.) You can attend as many sessions as you'd like, but only students who complete ALL sessions will earn a certificate of completion.
Writing Center Zine
The SJSU Writing Center will be publishing a new zine that focuses on self-reflection in terms of anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
The written word is a powerful form of communication, and we hope to help others through the sharing of personal experiences. We welcome creative submissions of poetry, prose, songs, short stories. etc., and your piece can include only your written work or your writing plus other forms of multimedia (e.g., artwork).
Students, staff, and faculty are invited to participate in the zine, which will be published at the end of spring 2021!
#SJSUBHM2021
Letter to Your Past Self Contest
The Writing Center is proud to partner with SJSU Special Collections and Archives to sponsor a chance to reflect on this past year, which has brought about many challenges, changes, and opportunities. We want to hear about your personal experience in 2020.
Anyone who enters this contest will have the (optional) chance to have their letter preserved in the University Archive and become a part of the public-facing collection of the university. The top three submissions will also be exhibited in the Pandemic Pandemonium showcase (in spring 2021), which explores our university community’s pandemic experiences (sponsored by the College of Humanities & the Arts).Contest Guidelines:
You must be an SJSU student to enter. Choose one of the prompts below and write a letter to your past self that is 200-500 words in length. Address your letter either as “Dear [first name],” or "Dear Past Self,”. Upload your letter as a PDF.
- Prompt A: What would you tell yourself back in January to better prepare for this year?
- Prompt B: What is something positive you are grateful for that has come out of this year?
- Prompt C: How have you had to adapt a yearly ritual or event, like a holiday or birthday, during this year?
Graduate Writing Group
This is a month-long Graduate Writing Group for 24 graduate students who are working on their long-term writing projects, such as theses, research projects, literature reviews, or creative works. This group is hosted by the SJSU Writing Center. We will meet on Zoom. The Writing Group’s main purpose is to provide community and accountability for writers through creating a project plan and forming writing pods.
Participants from different programs will be sorted into co-working pods. Pods will have four members. These writing pods will help create accountability by having participants share their goals and progress with their pod members. Pods will have weekly status check-ins: synchronously during our meeting weeks and asynchronously by email on the off weeks.
We will meet on Zoom three alternating Fridays: October 2nd, 16th, and 30th. (The link to the full schedule is provided below.) In the morning of October 2nd, we will have orientation, pod formation, and review of productive strategies followed by afternoon synchronous co-working time. The 16th and 30th will both have optional workshops in the mornings and scheduled synchronous co-working time in the afternoons. During the month, we have a total of nine work hours scheduled. During all co-working times, writers will independently work on their own projects but will share goals and progress with their pods at the start and finish.
Practically Speaking Seminar
Practically Speaking is a limited seven-week group experience for 14 graduate students to enhance their impromptu public speaking skills and develop lifelong communication tools for their professional and academic life.
Impromptu speaking is speaking with no preparation for a short time (about 1- to 3-minutes). Impromptu speaking is different from giving prepared speeches, where you write and practice a speech before giving it. Please note we will not be giving or writing any prepared (or long) speeches. This group will work on developing the skills needed to speak spontaneously in an organized and compelling way. We will practice speech structure, audience awareness, vocal variety, and body language.
When is Practically Speaking?
Days: Weekly every Monday from September 28th to November 9th
Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Platform: Zoom
ISSS Writing Workshop Series
The Writing Center is pleased to partner with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on a series of writing workshops for international students. Other members of the SJSU community are welcome to join too! Sign up for the Zoom workshops at https://www.sjsu.edu/isss/events/workshop/index.html.
Emailing NetiquetteAll emails are not created equal. An email to a job interviewer or faculty member should be written in a different style and tone than one to a friend. How can you be polite over email? You want to get it right the first time! This workshop will teach you about professional and academic emails and appropriate "net etiquette."
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Sept. 3, 2020 (TH), 7:30-8:30 PM (PST) in California
Sept. 4, 2020 (F), 9:00-10:00 AM (IST) in India
Sept. 4, 2020 (F), 11:30AM-12:30PM (CST) in China
PowerPoint Like a ProSlides and data visualizations can make or break your presentation. This workshop is meant to teach design principles and introduce online tools for non-designers. Before and after examples will be used to showcase how to use color schemes and white space, to contrast elements, and to communicate main ideas effectively. During the workshop, you will practice redesigning slides and leave with a list of tools you can start using today in your own presentations.
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Oct. 1, 2020 (TH), 7:30-8:30 PM (PST) in California
Oct. 2, 2020 (F), 9:00-10:00 AM (IST) in India
Oct. 2, 2020 (F), 11:30AM-12:30PM (CST) in China
Going from Paper to PresentationYou’ve finished your research paper: great! Now you’ve got to present your paper in class: less great… How you present information is not the same way you should write it in terms of pacing, organization, and hooks for the audience. Presenting doesn't need to be stressful: This workshop will walk you through the process of making an effective presentation based off a paper you've written. You will learn how to create both a 5-minute presentation and a 15-minute presentation.
Online via Zoom (Registration Required)
Oct. 29, 2020 (TH), 7:30-8:30 PM (PST) California
Oct. 30, 2020 (F), 9:00-10:00 AM (IST) in India
Oct. 30, 2020 (F), 11:30AM-12:30PM (CST) in China
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Fall 2019-Spring 2020 Events/Programs
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Spring 2020 Practically Speaking Seminar
Practically Speaking is a limited seven-week group experience for selected SJSU graduate students to enhance their impromptu public speaking skills and develop lifelong communication tools for their professional and academic life.
Impromptu speaking is speaking with no preparation for a short time (about 1- to 3-minutes). Impromptu speaking is different from giving prepared speeches, where you write and practice a speech before giving it. Please note we will not be giving or writing any prepared (or long) speeches. This group will work on developing the skills needed to speak spontaneously in an organized and compelling way. We will practice speech structure, audience awareness, vocal variety, and body language.
Spring 2020 Graduate Writing Retreat
A free three-day weekend retreat for 20 graduate students who are within three semesters of graduation and are working on their long-term writing projects, such as theses, research, and literature reviews. Participants will do a prep meeting, write individually, do collaborative discussions, and learn writing strategies. Food and drinks will be provided.
The retreat consists of three days. On Friday, participants will learn strategies, do discussion, and build community. Over Saturday (a full day) and Sunday (a half-day), participants will have over nine hours of independent work time. Students should apply if their projects would benefit from the whole nine hours of independent work time.
ISSS Writing Workshop Series
The Writing Center is pleased to partner with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on a series of writing workshops for international students. Other members of the SJSU community are welcome to join too!
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Emailing Netiquette: Academic and Professional Communication
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Writing Center, Clark Hall Rm. 124
All emails are not created equal. An email to an employer or faculty member should be written in a different style and tone than one to a friend. You want to get it right the first time! This workshop will teach you all about professional and academic emails and appropriate "net etiquette." Lunch is provided.
Sign-up Link: https://tinyurl.com/vzltdwu
- PowerPoint like a Pro: Making Slides and Data Visualizations that Don’t Suck
Thursday, March 19, 2020 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | ISSS 1st Floor Conference Room
Slides and data visualizations can make or break your presentation. This workshop is meant to teach design principles and introduce online tools for non-designers. Before and after examples will be used to showcase how to use color schemes and white space, to contrast elements, and to communicate main ideas effectively. Students should bring their own laptops for the slide redesigning. Lunch is provided.
Sign-up Link: https://tinyurl.com/tzyqgyj
- Common Grammar & Punctuation Errors
Thursday, April 16, 2020 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | ISSS 1st Floor Conference Room
Have you had an instructor comment that your essay has excellent content, but your writing is weakened by too many serious grammar errors? In this workshop, we will review some of the most common grammar and punctuation errors in student writing, including run-ons, comma splices, and general punctuation misuse. Lunch is provided.
Sign-up Link: https://tinyurl.com/wfwbhcn
16 Days of Gratitude
Join us in a month of gratitude! We'll be sharing a different prompt each day on Instagram (@sjsuwc) so be sure to keep checking our stories!
The student who participates the most and the student with the best overall response wins 3 tutoring appointments (instead of 2) in one week! Faculty / staff with the most participation and the best overall response will win an advertisement post of your choosing on our Instagram (@sjsuwc). Winners can choose to advertise an on-campus event, an upcoming class for the spring semester, an upcoming publication, or an outside event related to their SJSU work (among many other possibilities!).Deadline: November 4, 2019 to November 25, 2019
Halloween Short Story Contest
Join us in celebrating autumn and Halloween by writing a story that is scary, creepy, thrilling, suspenseful, or mysterious. These super short stories can be up to 100 words long.
There are separate contests with prizes for students and staff/faculty. Each contest will have a winner and two runners up. First place will be a short story collection of your choice and Writing Center goodies. The runners up will receive a writing journal and Writing Center goodies. All winning entries will be displayed on our Instagram on October 30 and 31.Deadline: October 21 by 6:00 pm
How to Structure an Accomplishment Statement
Visit our table to learn the savvy writing skills needed to structure better accomplishment statements in your resume by engaging in a fun and challenging activity. Win exciting prizes! This event is hosted collaboratively by the SJSU Writing Center and the SJSU Career Center.
Date and Time:
Monday, November 4, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PMLocation:
7th Street Plaza
Fall 2019 Practically Speaking Seminar
Practically Speaking is a limited seven-week group experience for 14 SJSU graduate students to enhance their impromptu public speaking skills and develop lifelong communication tools for their professional and academic life.
Impromptu speaking is speaking with no preparation for a short time about 1- to 3-minutes. Impromptu speaking is different from giving prepared speeches, where you write and practice a speech before giving it. This group will work on developing the skills needed to speak spontaneously in an organized and compelling way. We will practice speech structure, audience awareness, vocal variety, and body language.
Dates and Times:
October 1, 2019 to November 12, 2019 (Every Tuesday)
3:40 PM to 5:30 PMLocation: Clark Hall 124
Application Period: August 21 to September 9 at 5:00pm
Apply:http://www.tinyurl.com/practicallyspeakingfall2019
Fall 2019 Graduate Writing Retreat
A free three-day weekend retreat for 20 graduate students, within 12 months of graduation, working on their long-term writing projects, such as theses, research, and literature reviews. Participants are expected to come each day. Participants will do a prep meeting, write individually, do collaborative discussions, and learn writing strategies. Food and drinks provided.
The retreat will contain presentations and discussions in the mornings followed by individual writing time, during which each student will independently work on their long-term projects. Students should choose projects that will last during the entire three days.Dates and Times:
Saturday, October 26, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, October 27, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday, November 2, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PMLocation: Clark Hall 111
Application Period: August 21 to September 16 at 9:00pm
Apply: http://www.tinyurl.com/writingretreatfall2019
ISSS Writing Workshop Series
The Writing Center is pleased to partner with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on a series of writing workshops for international students. Other members of the SJSU community are welcome to join too!
- Emailing Netiquette: Academic and Professional Communication
Friday, September 6, 2019 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Writing Center, Clark Hall Rm. 124
All emails are not created equal. An email to an employer or faculty member should be written in a different style and tone than one to a friend. You want to get it right the first time! This workshop will teach you all about professional and academic emails and appropriate "net etiquette." RSVP
- Un-blurring Plagiarism and Paraphrasing
Wednesday, October 9, 2019 | 4:00-5:00 p.m. | Writing Center, Clark Hall Rm. 124
Paraphrasing is an important but tricky skill to master. When does something stop being plagiarism and start being paraphrasing? This workshop provides a range of examples for participants to spot the difference and practice paraphrasing a variety of texts, including materials from STEM and social sciences. RSVP
- PowerPoint like a Pro: Making Slides and Data Visualizations that Don’t Suck
Thursday, November 14, 2019 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. | Writing Center, Clark Hall Rm. 124
Slides and data visualizations can make or break your presentation. This workshop is meant to teach design principles and introduce online tools for non-designers. Before and after examples will be used to showcase how to use color schemes and white space, to contrast elements, and to communicate main ideas effectively. Students should bring their own laptops for the slide redesigning. RSVP
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- Fall 2018-Spring 2019 Events/Programs
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Writing for the Public
A free drop-in workshop program for faculty and graduate students writing their own OpEds for publication or creating OpEd assignments for their courses.
Location: IRC 101
Dates:
February 21, 10:30-11:45
March 7, 10:30-11:45
March 21, 10:30-11:45
April 11, 10:30-11:45
April 25, 10:30-11:45
May 9, 10:30-11:45
April Poetry Writing Contest
Join us in celebrating Earth Day and National Poetry Month. Write an acrostic poem related to the environment or Earth Day. An acrostic poem has one letter on each line to spell a word.
EX: DEW
Dazzling droplets
Ephemeral wish
Water of life
Separate contests with prizes for students and staff/faculty. Each contest will have a winner and two runners up. First place will be a poetry book of your choice and Writing Center goodies. The runners up will receive a writing journal and Writing Center goodies. Winning entries will be posted on our social media on April 24.Deadline: April 21 by 11:59 pm
Community Story
An event that allows you to get in touch with your creative side. A chance to take part in writing a story with the SJSU community. There will be multiple story prompts to choose from, and then each student will write a line to add to the story. At the end, there will be four different stories written by many people. Participation prizes included.
Location: Outside of Clark Hall
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 12:30-2:30
NCWCA Conference
The SJSU Writing Center will be hosting the Northern California Writing Centers Association (NCWCA) Conference.
Dates:
April 5, 2019, Half-day pre-conference workshop
April 6, 2019, Full-day conferenceLocation:
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192The final registration deadline is March 29, 2019 by 11:59 PM PST. Visit sjsu.edu/ncwca for more information!
Coffee with the Tutors
Stop by our Clark Hall location to chat with some of the Writing Center tutors over coffee, tea, and light refreshments!
Location: Clark Hall 124
Date: Thursday, March 21st, 10am-3pm
How to Structure an Accomplishment Statement
Visit us to learn the right writing skills needed to structure better Accomplishment Statements in your resume by engaging in a fun and challenging activity.
Location: In Front of Clark Hall
When: Tuesday, March 19, 11 am - 2 pm
Practically Speaking
A free six-week group experience for graduate students to improve their impromptu public speaking skills for academic and professional daily life.
Location: Clark Hall
Dates:
February 20 - March 27, Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5:00
March 5 - April 16, Tuesdays, 3:00 - 4:30
March 8 - April 19, Fridays, 3:30 - 5:00Application Deadline: February 6
Apply: www.tinyurl.com/wcps19
Spring 2019 Graduate Writing Retreat
A free two-day writing retreat for graduate students working on long-term projects, such as theses, research papers, and literature reviews. Participants will do a prep meeting, write individually, do collaborative discussions, and learn writing strategies. Food and coffee will be provided.
Location: Clark Hall
When: March 2 - March 3, 8:30am to 6:30 p.m. each day
Application Deadline: February 10
Apply: www.tinyurl.com/sjsuwrs19
SJSU-Themed Haiku Contest
The Writing Center invites all SJSU staff, faculty, and students to submit up to three SJSU-themed haiku to our Instagram contest. All first and second place winners will see their haiku illustrated on Instagram on Thursday, November 29. The student first place prize is a $20 Spartan Gift Card. The student runner-up will receive a $10 Spartan Gift Card. All gift cards are redeemable on campus only. Faculty prizes will also be announced on November 29.
- Submissions will be accepted until November 27.
- Only THREE (3) haiku are allowed per person.
- Submissions must be SJSU-themed
Submit your haiku at tinyurl.com/sjsuhaikus.
Super Short Scary Stories Contest
The SJSU Writing Center and the Poets & Writers Coalition invite all SJSU students to write a three-sentence scary short story in honor of October. First place wins a $30 Spartan Gift Card. Two runner-ups will receive a $20 Spartan Gift Card. All gift cards are redeemable on campus only.
- Submissions will be accepted until October 25 at 11:59pm.
- Only ONE (1) entry is allowed per person.
- Submissions must be no more than three sentences.
Be scary! Submit stories at bit.ly/scarywc.
Speaking English Group (SEG)
When:
2nd and 4th Wednesdays in September and October
9/12, 1:30-2:30, "Casual vs. Formal English"
9/26, 1:30-2:30, "English Idioms"
10/10, 1:30-2:30, "Culture Shock in Writing"
10/24, 1:30-2:30, "University Life & Goal Setting"Where:
Clark Hall 124What:
"SEG" is a Speaking English Group run by the SJSU Writing
Center. We offer free coffee and a space for international
and bilingual students along with other members of the
SJSU community to explore topics relating to English,
academic life, and professional success. We will provide
free coffee for participants.
Fall 2018 Graduate Writing Retreat
When:
Friday, 10/5, 2:00-6:30
Saturday, 10/6, 9:30-6:30
Sunday, 10/7, 3:00-7:30
Where:
Student Union
What:
The Graduate Writing Retreat is a three-day retreat for graduate students working on long-term projects, such as theses, research, and literature reviews. Participants will individually write, do collaborative discussions, and learn writing and goal-setting strategies. We will provide food
and coffee for participants.
Practically Speaking
Every Wednesday from October 10 to November 14
10/10, 4:30-6:00
10/17, 4:30-6:00
10/24, 4:30-6:00
10/31, 4:30-6:00
11/7, 4:30-6:00
11/14, 4:30-6:00
Where:
Clark Hall 124
What:
"Practically Speaking" is a free six-week cohort experience for graduate students to improve their impromptu public speaking skills in preparation for courses, conferences, job
interviews, and professional daily life.
Transfer Student Midterm Writing Help
When:
Monday, 10/15, 3:10-7:00
Where:
Clark Hall 126
What:
This event will be a space for SJSU transfer undergraduate and graduate students to receive drop-in 20-minute writing sessions, food, and coffee. Students are welcome to stop by anytime!
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