writing

UTSA offers graduate student writing support

By Melissa Thomas
Assistant Director of Learning Assistance, Tomás Rivera Center for Student Success

(Feb. 5, 2009)--The Graduate Student Learning Assistance (GSLA) program in UTSA's Tomás Rivera Center for Student Success (TRC) is in its fourth year and continues its success in helping graduate students with writing projects. This spring, the program will offer Graduate Learners Series workshops and a four-day Writing Institute.

Writing consultants are available seven days a week to assist graduate writers with theses, dissertations, research proposals and literature reviews, just to name a few. The consultants are graduate students trained to provide support at any stage of the writing process.

Last fall, the consultants helped nearly 120 graduate students complete their projects. As more students become aware of the program and utilize the services, consultants are ready to help students on a walk-in basis. (Check the TRC Web site for walk-in hours.)

This semester's Graduate Learner Series workshops will address issues that all graduate students face. Workshop topics include Maximizing Your Graduate Studies, Maximizing Your Research and Maximizing Your Writing. With nine workshops and multiple times and locations for each topic, the series is accessible for most graduate students. For more information, visit the Graduate Student Learning Assistance Web site.

Also available this semester is the popular Writing Institute. With limited seating available, the four-day intensive program is perfect for graduate writers completing theses, dissertations, exit papers or seminar papers. Each day includes instruction on grammar, good writing and revision. After a lunch provided by GSLA, students participate in writing sessions and consultations. Two institutes are available: one during spring break (March 9-12) and one during the May mini-mester (May 18-21). Applications are available at the Writing Institute Web site and are due Feb. 12.

For information on other GSLA programs and services, visit the Tomás Rivera Center Web site or call (210) 458-4694.