Centre for Continuing & Distance Education (CCDE)

CCDE Writing Centre for students studying at a distance

What is the CCDE Writing Centre?

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The CCDE Writing Centre will provide you with the tools necessary to write an effective essay, report, or review in any academic area you are studying. You may submit a draft, and have a qualified tutor read the work and provide some helpful comments to improve your project. You can also contact the tutor if you are having problems getting started, or want more information on how to do an outline.

Who can use this service?

The CCDE Writing Centre service is available to anyone taking a distance delivered class that is administered through the CCDE. This includes online, independent studies, televised, multi-mode and off-campus face-to-face classes.

Why should I use the Writing Centre?

Effective communication is a skill that you can use in any university program. We will do our best to provide you with the tools necessary to succeed in writing a successful university assignment.

How do I use the Writing Centre?

Write a draft of your project. Then fill out a Submission Form, attach it to your draft copy, and send it to the CCDE Writing Centre. Don’t forget to attach a copy of your assignment. We will not be able to assess your assignment unless we know what it is.

How much will it cost?

The cost of a postage stamp or a long distance call or fax, depending how you submit your work. The actual tutoring and advice is free.

Where is the CCDE Writing Centre located?

The tutor is located in Saskatoon. You can contact the tutor at 306-966-4594 Wednesdays from 12-4 pm or Thursdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You can also call this number outside of these times and leave a message for the tutor. You can email questions or projects to CCDE.writing@usask.ca

Do tutors edit and proofread papers?

Tutors do not replace writing instruction in your classes – we enhance it. Tutors do not write, edit, or proofread assignments for you. We do not ghostwrite essays. We do not offer instruction in English as a second language. We do not guarantee “A’s” or any other grade for you. We will give you the tools – you have to use them.

How do I have my work evaluated by a tutor?

1. Write a draft of your project.

2. Send a copy of the draft, a Submission Form, and a copy of the assignment to the CCDE Writing Centre by email, fax or mail. Use the following timelines when submitting assignments:

• Assignments sent and returned by mail should be submitted at least 7 days before the due date
• Assignments sent by mail and returned by fax should be submitted 5-7 days before the due date
• Assignments sent and returned by email or fax should be submitted at least 3 days before the due date
• Essays may be submitted on weekends but return times may be slowed

3. Your assignment will be returned to you along with a Tutor Critique Sheet. The Critique Sheet will go over the following areas:

• What are the paper’s strengths?
• Describe any weaknesses concerning the
  –thesis or focus;
  –voice or tone;
  –organization;
  –development; and
  –paragraphing.
  The tutor will suggest a strategy to eliminate each weakness.
• List any weaknesses in lower-order concerns such as sentence structure, punctuation, usage, or spelling.
• Any additional comments to help you with your assignment.