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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2021-2022 Events/Programs
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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
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
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.
Workshop Series Dates:
Sep 24, Oct 1, Oct 15, and Oct 22 (Fridays)
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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2020-2021 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 Pro
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. 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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2019-2020 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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- 2018-2019 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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