
Whether pursuing a master鈥檚 or bachelor鈥檚 degree in 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 graduate and professional studies (GPS) department, finding the right resources and academic support is essential to college success.
Despite tutoring resources being available and crucial to academic success, found that only 13% of college students take advantage of their university resources (while only 34% are aware of them). According to the report, tutoring was most commonly utilized among students 19 or younger and least commonly used among students over age 30. However, 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 GPS Writing Center is challenging this statistic. Our GPS Writing Center support and resources are targeted to students of all ages.
When GPS first emerged, the need for a writing center became clear. According to Katie Rios, academic resource manager and student success counselor at 国产剧麻豆剧, helping students hone in on their writing skills would be the gateway to success.
鈥淩ight away, we realized we needed to support students in this area because our programs are heavily focused on writing 鈥 that鈥檚 how we communicate.鈥
鈥淩ight away, we realized we needed to support students in this area because our programs are heavily focused on writing 鈥 that鈥檚 how we communicate,鈥 Rios said. 鈥淓verything is writing, from essays to brainstorming.鈥
鈥淪tudents needed help with thinking, 鈥楾his is what my professor wants me to do. What does that mean?鈥 To talk to someone else who is a professional in writing, who knows the ins and outs, is very helpful to get students started on an essay.鈥
Writing Center grounded in advising theory and professor feedback
Since its inception, the GPS Writing Center has utilized group advising theory and integral feedback from professors to create tailored writing support for students.
The advising theory drives the writing center鈥檚 mission of fostering community and support for each student, according to Rios.
鈥淭he group advising theory helps give a sense of community,鈥 Rios said. 鈥淸Because] students are everywhere and online, it鈥檚 hard to feel that sense of community.

鈥淚f they come to a workshop, they can see people in other programs and ask questions. Someone might ask the question you were about to ask, and you have that connection with them, even over Zoom.鈥
Regarding professor feedback, Rios said workshops and resources are created based on what they learn from professors.
鈥淲e did a survey and asked, 鈥榃hat are the writing needs? What do you see students coming in and asking questions about?鈥欌 Rios said. 鈥淲e got a comprehensive look at what professors are dealing with, and we created the resources and workshops based on that feedback.鈥
In addition to advising theory and professor feedback, the writing center hopes to promote community and remind students they鈥檙e not alone in their learning. The center is located on the third floor of the Mission Valley Regional Center near the student lounge.
鈥淲hat we want to do is we want to come alongside, give resources to students to help alleviate that stress.鈥
鈥淲hat we want to do is we want to come alongside, give resources to students to help alleviate that stress,鈥 Rios said. 鈥淭he theory of margins says if you give enough options, hopefully they鈥檒l take something from that will help alleviate the stress in their lives as busy adults.鈥
______
Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at 国产剧麻豆剧.
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Resources available wherever you are and at whatever time
From virtual writing workshops to Canvas modules you can take at your own pace, there are synchronous and asynchronous resources available to graduate students that can be taken online to meet you at whatever point you are in your day. Whether it鈥檚 during an early morning coffee break, in between classes, or a late night study session, our writing center has you covered.
鈥淚t鈥檚 basically meant to help meet students wherever they are and what they prefer to use as a means to get their answers,鈥 Rios said.
The writing center supports students with busy lives by providing them with a variety of resources that support their academic success. Visit GPS Writing Center on my国产剧麻豆剧 or email GPSWritingCenter@pointloma.edu to schedule one-on-one appointments, workshops, and more.
The services available also include:
- Live and archived Zoom writers workshops
- Video resource library of micro-learning content
- 24/7 accessible Canvas course with writing resources, grammar modules, structure, style, APA formatting, research, etc.
- Free online writing courses with real-time feedback
- Live online writing tutoring with rapid paper drop-off service
鈥淚f a student needs help at midnight, obviously our coach is probably not working, but they can jump onto our 24/7 access to a writing coach,鈥 Rios said. 鈥淭hey can get answers to their questions pretty easily. They can also turn in a paper and get feedback within 12 hours.鈥
In the online Canvas writing course, students can also get a draft checker done within 20 minutes.
鈥淥ur center is unique in that way: We can offer really personalized services, and even though we are outsourcing, we trust that resource,鈥 Rios said. 鈥淓ven in our group settings, they feel like they鈥檝e got what they needed.鈥
While in-person support is available for those based in San Diego, the GPS program recognizes that students may be fully remote and working full time.
鈥淢y theory is give tons of options if a student finds one or five of the options helpful, that鈥檚 great. It鈥檚 just trying to meet students where they are in their educational and writing journey,鈥 Rios said.
Support that empowers students to learn and apply
On an average week, the writing coach, Brooke Williams, can see papers ranging from thesis essays to simple literature reviews. However, her main objective is to empower students to become better writers and editors who can eventually answer their own questions. She works with students and helps them to format and cite their academic papers properly.
Some of the ways the writing center is teaching applicable skills is through creating content aimed at addressing specific questions that students have regarding APA style, formatting, and other topics.
With the library of videos and on-demand writing help Rios said the writing center is aiming to empower students to take initiative with their writing resources and education.
鈥淸We鈥檙e] trying to instill this sense of personal advocacy to get the most out of their education.鈥
鈥淸We鈥檙e] trying to instill this sense of personal advocacy to get the most out of their education,鈥 Rios said.
国产剧麻豆剧 is rising to meet today鈥檚 challenges
Find out if this is the right place for you
In the world of increasing AI technology, students need to know how to succeed in higher education and graduate school. 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 writing center is one way that higher education is rising to the challenge.
鈥淚 hope that we continue to grow, and offer services to our students to meet the needs that they have,鈥 Rios said. 鈥With technology emerging like ChatGPT, we just want to make sure we come alongside students and help them do the best they can do as a writer at 国产剧麻豆剧.鈥
With student success at the heart of outreach and support both inside and outside of 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 classrooms, we present over 20 master鈥檚 and credential programs to help you advance your educational career. Learn more about 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 graduate and professional studies today and start your journey of finding your calling.