Are you unsure about what structure would best fit that history paper? Frustrated by ambiguous evaluations like "essay doesnÕt flow" or "paragraph needs focus"? beginning to classify documentation as a form of cruel and unusual punishment? Rest assured that help is close-at-hand. The Writing Place, where students have the opportunity to meet with peer tutors and discuss their writing assignments, opened on campus last Sunday.

Diane LeBlanc, St. OlafÕs new Verbal Skills Coordinator, is excited about getting the Writing Place underway this year. "IÕve talked with all of the tutors about writing and tutoring, and IÕve found their insights energizing," she said. LeBlanc comes from the University of WyomingÕs English and WomenÕs Studies Departments, where she was a faculty tutor in the UniversityÕs Writing Center.

"Our philosophy is that anyone who writes is a writer, and writers improve their skills by writing, talking about writing, sharing drafts, and learning to read their own work critically," she explained.

With four writing general education requirements here at St. Olaf, virtually every Ole encounters some writing pitfalls at one time or another. Writers of all kinds are welcome, not just those who consider themselves "bad" writers.

The Writing Place operates Monday through Thursday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. in the Academic Support Center in the Old Main Annex (located at the end of the hallway on the first floor) and Sunday through Thursday evenings from 7-10 p.m. in Library 421 (in the English Department). No appointments are necessary.

Students may come at any stage in the writing process, from generating ideas to polishing up a final draft. "Students even come in with a paper multiple times in a several week period," says tutor Emily Rollie. "ItÕs really fun for us, as tutors, to watch the progression and evolution of the paper."

The visits are relaxed and individualized. Nevertheless, Rollie describes first-time visitors as being a little hesitant. She says that by bringing in their writing, "[the students] are virtually offering a part of themselves, so itÕs understandably a bit scary. However," she assures, "weÕre not there to rip apart their papers or anything horribly nasty like that."

"We help people clarify their own thoughts," Avery Fischer, another tutor, remarked. Visitors leave "equipped to handle things on their own," she added.

Peer tutors are an important part of what makes the Writing Place so beneficial. They have already completed many designated writing courses themselves, notes LeBlanc, and "they often provide a unique perspective on developing productive writing habits, finding voice, and meeting levels of expectation in college writing."

Students who are concerned that their professors or anyone else will learn of their visit(s) should not bypass the Writing Place, for it is completely confidential. Although tutors ask students to fill out a form at the beginning of the visit, the Academic Support Center uses the information for data-keeping purposes only. For instance, they might be interested in identifying areas where tutors need additional training.

In fact, the vast majority of professors are strong proponents of the Writing Place. They recognize that it fosters better writers, and they want to see their students do the best they can.

The Academic Support Center also offers a library of writing resources. Their extensive selection includes handbooks for ascertaining those easily forgotten language rules and guides for writing about particular subjects, such as chemistry or art.