Writing & Reading Support (for Undergrads)

Writing & Reading Workshops

(Summer Workshops Beginning 6/22/2026)

Workshops are open to all UCR undergraduates. Summer 2026 workshops will be hosted via  "in-person" or online/Zoom.  Please check each date for one of the two formats.  Register through Accudemia. 

• Registering for Workshops and Appointments

  Summer '26 workshops will be "in-person" = here at the ARC, or marked "Online" = held via Zoom. To sign up for a workshop, please complete the following steps: 

  (These steps work similarly for 1-to-1 tutoring sessions.)

  1. Click on the blue Accudemia logo on the left side of your screen.
  2. Log on to Accudemia. (First time logging in? Use your SID as both the User ID and “@Rc (SID)” for your password.) If you need help, feel free to call the front desk at (951) 827-3721or stop by Skye Hall, room 156.
  3. Click on "Schedule Appointment" at the bottom of the page, or use the "Quick" dropdown menu at the top of the page and select "New Appointment." 
  4. For Service, choose "Writing Support - Remote" or "Writing Support - In-Person."
  5. For Activity, search for "WSP Workshop" and choose the activity/workshop subject (ex. Grammar, Writing, Reading, or Formatting) and the date you want to attend. (See WSP workshop schedule below.)
     • NOTE: If you have trouble, you can also search by date or tutor name. 
     • You will have to use the "Prev" and "Next" buttons or the calendar icon to select the date. 
  6. Click on the green box with the available time you want. 
  7. Click "Confirm" in the green box when you are ready to finalize the appointment. 

  For online/remote workshops (and 1-to-1 sessions), you will automatically receive a link to the workshop in your UCR email.

  NOTE: Workshops are co-facilitated by professional staff and trained tutors. 

• WRIT 007L (Lab) Workshops (Summer Session B/E)

  WORKSHOPS for WRIT 007L Students (Exclusive: Must be enrolled in WRIT 007L)

  Summer '26 (Session E) workshops for WRIT 007 will be "in-person" = here at the ARC. To sign up for a workshop, please complete the following steps: 

  (NOTE: These steps work similarly for 1 to 1 tutoring sessions.)

  1. Start here at the following website: https://arc.ucr.edu/writing 
  2. Click on the blue Accudemia logo on the left side of your screen.
  3. Log on to Accudemia. (First time logging in? Use your SID as both the User ID and “@Rc (SID)” for your password.) If you need help feel free to call the front desk at (951) 827-3721or stop by Skye Hall, room 156.
  4. Click on "Schedule Appointment" at the bottom of the page. 
  5. For Service, choose "Writing Support - In-Person."
  6. For Activity, search for "WRIT 007L Workshop" and choose the activity/workshop and the date you want to attend. (See WRS workshop schedule for dates and topics.)
     • NOTE:  All WRIT 007L Workshops at the ARC will be In-Person in Skye Hall Room 156, Monday through Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
     • The tutor’s name is Jay Spencer (Some sessions will be facilitated by peer tutors).
     • You will have to use the "Prev" and "Next" buttons or the calendar icon to select the date. 
  7. Click on the the green box with the available time you want. 
  8. Click "Confirm" in the green box when you are ready to finalize the appointment. 

  For online/remote 1 to 1 sessions), you will automatically receive a link to the workshop in your UCR email.

  NOTE: Workshops are co-facilitated by professional staff and trained tutors. 

• Conversation Groups (English & Italian) For All Undergraduate Students

  Conversation Group: 

  Looking for a relaxed, friendly space to practice your communication skills? Whether you want to boost your academic vocabulary, master local campus culture, or just get more comfortable speaking in groups, this 45-minute drop-in session is for you. This student-driven space acknowledges the diverse language backgrounds and unique cultural insights you bring to our community. Together with supportive tutors, you direct the conversation based on your goals—whether that’s refining pronunciation, exploring cultural conversation styles, or just chatting. There is no pressure here: feel free to ask questions, share your perspective, or simply listen and absorb. You already have the tools to succeed; let's collaborate to build your confidence even further.

  Walk-ins are always welcome!

  Sign up with Jay Spencer.

  Wednesdays 12:00 to 12:50 PM (In-Person @ the ARC, Skye Hall, Room 156)  

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• Writing Workshops (For all Undergraduate Students)

  Writing 

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  Pre-Writing & Outlining Your Essay

  Ever feel stuck staring at a blank screen, wondering how to start a paper? You are not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself! Bring your unique ideas, your writing assignments, or just your questions to this collaborative, 45-minute workshop. Together, we will practice turning your initial thoughts into a solid game plan for your next essay.

  What we will do together:

  • Map out your big ideas: Learn how to build a strong central message (your thesis).

  • Gather your evidence: Find the best ways to back up your points using your own insights and research.

  • Connect the dots: Practice explaining why your evidence matters and how it supports your main goal.

  • Get hands-on support: Work directly on your current assignments so you can leave with a ready-to-use outline.

  Whether you already have a full page of notes or haven't written a single word yet, you have valuable insights to bring to the table. Let’s build your writing toolkit together!

  Dates Offered:

  Wednesday, June 24, 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. (In-Person)

  Wednesday, July 1, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (Online/Zoom)

  Thursday, July 16, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (Online/Zoom)

  Monday, August 3, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Monday, August 3, 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. (In-Person)

  Tuesday, August 11, 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. (Online/Zoom)

  Monday, August 24, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Monday, August 24, 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. (In-Person)

  Monday, August 31, 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. (In-Person)

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  Explaining Examples/Using Sources

  During this 45 minute workshop/discussion, we will address what plagiarism is, why it is a serious matter, and how you can avoid it. The session will begin with some informal discussion with attendees about their experience and understanding of plagiarism. We will then discuss the significance of reading, understanding, and citing sources. We will also address how to incorporate the sources (quote, paraphrase, and or summary) and what interpreting a source can look like. NOTE:  It is appropriate for attendees to bring in specific examples and/or general questions about citing sources. 

  Dates Offered:

  Monday, June 29, 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. (In-Person)

  Wednesday, August 12, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Friday, August 14, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

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  Writing Intros and Thesis Statements

  This 45 minute workshop will focus on the purpose, or function, of introductions. We will look at such elements of an introduction as:  hooking the audience, establishing the range and relevance of the topic, establishing the purpose of the text, and writing a thesis statement. NOTE: Attendees should feel free to bring specific questions and/or drafts to the workshop.

  Dates Offered: 

  Friday, July 10, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Wednesday, August 19, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

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  Writing Body Paragraphs

  This 45 minute workshop will focus on the purpose or function of body paragraphs. We will look at “topic sentences,” supporting evidence, and explaining the connection between the evidence, topic sentence, and thesis statement.  Attendees should feel free to bring specific questions to the workshop.

  Dates Offered:

  Wednesday, August 26, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Wednesday, September 2, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

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  Writing Timed/In-Class Essays

  This 30 minute workshop will focus on reading and annotating writing in-class writing prompts. We will address language that (1) contextualizes/situates the assignment, (2) directive verbs, and (3) how to clarify expectations for the assignment based on the prompt and writing situation. We will also be looking at outlining essay drafts (thesis statements, topic/controlling idea sentences, and evidence) to organize the ideas you want to communicate. You should feel free to come with questions as there will be time at the end of the workshop to discuss specific concerns.

  Not offered Summer Session A

• Grammar Workshops (For All Undergraduate Students)

  Grammar Topics

   

  Sentence Structure (Sentence Types) 

  Every writer has a unique voice, and the way you build your sentences is how you share that voice with the world! Whether you are writing a college essay, a professional email, or a creative story, changing up your sentence structures is a great way to keep your readers engaged and make your ideas shine. In this interactive, 45-minute workshop, we will explore how to confidently mix and match different types of sentences to bring rhythm and clarity to your writing. Together, we will discover how to:

  • Build the Foundation: Use simple sentences for a strong, direct impact.

  • Make Connections: Combine ideas using compound sentences.

  • Add Depth: Use complex sentences to show relationships between your thoughts.

  • Master the Mix: Blend it all together with compound-complex sentences for advanced storytelling or argument building.

  Think of sentences like building blocks. We will break down the essential pieces—the "independent" blocks that stand strong on their own, and the "dependent" blocks that add extra flavor—so you can take full control of your writing style.

  Dates Offered:

  Week 1: Monday, June 22, 3:00-3:45 p.m. (In-Person)

  Week 1: Wednesday, June 24, 11:00-11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Wednesday, July 15, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Wednesday, July 29, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 -2:45 p.m. (Online)

  Monday, August 10, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Monday, August 10, 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. (In-Person)

   

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  Preposition Usage 

  This 45 minute workshop will address the function of prepositions in space and time. The main focus will target: in, on, and at. We will also be looking at the relationship prepositions create between nouns (EXAMPLE: The instructor sat on the desk. vs. The instructor sat in the desk.)

  Dates Offered:

  Monday, June 29, 11:00 a.m. -11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

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  Using Commas

  This 40-minute workshop will review basic grammar like:  parts of speech (ex. nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs), BUT we will primarily focus on comma usage and identifying comma errors. 

  Not offered Summer A

• Reading Workshops (For All Undergraduate Students)

  Reading Workshops

   

  Weekly Reading Discussion

  Your unique life experiences, background, and voice bring valuable insights to everything you read. Join us at the Academic Resource Center (ARC) for a weekly, collaborative reading circle where we explore new ideas together. In this welcoming and relaxed space, we'll read short, engaging articles (just 2 to 3 pages) and share our thoughts in an open conversation. There are no tests or "right" answers—just a great opportunity to expand your reading confidence, strengthen your analytical thinking, and connect with fellow students.

  We provide the weekly readings, but this space belongs to you! We highly encourage you to suggest topics, articles, or stories you are passionate about. Let’s learn from one another, lean into our collective strengths, and grow as thinkers and readers together.

  DATES Offered:

  Wednesdays, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. (In-Person)

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  How to Read Assigned Texts/Reading for Meaning

  This 45 minute workshop will focus on reading and responding to texts (ex. essays, articles, books, etc.). While reading a text, we might highlight ideas and words that stand out to us. When these highlighting marks and underlines begin to lose focus--yet look colorful--we need to be able to annotate the text with questions, phrases and words that help us make connections to the text, topic, author, and/or class situation we are reading it for.  This workshop will include strategies for annotating (assigned) readings and making relevant connections. 

  Dates Offered:

  Wednesday, July 8, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

  Thursday, July 30, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (Online)

  Thursday, July 30, 3:00 to 3:45 a.m. (Online)

  Wednesday, August, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. (In-Person)

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  Reading Research Articles

  This 45-minute workshop will address the common organization of "original research articles" and "review articles."  We will be looking at pre-selected STEM and behavioral science articles. Feel free to bring your own article as we will be looking at the purpose of specific sections. We will also be looking at the difference between an "original research article" and a "review article."

  Dates Offered:

  Monday, July 6, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. (In-Person)

  Monday, July 13, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. (In-Person)

  Monday, July 13, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. (Online/Zoom)

  Friday, August 21, 11:00 to 11:50 p.m. (In-Person)

  Sample Articles Below:

  Two sample research articles (Samples will be analyzed during the workshop.)

  1. Computer Science Research Article: 
  2. Psychopathology Research Article

  Two sample literature review articles (Samples will be analyzed during the workshop.)

  1. Periodic Limb Movement During Sleep REVIEW ARTICLE 
  2. Computational Biology REVIEW ARTICLE

  Sample science article for general audience

  1. New Position Statement Declares that Sleep is Essential to Health

   

   

• Formatting Workshops (For All Undergraduate Students)

  Formatting

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   MLA Citation Style

  In this 50 minute Q & A workshop, we will address MLA "in-text" citations and the "Works Cited" page. Some attention will be given to paper format. However, the goal will be to highlight the format MLA prescribes and the function of the format. 

  Dates Offered:

  Please make appointments with tutors.

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   APA Citation Style

  In this 50 minute Q & A workshop, we will address the following topics from the APA 7th Edition: the "title page," "in-text" citations, and the "References" page. Attention will be given to paper format if specific questions are asked. However, the goal will be to highlight the format APA prescribes and the function of the format. 

  Dates Offered:  

  Please make appointments with tutors.

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Program Information

These information cards will help you use the Writing and Reading Support services.