The Scriptorium

What is the Scriptorium?
The Scriptorium is a writing center for King’s students. Its services include individual tutoring and writing seminars.

How do I know if I need writing tutoring?
If your grades in your writing classes are low and if you are not able to meet with the TA for your writing class, then you should request assistance.

What if I have already taken College Writing I-II and Persuasive Writing and I need help in other classes? Can I still apply for writing tutoring?
Yes, we provide writing tutoring for all King’s students.

Will Scriptorium tutors edit my papers for grammar and MLA?
No, the Scriptorium does not offer copy editing. The Scriptorium provides holistic writing tutoring aimed at helping you improve as a writer, rather than helping you fix a piece of writing. Tutors will identify your weaknesses and equip you with strategies to improve. They may comment on persistent grammar issues, but they will focus on helping you organize your essays, form coherent arguments, and communicate persuasively.

What should I bring to my tutoring session?
If you would like your tutor to read through one of your essays before you meet together, please email it to him at least 48 hours in advance. Make sure to bring two hard copies of the essay to the tutoring session.

How long and how frequent are Scriptorium tutoring sessions?
Tutoring sessions are usually 45-60 minutes long, either once a week or once every other week, for as long as you need it. The frequency of sessions depends on how much help you need.

How much does Scriptorium tutoring cost?
Nothing. It’s free!

How do I request Scriptorium tutoring?
Fill out a tutoring request form (located at the Learning Center bulletin board, at the Student Services desk, or here). Make sure you take the form to your professor for his approval and then put it in the Learning Center mailbox at Student Services. The Learning Center will email you the contact information of your tutor, and then you can schedule your first session with your tutor.

Why does my professor have to know that I am requesting writing tutoring?
The Learning Center asks that talk with your professor before you begin receiving tutoring because your professor is a key part of the learning process. Your professor needs to know if you are having difficulty with the course, and you need him to know that you are taking steps to improve your grades. The professor may prefer that you meet with his TA instead of a tutor, or he may want to stipulate that you have a minimum or maximum number of tutoring sessions. Please talk to your professors!

What happens if a professor refers me to the Scriptorium?
Professors may ask you to come to the Learning Center for tutoring. The same process (see above) applies, but the professor initiates it. If your professor tells you that you would benefit from tutoring, please listen to him.

How can I get in touch with the Scriptorium?
Email the Learning Center at tlc@tkc.edu.