The Writing Center@PVCC

Tutoring for writing in any subject, as well tutoring in Humanities & Social Science classes. We also offer tutoring in Spanish & German. 

The Writing Center@PVCC offers tutoring in-person and through our Virtual Writing Center, a Zoom space dedicated to PVCC tutoring. In both the physical and Virtual Writing Center, you can make an appointment to see a tutor in advance OR you can drop in to see if someone is available, Monday-Friday. On Sundays, we offer tutoring via Zoom; appointments are required for Sunday sessions. We have reception staff available on campus in the Writing Center [M617Main Building] during our week day open hours to assist you in attending or scheduling appointments.

In addition to dropping by the Writing Center on campus, this short video shows you additional ways to arrange to meet with a tutor, including just dropping into the Virtual Writing Center or scheduling an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment via Navigate in the MyPVCC portal. For more information, call 434.961.5499 during our open hours or email tutoring@pvcc.edu.

Fall & Spring Semester Hours:

• Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Friday, 9 a.m.  to 2 p.m.

• Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For Sunday sessions, students need to schedule an appointment in Navigate.

The Writing Center operates on a modified schedule during exam weeks and is closed when classes are not in session.

Summer Hours:

• Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Sundays by appointment only from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

To schedule an appointment via Navigate:

1. Log in to MyPVCC
2. Click the “Navigate Student” icon
3. Click “Appointments” on the left side of the screen
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. You will choose between an in-person session or an online session.

See what a Zoom Writing Center session looks like. 

Practice Conversational English

Each week, the Writing Center holds English Conversation Circle, an opportunity for English language learners to practice their speaking skills. While PVCC courses are offered solely online, ECC will also be offered online. ECC meets every Wednesday when classes are in session, beginning Sept. 2, from 12-1pm. To join ECC, please complete this form, and you will receive an email with a link to the meeting 30 minutes before it begins. All English language learners are welcome to join. No homework or registration is required.

The Walt Kehoe English 111 Personal Essay Contest

Each fall, the Writing Center sponsors the English 111 Personal Essay Contest, in honor of Walt Kehoe, a long-time Writing Center tutor who devoted many hours and much care to PVCC students. Walt died in October 2019. We begin accepting submissions for the calendar year each October, with a late November deadline. Read the 2021 winners here.

Past winners:
Read the 2020 winners here.

Our Mission

The Writing Center @ PVCC supports student success by offering writing assistance across the disciplines, as well as tutoring in humanities, social sciences, and language courses, utilizing research based practices. We prepare students for placement tests and improve the conversational language skills of English learners. Our mission is achieved by: 

• Reinforcing that strong writing skills are valuable across the curriculum and are essential in many fields of study and in the workplace;
• Emphasizing that writing is a process, which develops writing skills and instills confidence in students;
• Understanding the diversity of students’ needs and adapting our approach to meet those needs;
• Providing tutoring sessions that are available by walk-in or appointment to maximize accessibility to all students;
• Offering a welcoming, diverse staff engaged in continual professional development; and
• Developing a sense of community through a collaborative environment.

We work to help PVCC students strengthen their writing skills in any discipline. Come to The Writing Center at any stage of the writing process to:

• Discuss how or where to begin an assignment
• Get help finishing a draft
• Begin revising a draft or receive feedback on a complete draft
• Learn tips for proofreading
• Discuss your instructor's comments

Meet Our Tutors

Our tutors come from a variety of backgrounds. Learn a little bit more about them by reading their profiles available here.

Instructional Videos

These short videos are designed to help with common, challenging writing tasks.

• Developing a Thesis
• Writing Introductions & Conclusions
• Integrating Quotations with The Quote Sandwich
• Understanding Passive Voice
• Recognizing Fragments, Run-Ons, & Comma Splices
• Correcting Fragments, Run-ons, & Comma Splices
• Creating MLA 8 In-Text Citations
• Creating a Works Cited Page: MLA 8's Core Components
  • MLA Core Elements Note Outline (download if you'd like to use for outlining while watching video)
• APA Citation Style
  • APA Citation Style Note Outline (download if you'd like to use for outlining while watching video)

Handouts