Research & Writing Center
At the Sister Helen Sheehan Library
You can do it!
Get results from your research
Your team at the Research & Writing Center are here to give you practical tools and tips to become a master researcher.
Plan a stronger essay
Turn in that paper that gets you the grade you want, and learn writing skills you can take with you the rest of your life.
Produce a professional presentation
Your team at the Research & Writing Center will give you the know-how to create a beautiful, engaging and powerful presentation.
Improve your writing skills
Receive personalized feedback and support to enhance every stage of your writing process.
Upcoming Workshops
Research & Writing Center Location & Hours
Walk-in Hours — Library 103
Monday through Friday
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
researchandwritingcenter@trinitydc.edu
(202) 884-9355
Schedule an Appointment with a Research Tutor
Schedule an Appointment with a Writing Tutor
Staff
About the Research & Writing Center
The Research & Writing Center, located in Library 103, offers one-on-one support with writing and research at any stage of the process. Students can meet with a Writing Tutor or a Research Tutor to discuss their work and receive personalized feedback. We provide practical tools, techniques, and resources to help you improve your writing skills and build confidence.
You can take advantage of our walk-in hours or request an appointment to reserve your spot. Please check our list of things to bring to your appointment. Sessions typically last between 30 and 45 minutes, so plan to visit at least a day or two in advance.
No Time to Visit?
Access writing help anytime through Trinity’s OWL (Online Writing Lab). You can upload your work for detailed, constructive feedback on organization, clarity, and grammar. Receive thorough reviews within a specified timeframe, supporting all stages of writing from drafts to final edits.
Helpful Links for Research & Writing
Research
- Trinity Library Databases
These databases are your key to a wealth of information on every topic imaginable. Take advantage of their advanced search features to find the resources you need quickly, without visiting a library. - Prerecorded Workshops: A Variety of Workshops Offered Throughout the Semester to Aide Student’s Research
A solid plan is crucial to research success. Read this before you start researching and you will save time and effort on your project. - Citation Machine
Here’s a place to start if you need quick help with citation styles like MLA and APA. Simply enter information for each of your sources, and this site will provide you with a sample citation. It’s great practice for learning to format citations on your own. - Evaluating Web Sites
If you’re doing research online, you need to be able to determine quickly whether a web site is a good or bad source. This link will give you tips on evaluating web sites, and it also has links to web directories for specific research subjects.
Writing
- The OWL at Purdue
This is the most comprehensive online writing lab available. Use the menu on the left side of the page to navigate. If you’re looking for APA or MLA style guides, click ‘Research and Citation’. If you need help with your resume, click ‘Professional, Technical and Job Search Writing’. The list is extensive, so spend some time with this site! If you’re looking for help with APA or MLA style, use this link:
Research and Citation
If you have questions about general academic writing, like tone, style and argumentation, click here: Academic Writing
If you would like detailed descriptions of common writing assignments, like summaries, proposals or annotated bibliographies, try this page:
Common Writing Assignments - Free Online Dictionary and Thesaurus
Every writer needs a dictionary and thesaurus, and these online versions are free of charge! Expand your vocabulary and spice up your writing! - Encyclopedia Britannica Online
A good encyclopedia will get you started with many writing projects. Browse the site for topic ideas, or use it to keep up with current events.
For Graduate Students
Whether you’re beginning the transition to graduate school or putting the final touches on your Capstone, the Research & Writing Center offers friendly, professional assistance with your graduate studies.
You can find answers to many basic questions about writing and research, including APA formatting and citation, in the Helpful Links for Research and Writing section right here on the center’s site, no appointment necessary.
If you would like to visit the writing center in person, you may make an appointment to learn more about:
- Advanced research techniques
- Resumes, cover letters and KSAs
- Ethical use of scholarly sources
- Expectations for graduate level writing
Schedule multiple appointments early in the semester to stay on track with long projects.
For Faculty
Writing is a vital academic skill, and the Research and Writing Center is here to support your efforts to integrate effective writing assignments into your teaching, regardless of discipline. If you’d like to emphasize writing in your class, explore the resources and assignment ideas available.
While we discourage making attendance at the Research and Writing Center a graded component of assignments, providing information about our services can motivate students to seek help. Our center offers individual writing assistance during walk-in hours and by appointment. Students can schedule appointments online.
We offer a series of PowerPoint presentations and handouts on essential writing and research skills that can be used in class. Additionally, we work with faculty to track students’ writing progress and can provide summaries of attendance upon request.
For discussions on improving writing through assignments or to suggest additional resources, please email us.
What to Bring to Your Research & Writing Center Appointment:
Once you’ve confirmed your appointment, you should gather the materials you’ll need to bring with you.
If you’ve just started working on your essay, you should bring as many of these items as you can:
- Syllabus
- Assignment Sheet
- Notes
- Outline
- Rough Draft
- Research Materials
If you’re revising an assignment that your instructor has returned, you should bring the above items and your instructor’s comments.
If you have any questions about what to bring, feel free to call or email the Research & Writing Center for more information.
Back to the Sister Helen Sheehan Library
Databases, ebooks & audiobooks, catalog, LibGuides, WRLC, Interlibrary Loan, Staff & more
Academic Services
Academic Services Center, academic support (peer tutoring), institutional assessments, Accuplacer, language assessments, make up exams, Disability Support Services, Career Services
Center for Student Success
Academic advisors, academic plans, financial aid specialists, student mentoring