Welcome to The Metro Writing Studio

For spring semester, 2024, The Metro Writing Studio is open daily beginning on January 29 to May 5. We are closed for spring break from March 11 to March 15. We are located on the 2nd floor of the Metropolitan Library, behind “Reference”. Contact us at 201-692-2166.  Select “Schedule a Visit” to make an appointment and to see our list of daily hours and options.

  • In-person hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM:  Monday, Thursday, and Friday with additional evening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. 
  • Virtual hours:  10:00 am to 2:00 PM Thursdays

Schedule a visit

Workshop Events

NOTE: Mobile-device access may display incorrect scheduling information.  Please use a desk-top for correct image display information and schedule. 
 
Writers may make appointments by clicking the “Schedule a visit” button above. Appointments take place on Zoom and in-person.
 

What we do: The Metro Writing Studio provides free writing support to undergraduate and graduate students and all FDU faculty and staff. In one-on-one consultations and workshops, our consultants offer feedback and strategies to help you improve at every stage of your writing, from brainstorming to final drafts. 

Who’s eligible: We will work with any currently-enrolled FDU Metro undergraduate or graduate student, and all Metro faculty and staff. Metro Alumni are also eligible for services. Want to know more? Contact the Metro Writing Studio at metrowritingstudio@fdu.edu.

Style Guides
APA Style Guide
MLA Style Guide

Workshop Schedule: Spring 2024

These free workshops are open to all FDU students, faculty, and staff. No registration is required to attend; however, you will need to login to the appropriate ZOOM meeting ID in order to connect to the virtual presentation.

or email Julia Wagner, Director, at jawagner@fdu.edu for more information about the workshops and the tutoring services offered at the Metro Writing Studio.

In addition, for a full list of Metropolitan Library Workshops and how to access them, see the link:  https://fdu.libcal.com/calendar/online?cid=13729&t=m&d=0000-00-00&cal=13729&inc=0

Registration information: logon to the ZOOM meeting 10 minutes prior to presentation times.

Technical and Scientific Writing (Sathvika)
February 1 (TH)
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Meeting ID: 94043106056
Password: 760741
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/94043106056?pwd=M004ZGtMbHdiaW5VSm41KzRsQ1V1UT09
 
What is Critical Writing?   (Reema)
February 13 (T)
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
What is the critical perspective?  And how do students demonstrate it in their writing?   This is a workshop led by Danielle Des Fosses that first explains the necessary point of view, and then demonstrates steps needed to carry out research that supports analysis to this aim in student writing.
Meeting ID: 914 8847 0138
Password: 055372
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/91488470138?pwd=cWE3eTI2bjMxUmdkVTZYQlNjVmZmZz09
 
Academic Writing and The Annotated Bibliography Workshop (SATHVIKA)
February 15 (TH)
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
In this workshop hosted by Paul Caruso, students will be instructed in the purpose and use of the annotated bibliography.  This is a practical workshop providing a blend of information and useful links and references that will help students primarily with research skills. 
Meeting ID: 91296795218
Password: 287123
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/91296795218?pwd=MXV5QXVQQ09ZUW95em9oMWlUbWY1dz09
 
Recognizing and Avoiding Plagiarism (ROOPESH)
February 22 (TH)
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Yelena Shekhtman will teach students how and when to quote and/or paraphrase from an original source, and how to acknowledge that source to avoid committing plagiarism accidentally.
Meeting ID: 985 3292 5972
Password: 349929
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/98532925972?pwd=bHNLVXFIdkdjQlY5TlRmaXlxS2hWdz09
 
Common Essay Patterns (ROOPESH)
February 26 (M)
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Helen Kuttner will review the various patterns available to writers for composing essays before examining strategies for writing clear and effective argumentative, compare and contrast, and cause and effect essays. 
Meeting ID: 972 1863 1880
Password: 091147
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/97218631880?pwd=SGs0L0h3VGs5Vi9qTDdaWnNqOUlrQT09

ESL CASUAL CONVERSATIONS IN ENGLISH (SATHVIKA)
FEB 28 (W)
11:00 – 12:00 PM
IN-PERSON
 
Introduction to APA Format: (REEMA)
March 6 (W)
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Danielle DesFosses will cover the basics of APA formatting, commonly used to cite sources in academic writing, and guide students through practice exercises. This workshop will be repeated on 3/21. 
Meeting ID: 927 8853 6742
Password: 614748
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/92788536742?pwd=b0NGRG91US9BY2Fzam5hcWVzVEt1UT09
 
Essential Spoken English for International Students (SATHVIKA)
 March 7 (TH)
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Culled from Professor Paul Caruso’s teaching experiences abroad, this participatory workshop will help international students improve their English conversation skills in the classroom and among their peers.
Meeting ID:  98536257153
Password: 149665
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/98536257153?pwd=bGp0Z2pRN0dDSjFXOENVL04ra0gyZz09
 
Advanced APA Format (ROOPESH)
 March 7 (TH)
4:00 – 5:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Designed for those who know the basics of APA, this workshop, presented by Helen Kuttner, will offer a brief overview before launching into more complicated citation issues.  A question answer period will follow for your specific APA format questions. This workshop will be repeated on 3/20. 
Meeting ID: 953 0333 2222
Password: 064134
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/95303332222?pwd=ckpLVGNhSUFna2JHeDJyQ0wycHIzUT09

Introduction to APA Format (REEMA)
March 20 (W)
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Danielle DesFosses will cover the basics of APA formatting, commonly used to cite sources in academic writing, and guide students through practice exercises. This is a repeat of the workshop presented on March 1st. 
Meeting ID: 918 7512 6429
Password: 045099
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/91875126429?pwd=Y3cxREJ6WXNuQ1pzMUFjVnJRcUJhQT09
 
Basic Grammar Workshop (ROOPESH)
March 18 (M)
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Rochelle Moskowitz hosts a grammar workshop on Definite and Indefinite Articles and how to employ them in student writing.
Meeting ID: 965 4952 0498
Password: 394256
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/96549520498?pwd=eHYwQ1k0TnprQzEzdGNKQ1ZJRXI3dz09

Advanced APA Format (ROOPESH)
March 21 (TH)
5:00 – 6:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Designed for those who know the basics of APA, this workshop, presented by Helen Kuttner, will offer a brief overview before launching into more complicated citation issues. A question-and-answer period will follow for your specific APA format questions.  This is a repeat of the workshop scheduled on March 9th.
Meeting ID: 939 3048 3028
Password: 597685
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/93930483028?pwd=Q0lBeG90WHhGb0d6Mkh1c1Q2ZGJJdz09

Undergraduate Academic Essay and Research (SATHVIKA)
March 21 (TH)
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Students are instructed on the elements of researching accurately and appropriately for academic essays. This includes how to vet sources and make good source decisions. Led by Paul Caruso, students will be provided with a blend of information from useful links and references, within this practical hands-on writing workshop.
Meeting ID: 91973927742
Password: 256558
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/91973927742?pwd=RGFJMFpGOVVZU0t4QUVxRWgzSzRsZz09

ESL CASUAL CONVERSATIONS IN ENGLISH (SATHVIKA)
MARCH 27 (W)
11:00 – 12:00 PM
IN-PERSON
 
Creating the Works Cited List (ROOPESH)
April 11 (TH)
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Yelena Shekhtman will lead this workshop designed for those who are familiar with the basics of MLA parenthetical citation; she will focus on how to create the works cited list.
Meeting ID: 958 7512 0910
Password: 972042
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/95875120910?pwd=L0NvNGt0UTROY1FIeVZBcnhpNUNhUT09
 
Basic Grammar (REEMA)
April 24 (W)
11:30 – 1:00 PM
Virtual Presentation: ZOOM
Just write it!  Rochelle Moskowitz leads this grammar workshop on using the imperative voice in student writing.
Meeting ID: 934 3707 5708
Password: 073476
ZOOM LINK: https://fdu.zoom.us/j/93437075708?pwd=WUlSNzY0bTh4N0t1UWlwdWkxTjJxZz09

ESL Conversation Schedule

Non-native speakers of English are invited to come practice spoken language skills at the Metro Writing Studio. We look forward to resuming the ESL Conversation schedule in the Fall semester.  

Referral form

Referral forms are not necessary; tutoring is available on a drop-in basis. However, faculty may refer students to the Writing Studio by completing the online referral form to those students in need of assistance.

To fill out a referral form please click here: Referral Form

FAQ’s

The Metro Writing Studio provides free, individualized tutoring in writing and writing workshops to help students, faculty, and staff at Fairleigh Dickinson University improve their writing skills.

  • Where is the Metro Writing Studio?
    We are located on the second floor of the Metropolitan Campus Library (on the Metropolitan campus in Teaneck) behind the Reference/Circulation Desk.
  • What are the hours of operation?
    Monday-Thursday 10.00 am to 7.00 pm, Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Sunday 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The Studio, which offers wireless connection to the Internet to those with an FDU webmail account, is open as a quiet and comfortable study space whenever the library is open.
  • Who may use the Studio?
    Students who are matriculated at Fairleigh Dickinson (whether undergraduate or graduate, part-time or full-time), faculty, and staff are eligible to make use of all the Studio’s offerings.
  • What kind of help do the tutors provide?
    Tutors assist students with all phases of the writing process from brainstorming ideas to polishing the final draft. We do not, however, offer proofreading or editing services; our goal is to teach students how do such things for themselves.
  • Do I need to make an appointment to see a tutor?
    No, we see students mainly on a drop-in-basis (limited appointments become available later in the semester). On occasion, you might have to wait before a tutor is free to work with you, so plan your time wisely. Be sure to fill out a Request for Tutoring Form upon your arrival.
  • What should I bring when I see a tutor?
    You should bring the assignment given to you by your instructor, the materials (such as articles or books) upon which the assignment is based, and a printed copy of what you have written so far.
  • What other types of services does the Studio provide?
    Throughout the semester, we offer workshops on various writing-related topics such as how to recognize and avoid plagiarism and how to use MLA and APA citation formats. International students can practice their speaking skills six times a semester at our English conversation workshops.

One of the top academic priorities of the Metropolitan Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University is to graduate students who are competent and confident writers. To advance this goal, the Campus Writing Initiative, an innovative, comprehensive, campus-wide commitment to student writing, was adopted. The Metro Writing Studio supports the Campus Writing Initiative and reinforces the philosophy of the Writing Program.

Faculty and Tutors

  • Julia Wagner, Director, Metro Writing Studio
    Department of Literature, Languages, Writing, and Humanities

Tutors

  • Claudia Arones
  • Ruth Morrison
  • Helen Kuttner
  • Yelena Shekhtman
  • Lisa Karrer
  • David Simons
  • Terry Gibson
  • Danielle Des Fosses
  • Ron Chavious
  • James Veach
  • Irene Konstantinidis
  • Josie Horna
  • Paul Caruso

Graduate Assistants

  • Reema Patel
  • Sathvika ReddyEtta
  • Roopesh Nagineni