How to Get Writing Tutoring or Workshops Through the Purdue OWL

Updated

The Purdue OWL offers two distinct ways to get help: online reference materials that anyone can use, and on-campus tutoring and workshops for the Purdue community. If you are a Purdue student or faculty member, you can schedule an in-person, online, or e-tutoring session with a tutor, or check out a writing workshop. If you are not at Purdue, you can still use the OWL's online guides, but the tutoring and workshop services described on the site are tied to the on-campus Purdue community.

Tutoring Options Available

According to the Purdue OWL site, tutoring is delivered through one of its tutors and can take three forms:

  • In-person session — meet a tutor face to face on campus.
  • Online session — work with a tutor in a live online setting.
  • E-tutoring — submit writing for asynchronous feedback rather than a live meeting.

The site groups its service information under two entry points: Student Info and Faculty Info. Which one applies to you depends on whether you are a student or a faculty member, so start with the page that matches your role before booking.

How to Book a Session

  1. Go to the Purdue OWL site and locate the on-campus services section.
  2. Choose the Student Info or Faculty Info page that matches your role.
  3. Review the session types (in-person, online, or e-tutoring) and pick the one that fits your schedule and needs.
  4. Use the Make an Appointment option to schedule your session.

The expected result is a confirmed appointment with a Purdue OWL tutor. If you are unsure which session type suits your situation, the Student Info and Faculty Info pages are the places to check before you book.

Workshops

The OWL also lists writing workshops alongside its tutoring services. These are worth checking if you prefer learning in a group setting or want to build a skill rather than get feedback on a specific piece of writing. The site does not detail workshop schedules or topics in the material available here, so treat the workshop listing as a starting point and confirm current offerings directly through the OWL.

What You Can Use Without an Appointment

If you are not at Purdue, or you want help right away, the OWL's online resources are the practical route. Its popular resources include:

Resource Use it for
APA Formatting and Style Guide APA citations and paper formatting
MLA Formatting and Style Guide MLA citations and paper formatting
Avoiding Plagiarism Understanding and preventing plagiarism
Resume Guide / Developing a Résumé Building a résumé
Writing the Basic Business Letter Business letter format
Purdue OWL Vidcasts Video-based writing instruction

The OWL also organizes suggested resources by audience, including Grades 7–12 instructors and students, English as a Second Language learners, non-Purdue instructors and students, Purdue instructors and students, professional writers, and parents. Pick the audience that matches you to find the most relevant guides.

Choosing Between Tutoring and Self-Service Resources

  • Choose tutoring or a workshop if you are part of the Purdue on-campus community and want feedback on your own writing or structured instruction.
  • Choose the online guides if you need citation help, formatting rules, or general writing advice and either are not at Purdue or do not need a scheduled session.

The key distinction is access: the reference materials are described as global support, while the tutoring and workshop services are presented as serving the on-campus Purdue community.