Writing Resources

At SMU, we are committed to fostering academic excellence in writing.

Writing is a vital skill for academic success and professional growth. We believe that strong writing is essential for clear communication, critical thinking, and effective leadership. 

Our comprehensive resources, from personalized writing support to career-focused workshops, are designed to help students and faculty hone their skills—whether learning writing or teaching—regardless of their ability at every stage of their academic journey.  

Explore the resources below to discover how ÃÛÌÒ½´supports your growth as a confident and skilled writer or writing instructor.  

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Peer Writing Tutors at the A-LEC

The A-LEC offers drop-in peer-to-peer tutoring in a variety of subjects, including writing. Check the A-LEC Tutoring Schedule to see when you may meet with a writing tutor. You may also reach out to the A-LEC in the early part of the semester if the A-LEC Tutoring Schedule has not yet been updated. The A-LEC Tutoring Center. is open evenings and Sundays, and may be able to assist you if the Writing Center is closed.

Phone: 214-768-3648

Email: a-lec@smu.edu

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Career and Professional Writing

 At SMU, our Career and Professional Writing resources are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in the workplace and beyond. We offer workshops, one-on-one consultations, and access to online tools that help students refine their resumes, cover letters, and professional portfolios. 

Additionally, students can receive guidance on writing for specific industries, from business and law to the arts and sciences, ensuring they effectively communicate their expertise and stand out in their chosen field. These resources are available to support students at every stage of their academic and professional journey.

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Common Writing Textbooks

Common textbooks play a critical role in developing students’ writing skills by providing shared learning experiences that foster critical thinking, analysis, and communication. At SMU, student engage with a diverse selection of texts from various genres, disciplines, and cultural perspectives, allowing them to explore different writing styles and techniques.  

Within their Common Curriculum requirements, two common textbooks serve as a basis for their academic writing. These texts serve as models for writing while encouraging students to articulate their own ideas clearly and effectively.  

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Dedman College ESL Program

The ESL (English as a Second Language) Program at ÃÛÌÒ½´is designed to assist non-native English-speaking students in succeeding at the university level. In addition to working with the Writing Center's ESL specialist, ESL students may reach out to the Dedman College ESL program for additional help with developing their speaking and writing in English.

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Office of General Education

The Office of General Education provides leadership in undergraduate education across campus and collaborates with faculty on the Council on General Education and the Writing Board to support students in strengthening their writing skills. Through SMU's , students engage in four distinct writing experiences, demonstrating their development and mastery of writing throughout their academic journey.

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ÃÛÌÒ½´Libraries

From developing sound research questions to building evidence through quality sources, good writing begins with strong research. ÃÛÌÒ½´Libraries helps students locate, evaluate, and incorporate scholarly information into their writing projects. We offer support to faculty designing assignments that integrate research with writing, fostering students’ critical thinking and scholarly communication skills. 

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Writing Center

The Writing Center is a resource for all ÃÛÌÒ½´undergraduates who need help with an academic writing or presentation project of any kind from arts to STEM, but we also offer help on personal statements, application essays, and other preprofessional communications. 

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Writing Competitions & Opportunities

Writing competitions offer students a unique opportunity to showcase their critical inquiry and creativity, sharpen their writing skills, and gain recognition. Share your work with our ÃÛÌÒ½´community!

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