FALL 2025 Undergraduate Writing Workshop Series
The Big Orange Writing Playbook: Tips, Tools, & Practice is a dynamic workshop series designed to help undergraduates build essential academic writing skills. These interactive sessions provide practical strategies and hands-on activities to boost confidence and success in academic writing. Whether you’re tackling your first college paper or refining your research and writing process in an upper-division course, this series equips you with tools to excel.
Students in any undergraduate course, including first-year composition courses (English 101, 102, 112, 131, 132, or 298), are encouraged to attend the workshops!
Information for students in English 103 or 104
Students enrolled in English 103 or 104 can receive credit for their weekly attendance by attending a workshop. In addition, 103 or 104 students who attend 2 workshops can receive credit for 1 writing consultation.*
- *You can only receive writing consultation credit for attending 2 workshops ONCE. That means, in addition to attending 2 workshops, you must complete 3 writing consultations to receive credit for ENGL 103/104.
Cite Your Sources
Wednesday, October 29
HSS 212, 1-2pm
With UT Library’s FYC Librarian Erin Whitaker
Students will learn the foundations of MLA citation style and then participate in a hands-on activity covering the basics of MLA citations.
Manage Your Time
Wednesday, August 27
HSS 212, 1-2pm
Do you ever struggle with procrastination? We know it can be difficult to begin a daunting writing assignment. That’s why this workshop will cover useful time-management techniques to help you get started. You’ll have the chance to reflect on your habits, discover helpful tech tools, learn how to prioritize tasks, and start a plan for your next assignment.
Decode Your Assignment Sheet
Wednesday, September 10
HSS 212, 1-2pm
A successful writing assignment always begins with a thorough understanding of the task at hand. This workshop will teach you how to approach and understand writing assignments. We will identify and break down key elements of an assignment sheet, so you’ll feel confident getting started on your next big project.
Generate Ideas For Writing
Wednesday, September 24
HSS 212, 1-2pm
Ever feel stuck trying to figure out a research topic? In this workshop, we will demystify the brainstorming process and provide various techniques for idea generation, some of which involve the use of GenAI. Let’s jumpstart your research process and conquer the blank page together!
How to Read Academic Articles
Wednesday, October 15
HSS 212, 1-2pm
Enhance your reading skills by learning how to navigate scholarly articles. We will identify elements of an academic article, discuss reading strategies, and practice reading an article together. You’ll discover helpful tools to pinpoint an author’s argument and engage effectively with academic texts, a vital skill for all students.
Contact us at writingcenter@utk.edu with any questions you have!