Writing Center

Providing online (Zoom) support. For more information, visit Remote Resources for Students.

Writing Center

Get Free One-on-One Writing Help in All Subjects

Improve your writing skills. Get feedback on your projects. Overcome writer's block. We can help you with your essays, papers, bibliographies, transfer and scholarship applications, and more.

You can write, revise, edit and print your work from the computers in the Learning Commons. 

Make an appointment. Or check out our Writing Center resources.

Have questions? Contact us.

Academic Help

We Can Help with Any Subject

Papers and Essay Exams

  • Clarifying assignments
  • Interpreting literature
  • Citing sources in MLA, APA, Chicago and other formats
  • Oral presentations
  • Essay exam strategies

Writing Skills

  • Developing and organizing ideas
  • Editing and proofreading skills
  • Grammar and punctuation
  • Research process
  • Word processing

Resume and Application Essays

  • Transfer applications to four-year schools
  • Scholarship essays
  • Resumes
  • Cover letters

Resources

To open the following PDFs, you need Adobe Reader®. If you need additional help, visit the Writing Center.

Papers and Essays

Citing Sources

MLA Format

MLA Handbook 2016 Update
Based on the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th edition. Generally required in English and humanities courses, as well as other subjects.

Using Figures in MLA format
How to include and cite images in an MLA-style paper.

Formatting an MLA Paper in Microsoft Word
Setting up an academic paper in MLA format.

Creating a Works Cited Page in Microsoft Word
Setting up a works cited page in MLA format.

APA Format

APA Handbook
Based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition. This format is generally required in psychology, social science, and some science courses.

Using Figures in APA format
How to include and reference images, charts and tables in an APA-style paper.

Making an APA Running Header in Microsoft Word
How to set up the running header required for a paper in APA format (6th edition, 2009)

APA Reference Page Citations for Websites
The standard pattern for referencing website sources with a chart of variations.

Chicago and CSE Formats

Chicago (and Turabian) Handbook
Based on A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 9th edition, and The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition. This format is required in some history courses.

CSE Handbook
Based on Scientific Style and Format, 8th edition, and Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences, 6th edition. This format is required in some biology courses.

Grammar Charts

The following handouts are copies of the posters in the Rocklin Writing Center.

Microsoft Word Handouts

Formatting an MLA Paper in Microsoft Word
Setting up an academic paper in MLA format.

Creating a Works Cited Page in Microsoft Word
Setting up a Works cited page in MLA format.

Making an APA Running Header in Microsoft Word
Set up the running header for a paper in APA format (6th edition, 2009).
 
Indenting a Long Quotation in Microsoft Word
Format a long quotation in MLA, APA or Chicago Style for academic papers.

Outlining in Microsoft Word
How to format a formal outline.

Copyright Policy

You are free to download or reproduce these materials for educational purposes. These materials may not be published or otherwise reproduced for profit without written permission from Sierra College Writing Center.

Attend our Writing Center Workshops in LRC-441. No registration needed. For more information, email writingcenter@sierracollege.edu.

The following writing websites and videos can help you write your papers and assignments. For additional help, visit the Writing Center

Writing Labs and Guides

Purdue University Online Writing Lab
Over 200 resources on:
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Grammar
  • Style
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Professional writing
Writing the Personal Statement (UC Berkeley)
Write the personal insight questions for an application to the University of California or other four-year universities.

Citing Sources

MLA Style
The new approach to citing sources from the MLA Handbook, 8th Edition, 2016. Watch videos below on how to cite sources with MLA.
 
APA Style FAQ
The American Psychological Association (APA) documentation style: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
Chicago Style
Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide
 
ASA (Sociology) Style (The Purdue Online Writing Lab)
Guides to formatting manuscripts, in-text citations and references page

Videos about MLA 8th Edition, 2016

MLA Style, 8th Editions: An Introduction
Length 4:30. A quick introduction to the major changes in the MLA Handbook
 
Understanding MLA Style (8th Edition, 2016 Updates)
Length 11:20. Many examples showing the logic of the new changes and to explore some of the most noticeable new details
 
EBSCOhost Citations in MLA 8th Edition Style
Length 11:17. How to cite articles in MLA 8th Edition Style

Research Paper and MLA Video Series

FGC-MLA 8th Edition Part 1: Using Research in Your Paper, In-Text Citations
Length 7:35. Introduces the MLA Citation Style 8th Edition, explains when to cite sources, the different ways to use information in your paper and how to correctly format in-text citations.
 
FGC-MLA Style 8th Edition Part 2: Core Elements, Formatting Works Cited Entries
Length 15:24. The works cited list elements, format, punctuation and containers, quotations and titles.
 
MLA Citation Style 8th Edition Part 3: Template, Works Cited Examples
Length 12:33. How to use the MLA template to organize citation information and properly create MLA entries for cited works.

Contact Writing Center

How to Meet with the Writing Center Staff

Rocklin
  1. Make a 30-minute appointment using your Sierra Connect (formerly Starfish) account. View step-by-step instructions to help you schedule an appointment.
  2. Visit the Writing Center, 2nd floor LRC, or
  3. Drop in LRC 441 every Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00am to 1:00pm between Feb. 26 and May 7.

What to Bring:

  • Your student ID
  • Prompt for the writing assignment (directions from the instructor)
  • Printed, double-spaced draft of your paper if you have started to write
Nevada County Campus

Visit us for a drop-in session.

Tahoe-Truckee

Get on-campus writing support in all subject areas. For peer tutoring, drop in or make an appointment.

Rocklin Campus LR 2nd floor

  • Fall and Spring Hours
    M-Th: 8:00am - 6:00pm
    F: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Nevada County Campus N2 203

  • Phone: (530) 274-5265
  • Fall and Spring Hours
    TTh: 9:00am - 5:00pm
    W: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tahoe-Truckee Campus LRC/Library

  • Phone: (530) 550-2284
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5100 Sierra College Blvd.
Rocklin, CA 95677
Phone: (916) 624-3333

Sierra College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. About Sierra College's Accreditation and SLOs.