Frequently asked questions

How do I schedule a consultation?

Both online and in-person consultations can be scheduled using the Make an Appointment page. We will respond to your request and schedule you with one of the available writing coaches. If you have specific needs or concerns, please indicate them on the form.

What should I bring to my in-person consultation?

If you are meeting with a coach in-person, it is best to bring two copies of your work, a copy of the assignment guidelines, and a few specific ideas about what you would like to accomplish. You can also e-mail your work to the coaches ahead of your consultation so that they can prepare constructive feedback before you arrive.

I submitted my paper for online review. When can I expect to receive feedback from the coaches?

The writing coaches attempt to reply to all online submissions in a timely matter, but response time may increase when the number of student submissions is high. Please indicate your deadline when requesting a consultation, and you will receive a response within 24 hours with a timeframe for feedback.  We work as quickly as possible!

Writing guides

These helpful handouts give you hands-on experience with how to hone your writing skills.

Study skills

All students in the School of Nursing can get individualized academic coaching with a learning specialist at Student Academic Success Services.

We aim to help you find strategies for success. We will work with you to develop personalized tools and approaches to help you study effectively and efficiently, decrease stress, improve your memory, and develop goals to help you succeed here at OHSU.  

Ask your Learning Specialist about   

• Study skills
• Motivation and goal-setting
• Memory techniques
• Test-taking skills and test anxiety
• Getting the most out of reading and lecture
• Time management

Email the Learning Support Specialists for more information. 

Study skills resources

• Handout for Test-Taking Strategies
• Workshop: Retrieval Practice - Pick up some new study tips based on the latest cognitive science research. 

Multilingual nursing student resources

English as a Second Language writing support is available as a one-on-one consultation or in the form of small group writing workshops. Please contact Sarah Keeney to set up consultations. Check out these websites for helpful tools and advice.

Academic Phrasebank - A resource for all academic writers which aims to provide "examples of the phraseological 'nuts and bolts' of writing" according to the main components of dissertations and research papers as well as the general "communicative functions of academic writing." 

Correct Article Usage - When learning or perfecting a new language, it's often the little words that can be confusing. Watch this presentation, Grammatical Articles in English Made Easy, to help untangle the usage of English language indefinite ('a', 'an') and definite ('the') articles:

Dave's ESL Cafe - There are all sorts of helpful tools in the “Stuff for Students” tab of this website including grammar lessons and quizzes.

English Language Reference - This webpage, based out the United Kingdom, includes links to useful reference materials including online dictionaries and definitions of English grammar terms such as irregular verbs, phrasal verbs, and idioms.

Guide to Grammar and Writing - Do you want to improve your understanding of English grammar and your writing techniques?  This easy to use site can help.

Portland ESL Network – Do you feel like you need more English instruction but don’t know where to find a class? This website provides information about ESL classes in and around Portland. Includes information about times, locations and whether there is a fee. Many of the classes are free.

The Transgender Language Primer - A guide to language of gender, sexuality, accessibility, and acceptance.  A resource for everyone, including the medical, mental health and social professionals working with the transgender community. 

Academic Word Lists (Nursing and General)

Do you want to build your vocabulary? Here are lists of words that frequently appear in the academic setting and nursing school in particular. 

Videos and podcasts

Looking for more hands-on instruction? Check out these great resources in video or podcast formats. As always, if you aren't sure where to begin or would like some face-to-face help from our team, give us a call at 503-494-5340 or make a free appointment today.