Resources

There are many wonderful writing resources out there—here are just a few we like!

• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)  A comprehensive resource for student writers.
• Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL) – Another great resource for student writers, less comprehensive than the Purdue OWL site but easier to navigate.  The section on Citation and Documentation (MLA and APA) is especially helpful.
• Excelsior College Online Reading Lab – Excellent resource offering reading strategies for college students. 
• UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center Tips and Tools - Terrific online resources (including short videos) on the writing process, including revising and editing strategies.  This site also offers excellent guidelines for composing in specific genres and disciplines.
• Lehman Library Research Guides – If you’re writing a research paper, the Lehman Library is where you’ll want to launch your research process—starting with the Lehman Library Research Guides.   Each “Libguide,” developed by Lehman librarians in collaboration with faculty, offers a wealth of information that can help you conduct research more proficiently for specific subject areas and classes.  Here are some especially useful general Lehman Libguides for student writers:
  • Lehman Library Guide – Writing Research Papers (created originally for ENG 121)
  • Lehman Library Guide – Planning Against Plagiarism
  • Lehman Library Citation Style Guide

  Don’t forget that the Lehman Library also offers individualized research support, including 24/7 chat with a librarian.

• Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper (USC Libraries Libguide) – Guidelines for students working on research papers in the social sciences.
• The Writing Process (MIT Global Studies and Languages) – Straightforward overview of the steps in the composing process, created originally for international students at MIT.  Multilingual students will find this site especially helpful.
• Reverse Outlines:  A Writer’s Technique for Examining Organization (U Wisconsin Writing Center) – Useful handout on reverse outlining as a tool for revision.
• Generative AI in Academic Writing – Potential Uses and Pitfalls (UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center) – Thinking of using generative AI to help you write a paper?  Check out this handout for considerations to keep in mind regarding this important new technology.  Of course, you’ll want to ensure your instructor allows you to use generative AI (always check first!).  As the handout shares, the most important rule when it comes to AI is: make sure you do the thinking and writing.  Don’t let anyone (or anything) do the thinking and writing for you. 
• University of Toronto – Managing Procrastination.  We all procrastinate sometimes, especially when it comes to writing. Fortunately, we can learn to get better at finishing our writing projects and other tasks on time.  Check out the handy resources and templates on this site, and don’t forget that ISSP academic coaches are available to support you with time management and goal-setting. 
• Writing Anxiety (UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center) –  It’s very common to feel apprehensive about writing, but you can take steps to mitigate the anxiety and not let it block you from moving forward.  Don’t forget you can make an appointment with a writing tutor.  Additionally, the Lehman Counseling Center offers free, confidential, one-on-one support as well as support groups for managing stress and anxiety.  
• Getting Feedback (UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center) –  Feedback can help you break out of the void of writing in isolation.  This handout offers tips for actively seeking out feedback and receiving feedback constructively. 
• English Language Conversation Classes at the NYPL – If you want to brush up on your English conversation skills and develop your public speaking confidence, check out the New York Public Library website for information about upcoming conversation classes (online and in-person at select library branches).  Additionally, the BBC’s Learning English site is a great online resource for practicing your English skills. 
• English for Everyone – Free English language modules, intended to accompany English language textbooks in the acclaimed DK series.  Note that the textbooks, which are affordable, must be purchased separately in order to use the online modules properly.  Visual learners will find the richly illustrated textbooks appealing.
• National Center for Faculty Diversity and Development (NCFDD) – A plethora of workshops relevant to being a productive scholar. Graduate students and faculty are eligible to sign up for a free Lehman account.