First Research and Writing Rescue Day at Link Library offers students help with research, tutoring, and emotional wellbeing
Sara Moll leading a restorative yoga session.
Photo credit: Dylan Buechler
By Dylan Buechler
The first Research and Writing Rescue Day on Nov. 6, sponsored by Link Library and the Academic Resource Center, offered students expert help with writing and research, information on student tutoring, yoga sessions, and even a comfort dog to reduce stress as the end of the semester approaches.
Matt Myers, the director for ARC and Disability Support Services, explained that the goal of the event was to have a dedicated night where students could come and use the library resources.
“The goal is to support students in their research and writing,” Myers said. “Just to help them get started, help them if they’re fighting procrastination, if they are needing editorial help, or if they’re stuck in finding research.
He said the event allowed students to use the library staff as a resource and “get some expert support from people who know what they’re doing.”
Dr. Joel Helmer gave a talk in Link Library and provided an overview of the research process and his college experience. He presented good strategies for writing, as freshman Jonathan Morris recalled.
“He talked a little bit about the value of writing and the strategies for which good writing can be best brought about,” said Morris. “How having a specific writing place, collaborating with others, and simply practice, are very crucial parts of the writing process. We talked about how rewarding it can be to do your writing, and you can use that as a source of motivation for further writing.”
Morris also said he learned when to use AI and when not to use AI in writing papers.
“I believe he said that it was best used only for information gathering and maybe a tiny bit of idea formation, but nothing more than that,” he said. “Because it can limit the creative process and strip someone of their abilities to do so by themselves, with overuse.”
Myers also wanted to make students aware of the writing tutor for the ARC, sophomore Anika Bjordahl.
“A student will email me when they have a paper or something to write, and then I will basically help them with whatever they need in the writing process,” said Bjordahl. “Whether that would be helping develop a thesis or proofreading.”
Bjordahl also expressed how happy she was to see these library events getting started. She said she hopes more people will use the library and ARC resources.
“I think it’s fantastic that we got it kicked off,” she said. “I’d like, in future events, to drive in even more of a crowd than we did. I’d love to see more people coming to use these resources.”
The event also included some relaxation tools. Nicodemus, a golden retriever with The Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, was patiently waiting to assist anyone with stress release and comfort. Sara Moll with YogaFaith also held some restorative yoga sessions.
For more help with writing and library resources, including help from Anika as a tutor, students can email the ARC at academicresourcecenter@cune.edu.
