Writing Assistant Program



Do you need help on your essay assignments? Would you like to develop your writing abilities? We can help!

 Why?

  • Can help improve your grades
  • Gain general knowledge that is not usually taught in the classroom
  • Let your teachers know you got our help to stand out!

 Where? 

  • Make a zoom appointment on Slug Success (instructions below) 
  • Drop in to a zoom meeting using the link on the calendar below
  • Book an appointment online or in person at the Ethnographic Library or section room (317 Soc Sci 1).
  • Email us for questions

 When?

  • Click here (change to see below!) to see our availability, this is subject to change in the Winter Quarter

One of the most important skills students can learn is to write well and to communicate their ideas with clarity. The Writing Assistant Program was created to train strong writers, seeks to aid in student success, and to build students’ confidence in their writing. This program provides peer support for students in any anthropology course.


    Nidhi Mahajan, Faculty Coordinator

  • I am an Assistant Professor in Cultural Anthropology and my research focuses on Indian Ocean networks, feminist political economy and sovereignty. I am also an artist and especially interested in experimental ethnographies, visual media and playing with different genres of writing. As faculty coordinator, I hope to make the Writing Assistant Program accessible to all students in Anthropology courses. If you have any questions about the program, email me at nmahajan@ucsc.edu.

  • Zoe Shmidt (she/her), Anthropology Writing Assistant

  • Make an Appointment with Zoe on Slug Success

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    I am a transfer student in my senior year studying anthropology and biology. I work in the Paleogenomics Laboratory on campus and am interested in paleoanthropology, genomic science, and medical anthropology. I intend to pursue a career in medicine and hope my anthropological background will help me provide culturally sensitive medical care to a diverse array of communities. In my free time, I like to watercolor paint, read, and hike. This is my second year as a writing tutor in the anthropology department and I have assisted students in writing both biological and cultural essays. I would love the opportunity to help my peers grow as anthropological writers, so please don’t hesitate to reach out! :)

    To make an appointment, use this link: https://ucsc.campus.eab.com/pal/Q6QO4S4d8P


  • Kahena Wilhite, Anthropology Writing Tutor

  • Make an Appointment with Kahena on Slug Success

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    I am an Anthropology student in my senior year. Throughout my time at UCSC, I have enjoyed studying how Indigenous practices could advance the field of Sustainability, and will be pursuing these questions further past my undergraduate degree. I have a multidisciplinary approach with Photography and Film and Digital Medias, and enjoy listening to music in my free time. My writing is primarily research based through various programs on campus and independent Anthropology research projects. I would be happy to help you with your assignments, general academic development, or answer any questions you might have about living in Santa Cruz as an Anthropology student!

    Schedule an appointment here: https://ucsc.campus.eab.com/pal/XYBfbFLp26