By Tim Marren

What is the difference between APA and MLA? When do you use a comma or colon? How do you cite a Web site?

The answers to these questions are just a sampling of what is offered on a daily basis at the Buffalo State College Writing Center in Ketchum Hall Room 323.

The Writing Center assists a variety of students in everything from research papers to letters addressed to department heads.

A student in need can visit the Writing Center and benefit from one-on-one tutoring, in most cases without an appointment, according to student tutor Edward Grinewich.

“There is a big emphasis on knowing how to do it themselves,” Grinewich, an English education major, said. “That way it is more a paper of their efforts.”

The Writing Center does not just correct papers but instead focuses on the assignment and what each student wants to get out of his or her tutoring experience, Grinewich, said.

According to the Writing Center Web site maintained by Ralph Wahlstrom, director of Buffalo State Writing Program, the Writing Center is where tutors help develop ideas, organize papers, sentence structure and grammar, punctuation and spelling, clarity and style.

Student Harriet Yeboah, an undecided freshman, has used the Writing Center three times now and credits her passing of English 101 to the help she received from the Writing Center.

“Because of coming here my development, grammar and grades overall have improved since coming,” Yeboah said about her experience at the Writing Center.

If learning the difference between APA and MLA isn’t enticing enough, food is available to students visiting the Writing Center from the adjoining English Lab. Tutor Diane Yoder said that the lab offers and accepts food donations for the often-hungry college student.

The Writing Center is open at various times Monday through Friday and may only require an appointment during midterm and finals weeks, Grinewich said.