Greetings Faculty!

This searchable database contains real writing from real SLCC students.

You can use it to share your writing assignment expectations with your students. You can also use it to generate ideas for your own writing assignments. You can search it by genre (type of writing) or program (department) by using the filters on the left.

Each of the assignments in the OCSW has earned an “A” grade from an SLCC instructor.

Does this mean that each one is perfect? No.  This database contains student writing, and students are in the process of learning.  But, each assignment was considered worthy of an “A” evaluation by a faculty member at SLCC. You may not agree that each one is an “A,” but that’s the reality of writing.

Using the OCSW is NOT cheating.

Obviously, students cannot copy an assignment from the OCSW and turn it in as their own. That’s plagiarism.  But, just like other writing examples that you might share with your students, the OCSW is a resource to help students understand what you want them to do. And, most importantly, the OCSW contains writing that students are capable of right now, unlike examples from experienced professional writers or academics that may set unrealistic expectations for our undergraduate students.

Help improve the OCSW.

When you read excellent student writing, consider encouraging your students to submit their work.  They’ll receive a Certificate of Acceptance showing that their work is included in this collection of excellent SLCC student writing. It looks great on a resume or an application for college or a scholarship!  And, you’ll know that you are contributing to improving student writing at SLCC.