Library Resources & Supplies
Students taking classes on the RELLIS campus have access to library resources and services through their respective home institutions, whose websites are listed below. Students desiring in person, face-to-face library services can also reach out to the librarians in the Learning Resource Center.
RELLIS Fiction Writing Contest
Your stories are worth telling!
We understand that writing can be challenging, but it can also bring about great amounts of creativity and joy. If you enjoy fiction, if you like to write stories, if you feel compelled to create, this is the writing contest for you.
General Information
Entries:
• FREE ENTRY: No fee to submit
• Submission Timeframe: Feb 2nd 8:00am – April 2nd 11:59 pm
• Category: Fiction
• Genre: No limit
• Can submit multiple entries: only one (1) of your submissions may win
Judges
• (1) Austin Burns – Admissions Coordinator
• (2) Dr. Nancy Shankle – Associate Vice Chancellor & Provost
• (3) Alex Mathai – Library and Writing Center Coordinator
Winners will be determined by a panel of three judges who will assess your work based on set criteria. Once submissions are closed, the judges will reflect on the submitted writings and winners will be decided. You can best expect the winners to be announced by May 1, 2026.
Winners
• Each winner (1st, 2nd, 3rd) will receive a certificate, their submitted work published on our website, and sponsored prizes
• Students retain the right to their intellectual property
• Winners may be subject to a photo op for publication on our website
• Prize Sponsors: Half Price Books/Nothing Bundt Cake/Raising Cane’s/Wonderful Words Bookshoppe/RELLIS Merch
Rules and Guidelines
• Participants: Current students taking classes on the RELLIS campus may participate
• Word Count: No more than 5,000 words
• Formatting:
o Acceptable file types: Word or PDF
o Font type: Legible font (i.e. Times New Roman, Arial, Comic Sans, Helvetica)
o Font Size: 11-14
• No Name on the submitted paper
• Submitted work written primarily in English
o May include phrases or terms in other languages if applicable
Academic Integrity
• Please proofread before submitting and remove any comments
• Submissions must be the author’s own original work. Plagiarism or the use of AI-generated writing tools is not permitted and will result in immediate disqualification.
• May submit new works or non-award-winning/unpublished past works
• Students are encouraged to use the Writing Center while preparing their submission. To avoid any conflict of interest, contest participants may work only with Ann or Kaitlyn for Writing Center consultations related to their entry.
How to Submit
• Send an email to writingcenter@rellis.tamus.edu with the subject line “RELLIS Writing Competition Spring 2026”, your full name in the description, and a copy of your work. Your email address will be how we get in contact with you if you place.
Library Resources & Supplies
Each upper-division student studying at RELLIS will have access to library resources and services through their home institution. Access to the library and its resources varies from university to university. Students can find information on available resources and how to access them by visiting the appropriate library’s website from the list below.
Learning Resource Center
The RELLIS Academic Complex Building 2 features a resource center for student use and staff are available to assist students.
Learning Resource Center
ACB2, Room 111
979.317.3450
Contact either Alex or Anne for assistance.
Alex Mathai, RELLIS Librarian/Writing Center Director
Email: RAC_librarians@rellis.tamus.edu
Blinn Library Services
Email:
RAC_librarians@rellis.tamus.edu
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday – Closed
- Monday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Tuesday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Thursday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday – Closed
LRC Study Rooms
The LRC now allows students to reserve study rooms online through Microsoft Bookings!
Writing Center
The Writing Center is here to help! It has been established to help students with a variety of writing needs, no matter the stage of the process. Pay the Writing Center a visit and start your journey to better grammar, essays, and communication.
Writing Center
ACB2, Room 111
979.317.3450
writingcenter@rellis.tamus.edu
Tutors:
- Certified by College Reading and Learning Assoc.
- Tutors are degreed professionals with a BS/BS degree or higher.
How it works:
- Students may schedule two appointments per week and one appointment per day. Walk-ins may come at any time but are not guaranteed a session.
- Bring two copies of the draft, the assignment sheet, and any questions. Both tutor and student mark on and keep their individual copies.
- Students identify what help is needed.
What we help with:
- Understanding the Assignment
- Brainstorming
- Planning
- Revising
- Editing
- Documentation
- Last glance/edit check
- Understanding comments on graded work
Online Library Escape Rooms:
RELLIS Learning Center
Learning Center provides support services and resources that help students and faculty achieve academic success, including tutoring, resources, and computers. The Learning Center offers free tutoring for students at RELLIS in math and the sciences.
RELLIS Learning Center
Schwartz Building, Room 175
979.209.8956
Fall and Spring
- Monday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Summer
- Monday – Friday 8:30am – 2:30pm
- May Minimester – Closed
The current academic partners library websites are available and hyperlinked below:
Need a book for your research or class? Our student-friendly courier service delivers physical materials – both for class and for fun – from your home university and beyond. Fast, reliable, and stress-free, we can get you the resources you need! Just ask a librarian in the LRC.
In addition to the resources and services available through their home institution, students can also access the physical library collections and facilities of local libraries through the TexShare program. Students should contact their home library to receive a TexShare card, or to get information about the program.
Visit the TexShare website and conduct an online search to find libraries near you.
Students can purchase course materials through their institution(s).
Students can purchase course materials through their institution(s).
