Q: How do I arrange a session at the Writing Center?
A: Your best bet is to call 885-2991 to make an appointment. We also accept walk-in clients only on a space-available basis. Sessions begin on the hour and usually last about 45 minutes.
Q: What should I bring to a session?
A: Please bring a copy of your assignment and any work—even scattered notes—you have done as well as any sources or materials you're using.
Q: Is there a charge for this service?
A: All of our services are free...even the coffee and snacks.
Q: How often may I come to the Writing Center?
A: While we cannot schedule more than one 45-minute session a day, you may schedule up to two sessions per week.
Q: Do you help only with papers assigned in courses?
A: We're happy to work with you on any writing project you have, from essays to cover letters and application essays. Our 45-minute consultations are not designed for working on longer projects such as graduate theses and dissertations.
Note: We do require written permission from your instructor before working on examinations, however.
Q: Is the Writing Center just for undergraduates?
A: Absolutely not. We work with freshmen on their first papers and with seniors completing final projects. Many graduate students and even faculty also visit the center.
Q: Is my work in the Center confidential?
A: Yes. The only exception is when an instructor sends you to the Center with a referral form and requests a written follow-up on the session.
Q: What if I just want copyediting or proofreading?
A: We will work with you on your writing and leave the "fixing up" to you. We do not write, edit, or revise student work; we only suggest strategies. We can help you recognize technical errors in your prose as we provide an "outside" perspective on your paper. And we will direct writers toward resource materials — including our own library of handouts — regarding using sources, citations, grammar, organizing, punctuation, and style.
Q: Why should I come to the Writing Center?
A: We'll give that question to some recent clients: "They helped me tie my paper together to really write something solidly." "They give tips which allow you to apply them to future papers." "They discuss the paper and really seem interested in it and in helping you."
