The Writing Lab, located in the Academic Support Center in MGC 243, provides individual writing assistance as well as group workshops. The Writing Studio is available to students who live on the Tenley campus.

How does the Writing Lab help students?

A Writing Lab counselor can assist with every stage of the writing process:

• Brainstorming from your assignment
• Writing thesis statements
• Outlining an argument
• Recognizing recurrent grammatical errors
• Creating smooth transitions
• Composing polished prose

Experienced counselors evaluate drafts, identify areas for improvement, and explain strategies for effective essay structure. While they do not offer proofreading or editing services, they do offer advice on time management and project management techniques and also provide encouragement to help students become better writers.

Who can use the Writing Lab?

Any student enrolled in a credit course at AU, undergraduate or graduate, full or part-time, degree or non-degree, is eligible to use the Writing Lab. Writing Lab counselors are specially qualified and trained to work with students with learning disabilities and ADHD, as well as international students and non-native speakers of English.

How are appointments made?

Appointments can be made from any computer with internet access through the online appointment scheduler. First time users must register and create an online password before scheduling an appointment.

What else does the Writing Lab offer?

Each semester counselors offer a number of workshops about writing research papers, including:

• Writing in the U.S.: A cross-cultural workshop for international students
• Writing Research Papers: An introduction for undergraduate students
• Writing Research Papers: A workshop for graduate students

The workshop schedule is available online or can be picked up in the Academic Support Center. Contact the Writing Lab by e-mail at writinglab@american.edu or stop by the Academic Support Center in Mary Graydon 243.