Visiting the Writing Center: What to expect
When you come to the Writing Center, our receptionists and assistants will ensure that you receive the best assistance possible. At the Writing Center, you can expect to have an individual conference with a trained undergraduate or graduate student. Conferences are always free of charge and last about 50 minutes. They offer you a unique opportunity to talk about your writing in a friendly, no-pressure environment.
What is a writing conference?
A writing conference is simply a conversation between two people about a piece of writing. Most conferences begin with introductions, when the assistant asks a writer why he or she came: what kind of paper he or she is writing, the assignment requirements, current stage of the writing process, the goals for the paper, and areas of concern that should be addressed during the conference.
Writing assistants don’t tell people what to write. Instead, they work with each writer to figure out how the writer wants to proceed with a piece of writing. Our assistants treat each student and conversation individually, directing conferences based on the writer’s own writing goals.
The Writing Center is full of knowledgeable and experienced staff members.
A writing conference is...
- a conversation about writing
- a collaborative experience between a writer and a reader
- a stress-free place to ask questions and receive guidance
- a time to focus on writing issues you want to talk about
A writing conference is not...
- an occasion for someone to tear apart your paper
- a time when someone tells you what to change and how to do it
- a graded session
- an editing service
To make the most of your conference...
- bring two copies of your draft or paper
- bring in your class assignment description
- come in with ideas about where you need feedback or guidance
- use the appointment as a mini-deadline, so that you have time to continue revising the paper before it is due
- ask lots of questions
What kinds of writing can I work on at the Writing Center?
You can bring in any piece of writing that you’d like to work on: lab reports, literature reviews, critical essays, poetry, and resumes. You can even come in before you’ve actually started writing, when you’re brainstorming and figuring out the direction you’d like a paper to take.
Can I see the same writing assistant more than once?
Yes. You may want to work with one assistant during the course of writing one paper so you can work together throughout the stages of the paper. Or you may find that a certain writing assistant has expertise in the type of writing you are working on. Either way, when you make an appointment you may request a specific assistant.
You may also find it beneficial to work with different assistants to get a variety of perspectives on your writing.
Will my teacher know that I've been to the Writing Center?
At the end of the conference, the assistant will ask you if you would like a note sent to your teacher. These notes contain the name of the assignment you work on and an overview of what you focused on during the conference. It is up to you whether or not a note is sent. Many teachers appreciate the notes because it allows them to get a better sense of your writing process and in turn, better support your work. Teachers also appreciate knowing that you took the initiative to come into the Writing Center.
What are the differences between proofreading, editing and working on grammar?
Proofreading is a professional error-checking service that is usually paid for. Editing is a process used to bring a paper to a final draft in order to make a paper presentable to a reader. "Grammar" is an umbrella term that can refer to punctuation use, sentence structure, or the conventions of Standard American English.
During a conference, writing assistants can help with editing strategies and grammar, but they cannot proofread. We avoid proofreading in the Writing Center because it doesn’t require collaboration, and therefore provides fewer benefits than an exchange between a reader and a writer.
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
As soon as you know that you won’t be able to make a conference, please call the Writing Center to cancel or reschedule. Doing so is especially important during times of high demand, such as the last three weeks of the semester.
There are many good reasons to cancel or reschedule – but not finishing a draft isn’t one of them! A writing conference can help you move beyond writer’s block, brainstorm organization, or help spark new writing ideas, so please come in even if you didn’t get as much writing done as you had planned.
How often can I come in?
You may come in as often as you like, depending on demand. At slower times during the semester, some students come in as often as twice a week. Other students prefer weekly visits. There are certain times of the semester, particularly during midterms and the last few weeks, when the Writing Center is exceptionally busy and weekly appointments may not be possible.
Will the writing assistants judge or grade me?
Definitely not. Our writing assistants are students just like you, and they understand how difficult writing can be. They are here to help you improve your writing in a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere. No question is too obvious at the Writing Center.
Why do I need two copies of my paper?
We use two copies of your paper so that both you and the writing assistant can follow along and make notations. We find it easier for the reader and the writer to each have a copy of the writing in front of them. After your conference, the writing assistant will file his/her copy in your folder for future assistants to use as a reference for your writing. Your paper will not be used for any purpose outside of your conference.
What kind of qualifications does your staff have?
Our writing assistants come from all different majors within the university and are both graduate and undergraduate students. We hire writing assistants who possess strong writing and reading skills and bring with them experience in peer tutoring, teaching, writing, and leading. All our writing assistants attend three days of orientation and bi-weekly staff development sessions for training. ESL and Science Writing specialists also participate in additional training sessions throughout the academic year. Furthermore, all of our undergraduate writing assistants complete a semester-long training course, INCO 529 Writing Consultation. Most importantly, all Connors Writing Center employees share a commitment to collaboration and writing improvement, both yours and theirs.