"Before my conference, I had never used the writing center’s services. For a long time, I viewed it as a resource for people who struggled with writing. Since I never identified this way, I never felt the need to make an appointment... My conference with Jen showed me firsthand how simply talking about my writing generates new ideas." ~UNH Student
Writing center conferences are either a 25- or 50-minute long one-on-one conversation about writing—both the process of writing and a draft, if the writer has one. Initially, the writer and the writing assistant discuss the writer’s project and goals for the conference. If the writer has a draft, we read the draft aloud so that the writing assistant becomes familiar with the current draft and the writer hears it afresh. Writers often make new connections or generate new ideas by reading the draft aloud.
During the discussion that follows, the writing assistant asks questions to prompt critical thinking, reflection, and inquiry about the writer’s project. The writing assistant might also assist the writer with brainstorming, offer advice or suggestions, and/or model strategies and approaches for planning, drafting, and revising. The writer plays a large role in the conversation, often leading and directing what aspects of the draft are discussed, posing questions, and generating ideas by talking about their writing.
Because writing conferences focus on revision and development of ideas, we strongly encourage writers to make appointments with plenty of time remaining for revision.
Writers should please bring two printed copies of their draft (if they have one) and assignment prompt (if they wish to discuss it) to each conference.
The CWC offers in-person and virtual appointments, as well as a written feedback option, all available to any current UNH student. The virtual sessions are synchronous (real-time) appointments designed to help students have one-on-one conversations about their writing at any stage of the process, mirroring what we do during in-person appointments. Schedule an appointment any time during the semester. While the CWC is not an editing service, we do keep a list of copy editors for hire who are willing to negotiate an hourly rate for this type of assistance. For more information on contacting a copyeditor, please email us at writing.center@unh.edu
Please view the video tutorial on how to join and conduct virtual conferences online.
For students who are unable to make a one-on-one appointment, they may submit papers for written feedback (students should receive feedback within 24 hours of the submission time slot).
Working with graduate student writers
We understand that writing a graduate thesis, dissertation, or other major project is challenging and differs from undergraduate work. To cater to the unique needs of graduate study, we offer graduate students the opportunity to link their writing center conferences by meeting with the same graduate writing assistant for up to 8 conferences each semester. We should point out that any writing center visits cannot substitute for consultation with an advisor or the services of a dedicated editor or reading group. Therefore, our services should be considered supplemental to the writing process.
What can I expect?
To sign up for GWS, grad students should fill out the intake form. After we receive your form, the director of the Connors Writing Center will be in contact with you about scheduling your first intake appointment. Together, you will then discuss goals, timelines, specific writing concerns, and how the writing center operates. The Director might also provide additional resources and point graduate students towards other/ additional appropriate services on campus. Finally, the Director can then match a graduate student with a graduate writing assistant and to schedule conferences. Graduate students may make up to 8 appointments a semester. The summer session counts as its own semester.
The graduate student and graduate writing assistant may address:
• the writing process
• self-editing skills
• weekly work schedules
• time management
• structural and organizational concerns
• argumentation
• anxiety-reducing techniques
A graduate writing assistant will act as a sounding board, brainstorming partner, and informed— though general—reader. While graduate students may use these sessions as they see fit, proofreading and copy editing are not among the functions the Writing Center will provide. If a graduate student wishes sustained editing to be done on his or her behalf, we can provide a list of professional editors.
For questions regarding GWS, please contact Meaghan.Dittrich@unh.edu, Director of the Connors Writing Center
We work with writers on all types of writing, from analysis essays to lab reports, conference proposals to dissertations. Our conferences are not limited to one specific type of writing or a single academic field—we collaborate with writers from across the university on a large range of academic writing.
Typically, the writers who visit are working on projects for courses. But we also see writers who are working on personal projects, statements of purpose and personal statements for graduate school, and so on.
We often work with writers on…
- Brainstorming
- Understanding assignments
- Developing ideas
- Planning for revision
- Thesis statements
- Focus
- Organization
- Paragraph Structure
- Introductions and Conclusions
- Self-Editing Skills
One-on-one writing conferences are a great way to receive additional help with your English writing. Many of our writing assistants are undergraduate students just like you, and they have first-hand experience with the kinds of writing assigned in UNH courses. All of our writing assistants are trained to work with multilingual writers. They can help you work on a variety of different aspects of writing: developing ideas, learning the conventions of American academic writing, learning how to self-edit, etc.
Some ESL students choose to schedule regular appointments with the same writing assistant. Doing so allows you to work with someone who is familiar with your past work and with trends in your writing. If you think this approach would work well for you, you can schedule those appointments in our online scheduling system. Other ESL students choose to work with a new writing assistant for each visit, to receive a fresh perspective on their work.
We encourage you to come in to the Connors Writing Center to see what resources and options are available to assist you in your writing. For additional second-language resources and courses, visit the UNH ESL Institute.
You might be wondering: if I have access to AI, why would I still need the Writing Center?
Here are a few key reasons:
1. AI can’t replace human understanding. We help you interpret your assignment, understand your professor’s expectations, and find your voice.
2. We’re your thought partners. We ask questions that help you think more deeply and critically about your ideas.
3. We help you use AI ethically (if approved by your instructor). It’s easy to cross lines without realizing it—we’ll help you stay on the right side of academic integrity.
4. We teach you how to use AI well. Prompting, evaluating, and integrating AI into your writing is a skill—and we can help you build it.
5. We help you grow as a writer and develop skills that last a lifetime, rather than what will only work for one particular piece of writing.
6. It is a known limitation of AI to not understand what it is like to learn a student's learning style—what worked and what didn't—in a given session. Our writing assistants learn about you and meet you where you are.
7. We support the whole writer. Whether you’re stuck, stressed, or just need a sounding board—we’re here for you.
So even if you’re using AI, the Writing Center is still your go-to place for support, growth, and real conversation about your writing.
As partners of the Dimond Library, we follow the same Community of Standards set forth in order to foster an environment of civility and respect.
Thank you for your efforts to maintain a shared and welcoming environment in the library. UNH Library personnel established this statement of community standards to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of everyone using library spaces and resources.
In addition, the Connors Writing Center strives to be a collaborative community space, where people can interact with one another and share experiences and perspectives around writing. We appreciate your effort to avoid using your cell phone or other devices to text or participate in social media while you are using our service. Thank you again!
