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 both in-person and virtual appointments, available to any current UNH student. The online 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 conferences. Schedule an appointment any time during the semester.
Please view the video tutorial on how to join and conduct virtual conferences online.
For students who are unable to make an appointment with the Connors Writing Center, they may submit papers to the Online Writing Lab (OWL) for written feedback (students should receive feedback within 3 business days of submitting work).
Writing as a graduate student can be distinct from writing as an undergraduate. For this reason, the writing center asks that graduate students make appointments with graduate writing assistants. Grad writing assistants are typically more aware of the types of documents graduate students must produce, and they know first-hand about the challenges (and joys) of writing in graduate school.
Graduate students may make up to 2 appointments per week.
Thesis and Dissertation Services
If a graduate student is working on a thesis or dissertation, they may be interested in our Graduate Writing Services (GWS), which matches a graduate student with a graduate writing assistant so that the write can meet consistently with the same person over the course of a semester.
To sign up for this service, a graduate student should view and fill out the Grad Writing Services form
You may also call or email the Writing Center if you have any questions.
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!
