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Ever had a hard time writing an essay?
If you’re struggling with writing your assignments, you're not alone.
Most students face this challenge — it’s part of the process!
You may not be aware that there are resources available to enhance your academic writing.
What A Writing Center Is And Isn't
What comes to mind when you think about a writing center?
Does it look like a high school study hall, where students sit next to each other in an after school program working on their homework?
A study hall format is far from the truly beneficial experience offered by a university's writing center.
A writing center is...
A helper assisting with planning, revising, and documenting papers
A resource providing opportunities to improve writing, research, and critical thinking skills
A space helping you become a more versatile and effective writer, reader, and thinker
A writing center isn't...
A “fix-it shop”
A tutoring resource for low achievers
A session pushing tutors’ ideas
Quiz
Sara is working on the final paper for her anthropology class. She's having trouble with her writing. What support could she get from the writing center?
The goal of a writing center is to help you become a better writer, not to do the writing for you. For this reason, it focuses on teaching self-revising and idea-generation skills.
Did you know?
Where You Can Find It
Writing centers and other academic support resources can be in a variety of locations.
On some campuses they’re associated with the Department of English, while others are on a whole floor of the main library.
Grab a brochure or check out the center’s website for email address, hours of availability, and schedules.
What They Offer
Writing centers may offer their services in various ways.
Virtual synchronous consultation (e.g. one-on-one tutoring sessions)
Virtual asynchronous consultation (e.g. 24-Hour feedback)
In-person drop-in
Group writing workshops
Online chat
Make an appointment!
Schedule a meeting as soon as possible (usually at least 24 hours in advance) by following the center's instructions.
Sign up for the waiting list if you have trouble finding a suitable time.
Contact the writing center if you have questions.
Did you know?
Get Prepared
You May Not Know
Most writing centers also offer online writing tools and other writing resources.
Interested students can train to become writing consultants.
Take Action
Check out your school's writing center website.
This Byte has been authored by
Xinyue Zuo
Instructional Designer