5 things you NEED to know about your college's writing center ✍🏽

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 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

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.

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.

• Depending on what part of the writing process you're in, you should bring the appropriate materials. If possible, share them via Google Drive or as an email attachment.

• Bring the assignment sheet and any other relevant writing instructions for your project. It's important for your tutors to know the goal of your writing.

• Know what you need help with (e.g., sentence-level issues, strengthening argument).

• Most writing centers also offer online writing tools and other writing resources.

• Interested students can train to become writing consultants.

Check out your school's writing center website.