Writing Consultation Hours
Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Our Approach
Our approach to writing support centers on the student's behaviors, beliefs, and decisions about writing. We view writing as a developmental process so we meet with students in multiple consultations over time to work on higher-order writing concerns, such as organization, analysis, and focus. We do not proofread or edit students papers; instead we provide feedback on how students can improve their clarity to better communicate their ideas.
The Writing Consultant Team
Jo is a second-year student in the Philosophy, M.A. program. This is Jo's second year as a writing consultant.
Make an appointment with Jo.
Joanna is a second-year student in the English, M.A. program. This is Joanna's second year as a writing consultant.
Make an appointment with Joanna.
AK is a second-year student in the Computer Science, M.S. program. This is AK's second semester as a writing consultant.
Make an appointment with AK.
- Send your draft and the prompt or instructions to your Writing Consultant ahead of time. This allows the Writing Consultant to confirm if you are meeting the requirements and it allows them to prepare their notes ahead of time. If they don't receive the draft before the appointment, they will spend part of the appointment having to read your document, which takes away from the time they are able to discuss their feedback with you.
- Come to the appointment with specific questions or with a specific goal in mind. For example:
- "Sometimes I go off topic when I'm writing a research paper. Do I stay focused throughout this draft?"
- "My sentences get too wordy. What are some ways I can communicate my ideas more clearly?"
- Reflect on your writing habits and history so you can discuss them with your Writing Consultant.
- What kinds of writing feedback have you received before?
- What part of the writing process feels most challenging? Which feels easiest? Why?
- How to get started on your writing assignment/project (brainstorming)
- Your paper’s organizational structure
- Areas of your writing that might be unclear to your reader
- Your strengths and challenges as a writer
- Whether or not you are addressing a prompt/assignment instructions
- Common challenges you have with writing and how to troubleshoot them
- Any specific questions you might have or specific feedback you might be seeking
- Theses, project reports, and dissertations
- Classroom assignments
- Personal statements, statements of purpose, and other essays for admissions applications
- Scholarship or other funding applications
- Oral presentations
- Cover letters and resumes
- Preparation for exams*
*We are happy to help students prepare ahead for exams, including the comprehensive exam, but we CANNOT help during the exam. You must take your exams independently.