Frequently Asked Questions
What would a visit to the University Writing Center (UWC) do for me?
When you come to the writing center you enter a community of writers that care about what you say and will patiently help you master skills that will enable you to express your ideas. Instructors in all departments agree that student writing improves after the student receives informed and quality feedback from the writing center.
Who are the writing consultants?
Writing consultants working in the University Writing Center are graduate and undergraduate students who have been trained through intensive instruction in how to discuss writing with students. Writing consultants are writers themselves coming from various departments.
Who can visit sites of the UWC?
The UWC supports all writing done in the university with the exception of first year composition, English 1100 and 1200, which is supported by the First Year Writing Studio in the Department of English.
What should I bring?
The more, the better. You should bring a copy of the assignment, any work you have done (notes, outlines, drafts, etc.), and anything else you would like to discuss. Please also be prepared to answer specific questions concerning the assignment.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No. The UWC operates primarily on a walk-in basis. The sites in Joyner and Bate are staffed with multiple consultants at all times, so there is rarely a wait.
How long does a session last?
We plan on 30-40 minutes per tutorial session. Some are a little shorter; some are a little longer. Sessions rarely last more than one hour. If you feel you need more time than that, we recommend visiting at a different time. You can make arrangements to meet with the same consultant, but there are also benefits to meeting with someone new.
Will a consultant correct my paper for me?
We don't want to just do it for you. This is your writing, and you have the final say about what gets changed. We want to offer suggestions and ask questions that will help you make decisions about what your writing looks like. We also want to help you become a better writer, and you can't do that if someone else does the writing.
What will the consultant and I discuss?
If you have special concerns you would like the consultant to address, those concerns will be the focal point of the tutorial. If you have no stated concerns, the consultant will address two or three major issues. We believe that any more than that will place constraints on how in-depth the session will be in addressing your needs as a writer.
How much does a session at the UWC cost?
Nothing. There is no charge for working with a writing consultant, and we welcome students and faculty from any major or department across the campus.
