May I send my students to have their papers proofread at the Writing Center?
Although tutors will not proofread papers for students, they will guide them through the process, making sure they are learning strategies for editing and proofreading. We expect students to make the corrections themselves on the paper, physically reinforcing what they are learning about their own patterns of error. Having students answer questions about their intent is important even with a final draft. Our aim is to make better writers.

Is it true that tutors have students read their papers out loud?
Because reading out loud is one of the best ways for students to see if what they said is what they meant, the writer or the tutor usually reads the paper or part of the paper aloud. Students catch many errors themselves by this method, and they immediately become actively involved in the conference. The tutor has a chance to listen carefully to help decide what aspect of the writing needs work: thesis, organization, development, or sentence-level concerns. We work with writers at any stage of the writing process and encourage them to come with early drafts or to brainstorm.

How can I encourage my students to take advantage of the Writing Center?

• Mention the Writing Center in your syllabi and on assignment sheets. Include our phone (7083) and location (Neville 206).
• Suggest the Writing Center in comments on papers or in conferences: "Take your draft to the Writing Center to work on integrating sources."
• Announce to the entire class that you recommend a Writing Center conference. Students need to know they have your support for using the Writing Center.
• If you require Writing Center conferences for a specific assignment, be sure to give a deadline for the visits. Consider giving students who make a Writing Center appointment an extended deadline.

Remind your students that we work with walk-ins only when space is available. If your students delay making appointments, we cannot guarantee that a conference will be available before your deadline. We have a form students can turn in to show you what they worked on in the conference.

May any student make an appointment?
The Writing Center is available to students of all majors and writing experience. We work with students writing for any class and also with those working on personal statements for internships, graduate school, or medical school.

When is the Writing Center open?