Writing Center Faculty Resources

For your students

Group Sessions
If you give group writing assignments or encourage peer response, we may be able to help. Writing Center consultants can moderate group work and model productive feedback. Collaborative writing groups may work with consultants at any stage of the writing process.

In-Class Presentations
If you’re assigning a particularly challenging writing task and would like someone from the Writing Center to help you set the stage and field student questions, we can help. Or if you would simply like us to come and tell your students about Writing Center services, we’ll do that too.

Sample Assignments
Some faculty get good ideas for writing assignments from colleagues in other disciplines. In the Writing Center, we keep a file of assignments contributed by faculty involved in WAC activities. Feel free to come browse on your own, or bring in a draft of your assignment sheet for us to respond to.

Documentation and Citation
We can provide current copies of all the major style manuals and help you locate information you can’t find. We also have brief handouts on MLA and APA style for you to take away and use on your own.

Strategies for Encouraging Writing Center Use

1. Consider assignment timelines that force students to get an early start. If students write the paper in parts, or if they are required to have a rough draft ready a few days before the due date, they’ll have time to bring their work in progress to the Writing Center.

2. Stress the positive. Students who associate the Writing Center with remediation are less likely to use its services. Make sure your students know that the Writing Center is for all students—both experienced writers and those who struggle.

3. Offer incentives. Consider giving a few bonus points if students have drafts read by Writing Center consultants, a chance to revise and improve a paper before the final grade is assigned, or a few extra days for anyone willing to schedule a peer group session in the Writing Center.

4. Mail us a copy of your assignment sheet—and tell your students you’ve done so. If students know we’re familiar with the assignment they’re working on, they’re more likely to find our services helpful.

For You

Second readers for your own writing
If you’re working on a piece of writing and would like some feedback, our consultants work with faculty as well as students. Even if a consultant isn’t familiar with your field of expertise, they can offer a common reader’s perspective or make suggestions on matters of organization and style.

Departmental Consultations
Do faculty in your department know how the Writing Center works? Do they have questions or misconceptions about the services we offer? A representative of the Writing Center will be happy to attend your department meeting to provide information, answer questions, and respond to your concerns.