by Kelsey Lorraine Moore, Student Consultant, University Writing Center ‘Tis the season for midterms. Essays, exams, expectations – a complex juggling act involving a heap of responsibility. Yet with appropriate planning, students may approach their tasks with confidence. As a fellow undergrad, my advice to frazzled students is simple: be intentional and do not procrastinate …
Read Moreby David Gurecki, Student Consultant, University Writing Center One issue that many writers face, including myself, is concise writing. Writers often include words and phrases that do not add to their writing and prolong the journey of getting to the writer’s ideas. Readers want to see what your paper is about quickly, so here are …
Read Moreby Brian Laws, Student Consultant, University Writing Center With the launch of a new semester, I thought it appropriate to offer a few writing tips that seem vital for success. In reality, these are things that grind my gears. These may seem as if I am playing “Captain Obvious,” yet, it is amazing how easily …
Read Moreby David Cardwell, Faculty Consultant, University Writing Center One topic we need to discuss more in the University Writing Center is the permissible boundaries of a session with respect to content. Ari Cuperfain’s article in the spring edition of the The Writing Lab Newsletter dealt mostly in generalities about how directive or non-directive we should …
Read Moreby Erin Gilpatrick, Student Consultant, University Writing Center Walking into the room for the first time, I feel nervous, anxious, and have a false preconception of what the Writing Center was really about. First greeted by the person at the desk, then by the consultant, I take a seat wanting them just to proof read …
Read Moreby Jennifer Mahoney, Interim Director, University Writing Center “I just need someone to proofread this and fix my grammar for me.” “I have to have an A in this class. Do you think this paper will get an A?” “What do you mean, ‘No appointments are available today?’ My paper’s due in an hour!” Every …
Read Moreby Denise Beck, Faculty Consultant, University Writing Center My first semester of working in the UWC was fall of 2012 so this is my third semester for employment here, and it has changed my life in such significant ways. The most amazing point has been the people here and the atmosphere they create. When I …
Read Moreby Erin Ewald, Graduate Consultant, University Writing Center The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word collaborate as “to work with another person or group in order to achieve or do something” (“Collaborate”). In the University Writing Center, tutors collaborate with students, with each other, and with instructors in order to help students to become better writers. …
Read Moreby Nicholas Dippel, Student Consultant, University Writing Center When an instructor criticizes your work, it is perfectly okay to feel disappointment and even some negative emotions towards them. They are there to teach new skills and help you refine them. This is why they are professors in the first place; they want to challenge willing …
Read Moreby Elizabeth Watness, Student Consultant, University Writing Center First off, go re-read a memorable passage from a favorite novel. Or listen to a favorite song, preferably one with words. No, seriously – go right now and queue it up on your iPod or throw in the CD. Pay particular attention to the words. The author …
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