Writing Center

The Writing Center (Taylor 112D) is open for walk-in, in-person, and online (synchronous and asynchronous) appointments.

Mondays	2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesdays	2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays	2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays	10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fridays	1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sundays	4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Writing Center is closed during all Western breaks, the Sunday after any breaks and during Finals Week. Please see our scheduling software for the most up to date availability.

• Help writers help themselves. We help people become better writers by working with them at any stage of the writing process. No matter if you’re brainstorming topics or polishing your final draft, we’re here to help.
• Serve as interested readers who are here to give as much constructive feedback as we can. The Writing Center is not just a place for “problem” papers. We’re here for all levels of writing.
• Work with writers for 25- or 50-minute sessions, depending on availability and needs.
• Provide a great place to work, with available resources, even if you do not have an appointment.

What We Don’t Do

• “Fix papers,” write papers, proofread, edit, or otherwise “pre-grade” drafts. Although consultants do not proofread or edit papers, they do help students learn strategies for improving their ability to proofread and edit. Consultants do not have all the answers, but they are patient and willing to listen—and they know how to use handbooks, style manuals, and online resources

Appointment Types

• In-Person: On campus, writers work with writing consultants in 25- or 50- minutes sessions. This appointment type works well for all stages of the writing process.
• Online (Asynchronous): This appointment type works well when you already have a working draft.
• Walk-In: Don’t have an appointment? Walk in to check availability.
• Work Space: All students are welcome to work on their writing in the WC and utilize the available resources there, even if they do not have an appointment.

Writers should come prepared to work and to talk about their writing.

We’ll ask you what you want to work on in the session, and we’ll follow your lead to make sure we cover what you want to cover. If we see something in a draft that needs attention, we’ll alert you to it, but we’ll also ask if that is something you want to work on. Believing strongly that writers build on their strengths, we’ll also be sure to point out the strong points of your work.

Sessions can focus on:

• Understanding an assignment sheet,
• Developing ideas,
• Planning an essay,
• Revising work through the process of reading a draft together, or
• Addressing other writing concerns.

Writing consultants are available for face-to-face and for online (asynchronous) appointments. Writing consultants strive to make sure writers’ questions are answered and that you leave with a plan for continuing your work. Writers are also invited to make follow-up appointments, either with the same consultant or someone new.

So that the tutors can help you most effectively, please bring:

• The assignment sheet or prompt, if there is one
• Any notes or drafts toward the project
• Any questions you have
• Recent feedback from your professor, if available
• A readiness to work with the consultant

The Writing Center is looking for excellent students in all majors with a strong background in writing and an interest in helping other students.

Responsibilities: Work in the Writing Center (WC) during the academic year (hours are based on your schedule/availability). If interested, also be embedded into an ENG 102 or 103 classroom (first-year writing courses). As an embedded Writing Consultant, you will work with students both in the WC and in their writing classrooms. You’ll also coordinate with faculty on how you can help students become better writers.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of first- year writing courses ENG 102 and COM 202/ENG 103
• Be at least a rising sophomore (meaning you are currently completing your first-year, either by semesters or credits)
• Enroll in ENG 240: Writing Center Workshop (offered every fall)
• Have and maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher

Application Process:

Priority is given to students of junior or senior standing. Local graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

To become a writing consultant, submit the following information to the Writing Center Director, Tamara Toomey, at ttoomey@western.edu:

• Writing Center Application (available on request)
• A letter of interest that describes your interest in writing, working with and helping writers, and your relevant skills
• Two writing samples. Writing samples should be graded work from current or very recent courses (one may be a creative piece)

Online Resources

Online Writing Lab – Purdue University
Writing@CSU – The Writing Center, Colorado State University
English Department Writing Center – University of Washington