Services

Writing Conferences
In writing conferences, writers and writing assistants work together to identify patterns of strength and possible areas for revision and editing in drafts. As each conference is a collaborative dialogue, we do not explicitly instruct writers how to revise; rather, writing assistants act as a responsive audience, enabling writers to see the possibilities for revising their work.

During conferences, we use a variety of strategies to address first global (idea-oriented) and then local (grammar-oriented) issues.

Because the Writing Center believes in writing as a process, we encourage writers to visit us at any point while writing, whether it be for help in selecting a topic or in polishing a final draft. While most conferences address either course assignments, essay exams, or job search materials, we're happy to help with any writing task.

Face-to-face writing conferences are offered free of charge at our location in College Hall 09. While we usually have a Writing Assistant available to meet with those who drop by, we encourage making appointments, especially for busy times of the quarter. Conferences last either twenty-five or fifty minutes; we recommend the longer appointments for those with drafts of five or more pages. To make appointments, visit College Hall 09 and sign up on the schedule, or call us at 650-3219.

If want a face-to-face conference but need accommodations or have trouble getting to our main location, we are available to meet you at the Office of Student Life or in Fairhaven 107. Call us at 650-3219 to make special arrangements..

Resources
In addition to writing conferences, the Writing Center offers many other resources including these:

• Books on a variety of topics, including writing process and conventions
• Handouts on composition strategies and grammar
• Computers for writing and revising
• Software for composing and documenting
• Software for document design or Web publishing
• Software for grammar practice