First and foremost, the writing center is a space for improvement. Consultants are here because they want to improve your writing no matter how developed it is. If you decide to come in-person, the consultation is between you and your consultant, only, in the writing center. Only consultants and other students seeking assistance will be there. Your writing will not be shared with anyone else and the consultants follow a strict policy to maintain your anonymity.
This is an example page used to train incoming consultants. When doing an online consultation they will make comments on what they think can be improved. Some suggestions are direct, like the areas that are struck through, and can be accepted immediately. Other suggestions will explain what can be improved and how to do so, oftentimes with an example. If you have any questions about the comments left on your paper, email your consultant for clarification and they will happily answer! When the consultant is finished reviewing your paper, they will email you and your teacher with a brief overview of what they saw in your writing; Strong points, and areas that could be improved.
If you sign up for an in-person consultation, a consultant is not assigned to you until you arrive at the physical Writing Center room. If something comes up and you cannot make it to the writing center, but you still want a consultation, you will need to fill out another form.
When you arrive you will check in with the person just right of the front door. This is the Flex leader who will ask for your name to verify you filled out the form and then will find an available consultant for you. You will then be brought back to the main room pictured on the home page to talk about your paper. You can ask your consultant to make comments on your paper as you talk if you would like to rewrite certain portions later. Your consultant and you will fill out a paper you can hand into your teacher if they offer extra-credit for coming to see us!
When you fill out the form, your data is filtered into a Google spreadsheet. We ask so many questions to ensure we assign the best-fitting consultant. Often you will receive someone who has either had your teacher or is in the same grade as you (10th+) so that they are more familiar with the assignment you are doing. Consultants are advised to check this document often but are not immediately notified of their assignment. This in addition to their personal schedule is why it is imperative you fill out the submission form as early as possible to ensure enough time for your work to be reviewed.
All consultants are chosen by teachers in the English department. Starting as early as Freshman year, teachers are searching for students who excel in writing. They recommend you to the teachers in charge of the Writing Center (Woods and Claus) so you may eventually receive an email asking if you would like to join. If you are recommended you are not forced to join. All active consultants CHOSE to be there because they enjoy English and helping others. Most consultants are Juniors and Seniors, but there are a few Sophomores too!