The Writing Center

1. Who: “Thinking is an art…And it is an art well worth learning, for every important thing we do is affected by our habits of mind.” - The Art of Thinking The Writing Center Where: SJU – QUAD 263 CSB – HAB 103

2. Why visit theWriting Center? • We help students become better writers • We are resources in all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to perfecting a final draft • We do not proofread papers;we teach writers how to: • Brainstorm • Organize & clarify thoughts • Recognize & fix grammatical errors

3. It’s not just for English majors • Or Communication majors • Or “troubled” writers • Or ESL writers • Etc. • Etc. • It’s for everyone!

4. It’s for any & every form of written word • We offer assistance with anything from artist statements to cover letters • Our tutors specialize in a variety of fieldslisted on our website • You can take advantage of each individual tutor’s unique skill set

5. When can you visit the Writing Center? • At any point in the writing process! • Brainstorming • Outlining • Forming a thesis • Writing • Rewriting • Rewriting • Rewriting • Editing

6. Howto makean appointment • Go to CSB/SJU website • Click A-Z index, then W for “Writing Centers” • Enter your username and password. If you are using a computer that is not connected to the school system, put AD\ in front of your name. (Note the backslash.) If your name is Jane A. Doe, then your username will be AD\jadoe • Click “online scheduler” • Enter your username and password • Never visited the Writing Center before? Register a new account!

7. Make an appointment cont. • Once in the online scheduler: • White slots are open • Blue slots are occupied • Yellow slots indicate your appointments • Tip: Make sure you’re making the appointment on the intended campus. At the top of the page, a dropdown arrow box allows you to switch between campuses. • Click the white slot and enter your information (time, class, professor, what you want to work on). • You’ll then receive an email of confirmation. • If you need to cancel, revisit the scheduler.

8. Cancellations & missed appts. • Schedule several days in advance (if possible)! • Throughout the year, the Writing Center becomes a busy place. In some cases, we may be fully booked for the upcoming few days. • Take appointments seriously • Writing Tutors and other students are disadvantaged by students who either cancel at the last minute or do not show up at all. In both these cases, other students are prevented from scheduling appointments. • If you miss three appointments, we’ll send you a warning email. After five missed appointments, you’ll be blocked from the online scheduler for two weeks.

9. Whatto bring • Assignment or prompt • Supporting materials (books, articles, other sources, etc.) • Any text/brainstorming you’ve written down in preparation • Your questions • An open mind and willingness to work

10. What to expect • A good listener • Questions—answers & questions in return • Instruction & direction • Resources—grammar drills, citation guides, etc. • Encouragement • A skilled reader—because every writer needs a reader

11. The hierarchy of concerns Grammar, mechanics, word choice Sentences (clarity, length, variety) Coherence, style, audience, voice,paragraphs Purpose, thesis, ideas, organization, evidence We build from the bottom up!

12. Ultimately: Your tuition already pays for our services, so you might as well use the Writing Center!

13. Recap • Who: Choose from more than 25 tutors of varying specialties; if you don’t “click” with one tutor, try another • What: Bring supporting materials and an open mind, and you can expect a good listener who provides quality instruction • When: Book a time slot at any point during the writing process • Where: CSB - HAB 103; SJU - QUAD 263 • Why: For yourself. For your grade. Why not? • How: Arrange an appointment through our online scheduler

14. Thanks for your time!