The Writing Center is a resource for all students, staff, and faculty, and not just those who feel that they struggle with writing. As a client, you are encouraged to make an appointment with consultants for any paper for additional feedback. You can also come with questions about existing drafts or come for brainstorming help when you have difficulty starting a paper.
Our composition courses assist you as you work to develop your own best writing practices, and instructors often involve the Writing Center in this process. Throughout the semester, instructors might suggest visits to the Writing Center to offer additional assistance as you revise and edit projects, or they might bring Writing Center consultants into the classroom space to workshop and revise in a larger group setting.
When visiting the Writing Center, it is best to make an appointment in advance, especially during midterms or finals week. For example, if a draft of a paper is due on Friday, you should call on Monday to set up an appointment for Wednesday or Thursday.
The Writing Center is a useful resource, but it is not a proofreading/editing service and it cannot guarantee any specific grade on a completed paper. Instead of simply proofreading or editing, the goal of the Writing Center is to provide tools that enable you to revise, edit, and proofread your own work. This can be extremely beneficial if you are properly prepared and know what to expect.
You will need to bring the following items to your scheduled consultations:
• The assignment sheet provided by the instructor
• Any rough drafts, prewriting, or process materials
• Any pertinent instructor comments
• Specific questions for the consultant
First-year composition students who enjoy the work and assistance offered by the Writing Center, and who want to further their understanding and involvement in writing communities on campus, should consider applying to become a Writing Center consultant. The Writing Center also works to create community writing engagement, both on and off campus. They hold workshops, events, and offer other exciting opportunities to both support you in your growth as a writer, and to involve you in collaborative writing spaces. Please visit the Writing Center's website for more information on locations, hours, and events: http://osuwritingcenter.okstate.edu/.