Writing Center Training Manual
Overview of Writing Center Help

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We can help with:

Getting started:

Doing research
Using sources in ways that avoid plagiarism
Documenting sources

Revising:

  • Strengthening the thesis
  • Organizing
  • Expanding
  • Editing

Editing/Proofreading

  • General proofreading
  • Specific concerns—use of passive voice; documentation issues

Formatting
Special documents (Resumes, Letters, Webpages, PowerPoint presentations)

Lots of resources are available in the Online Writing Manual.

checkmark  What do you do while you’re on duty in the Writing Center?

You should be available to help students with their papers, and sometimes, with computer questions, at any time. Please write your name on the chalkboard and post the “consultant” sign at your computer, so that other students can readily identify you. Feel free to work on your own writing or studying, or catch up on email, but make it clear to anyone seeking assistance that you are willing to stop to help.

checkmark  Are there any special tasks to be performed in addition to offering tutorial assistance?

We offer online assistance through an email account and in BC-MOO. Last year we tried AOL tutoring, using the i.d. BCWriter1. We offer special workshops, and you may be asked to circulate among students and from time to time offer your help if you are on duty during these times. Some additional tasks may include working on handouts or the bulletin board in the hall or the Writing Center newsletter and Webpages, from time to time. We will hold meetings from time to time—realistically, it’s likely to be monthly.

checkmark  What kind of help will students ask for?

We encourage students across campus to come to the Writing Center for help at any stage in the writing process, but the reality is that most students are seeking help with editing their final texts. If a student asks you to “proofread” a text, please make sure the student knows that we don’t provide a proofreading service but rather help the student proofread. You may need to explain that editing another student’s work is a violation of the Honor Code but that helping a student proofread is not a violation. (Review the Honor Code or Writing Center Philosophy and Procedures.)

checkmark  How are tutorial sessions conducted?

Go to Tutorial Sessions for more information.

Return to Introduction or Writing Center Staff page.

Updated by Dr. Trupe August 2003