The Writing Resource Center

What is the writing resource center?

ESF's Writing Resource Center (WRC) is designed for those students who have questions about writing. It can provide the crucial link in the network of writing experiences you encounter on the ESF campus, while offering support if you need assistance in writing. The WRC addresses a range of concerns, from grammar to organization, and from development to style. Our tutors are here to offer assistance in various stages of the writing process, whether you need help brainstorming ideas, preparing a draft, revising your work, or editing a final draft

Where is the WRC located, and when is it open?

We are located in Moon Library, Room 109, and our hours are typically Monday through Thursday, from 9 am to 3 pm, and on Fridays from 9 am to noon. Some evening hours are also available. However, it's best to check on the white board in the WRC for a more specific schedule.

What resources are available?

The WRC has lots of resources that you're welcome to use. We have a number of grammar books that you may find useful when considering questions of correctness or style. We also have style books, tip sheets on various writing topics, information on preparing job application materials, and sample reports. In addition, we have computer stations and a printer to be used by those working in the Center.

Who staffs the WRC?

The WRC is staffed by two outstanding graduate assistants, as well as a number of excellent peer tutors who are trained to work with students on their writing projects.

Benette Whitmore, Director of the Writing Program, oversees the WRC. Dawnelle Jager is WRC Coordinator and primary contact. You can speak with either Benette or Dawnelle if you have questions about the WRC, or if you'd like to become a peer tutor.

What will tutors do?

We are fortunate to have graduate and undergraduate tutors who are trained to provide support for your individual needs from your writing process to many different writing projects. For example, they will help you to prepare for class writing assignments by brainstorming and thinking through different approaches to writing. They may also help you with employment and scholarship applications. Tutors will help you to identify and correct problems in the drafting stages. They will also assist with organization, format and your development of grammar and editing skills. Tutors are not in a position to formally edit your papers or enter into questions or disputes about grades you've received on your papers; you should discuss issues about your grade directly with your professor.

Will tutors proofread papers?

It isn't helpful to you in a long term to have your papers proofread without your participation. Our approach gets you involved in a way that helps you become a better writer. Rather than just dropping off a paper, you'll sit side-by-side with a tutor as you talk about your writing together. It's a team effort that benefits you because you'll learn skills that you can apply to your future writing assignments.

How do you connect with the WRC?

Sometimes a teacher refers his or her students to the WRC in order to work on specific areas, but most often, students come in without a referral. You can sign up for an appointment in advance to be sure you'll see a tutor at that time, or you can drop in and take your chances that there's an opening. We offer sessions from 9-5 each week day in the Writing Resource Center located in Moon 13 (basement) and in Centennial Hall (small classroom at the end of the stairs) from 6-8 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Please follow these instructions to schedule a face to face appointment in advance:

1. Visit us on http://esfWRC.appointy.com; select an available time the works for you.
2. Login to the Appointy System with a Google, Facebook, or Appointy account.
3. Check your email for a confirmation note from the Appointy System.

Drop-in hours may be available if tutors do not have a scheduled appointment.

Contact Dawnelle A. Jager, dajager@esf.edu if you have any questions about this free writing service.

What should you bring to the WRC?

Your session will be more productive if you bring:
• The assignment sheet (if there is one)
• Any writing you've done so far on the assignment (if you've started)
• Comments or feedback from your instructor (if available)

Is support offered to ESL students?

Tutoring is available for students who have English as their second language. We offer individual appointments, a weekly conversation group, and a tutor mentoring program where undergraduate and graduate students will work with individual ESL students on a weekly one-on-one session on culture and language issues. Contact dajager@esf.edu for more information and look for announcements and information in your campus e-mail.

Policy update

• The Writing Center is able to provide only minimal support to international graduate students. This type of instruction requires specialized training that extends beyond the Writing Center scope. There are a number of possibilities for writing and oral presentation support of our international students; talk to the writing program director for more information. A weekly conversation group will be held on Wednesdays from 4-6 in the Writing Resource Center and all international students are welcome to attend.

• Appointments are made generally on a first-come, first-served basis, and should be scheduled at least one week in advance. Students will be limited to signing up for a maximum of three hours of tutoring per week. Students who meet the three-hour limit can receive additional tutoring on a drop-in basis. However, if the demand is higher than the Center can meet in any given period of time, first-time visitors and those with prior appointments will be given highest priority.
• Faculty may not require the students in their classes to visit the Writing Center without prior approval of the Writing Center Coordinator, Dawnelle Jager (dajager@esf.edu). This request must take place at least three weeks before the service is needed and will be accommodated if the workload at the Center allows it.