How do I schedule an appointment?

Please contact your campus for Writing Studio hours and the procedure for scheduling a writing consultation.
Online students will find that they are already enrolled in the Online Writing Lab ( OWL ). The OWL will be listed as one of the courses in which you’re enrolled. If you believe you are not enrolled in the OWL, contact your instructor or dean.

Graduate students will find that they are already enrolled in the Graduate Online Writing Studio ( GROWS ). If you believe you are not enrolled in GROWS, contact your instructor or adviser.

What should I do to prepare for the session?

It’s best to arrive ( early ) for a session with an idea you would like to discuss.That maximizes your time spent in the session. You may want to prepare a list of questions ahead of time. Also, make sure to bring in any assignment sheet, prompt, etc. that might be a part of your work. Remember, it’s YOUR time—make the most of it.

I don’t even have a draft written yet. May I still schedule an appointment?

Yes. We often work with writers who are still in the “idea stage” of the writing process. If you would like a pre-draft appointment, remember to bring in your assignment/prompt and be prepared to do a lot of brainstorming! Hopefully, you will be able to use one of our computer stations to start drafting your writing before you leave.

Will you proofread my paper for me?

No. Writing consultants are not editors, nor are they proofreaders. While consultants will help writers become better editors and proofreaders of their own work through discussions about various editing/proofreading strategies, consultants DO NOT edit or proofread a writer’s work. Unfortunately, editing and proofreading are not forms of teaching; therefore, they are antithetical to the mission of the Writing Studio. If a writer only wishes to have his or her work edited or proofread, consultants may assist them in finding sources that provide such services.

But what if all my paper needs is editing?

Again, writing consultants are not editors. They will help you become a better editor, though, by explaining editing and proofreading strategies. But, NO, they will not simply edit your paper line-by-line or page-by-page. If a writer only wishes to have his or her work edited or proofread, consultants may assist them in finding sources that provide such services.

Will anyone else know about my writing consultation?

Only if you want them to know about it. However, sometimes writing consultants communicate with faculty about writing consultations. If you visit our on-site studio, we cannot 100% guarantee that no one will know about your visit, especially since we are an open service to the whole campus community. Besides, the Writing Studio is a great place to be— with free writing assistance, loads of computers and technology, and an engaging work atmosphere, who wouldn’t want to be there?