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Spanish Writing Center
HH 269

MISSION:

To produce better writers, not just better writing (i.e. to empower Spanish students to become better communicators by improving their writing skills through practicing effective writing strategies.)

What students can expect in a Writing Center consultation:

  1. We will ask you to explain the assignment to us and talk about your goals and plans for the paper.
  2. We will NOT be able to help you ON THE DAY a major writing assignment is due. You must plan to come to the WC at least 24 hours before the deadline.
  3. We may ask you to read the draft aloud and talk about the ideas you have already written and the ones you still want to include.
  4. We expect you to find points where you need to elaborate, expand or clarify your ideas.
  5. We will work with you to improve the development, revision of content and organization of the final product.
  6. We will not correct linguistic errors, but will help with content and organization. If errors in grammar and vocabulary make a sentence incomprehensible, we can help you think of ways to express the same ideas more clearly.
  7. We will not judge or evaluate your paper. Your grade is up to your instructor. We will communicate constructive comments and suggestions in order to improve the quality of your.
  8. We will work with you as you learn how to develop, refine, proofread and strengthen your writing skills.
  9. We may read all or only part of your paper, depending on your needs, goals and the time available.
  10. We will not proofread or copy-edit your papers or compositions. We will make suggestions to help you express yourself clearly and effectively. We do not offer quick fixes or miracles.

Writing Center's expectations of students:

  1. Bring assignment guidelines. Have a clear idea of your instructor*s expectations and grading criteria.
  2. Tell us what the purpose of the paper is, who the audience is, how you (the writer) hope to present yourself, etc.
  3. Plan ahead. Come early in your writing process. (Writing improves when you take time to develop your skill. There are no last minute quick fixes.)
  4. Bring your notes, outlines, any drafts you have written (with your instructor*s comments, if you have any). We do not have printing services, so have a printed or written draft in hand.
    (If you are writing about a text (short story, poem, etc.), bring a copy of that text also.)
  5. Of course, we can help you develop prewriting skills like brainstorming without a printed draft.
  6. Bring an open mind, a willingness to push yourself as a writer, recognition that writing is a process and not just a product.
  7. Be as specific as you can about your concerns and communicate them to the writing consultant.
  8. You are the “owner” of your writing, so it is up to you to make decisions about what to change and how much to change.
  9. Several shorter sessions are more useful than one long one. Schedule accordingly.
  10. The Writing Center is not just for remedial help. All writers need readers and feedback. Bring in your writing and see how a different audience reacts to it.