Writing Center

The University of Dubuque Writing Center, located within the Academic Success Center, can assist students to develop their writing skills in a supportive environment. 

Things to know when recommending a student visit the Writing Center:

1. The service offered allows students to meet with a tutor.   The tutor will assist students to develop their writing skills and better understand the writing process.  While the tutors will assist students to make their individual papers better, the overall objective is for students to develop their skills for long-term writing success. 
2. This is not a drop off service.  Students are required to meet with a tutor. 
3. The student should bring the assignment sheet and/or any directions for the paper/project.  The student should bring a printed copy of all work on the assignment, including the most recent draft, outlines, etc.
4. The student should have goals for what they want to accomplish during the session.  The goals they have may include narrowing the focus of the paper, improving organization, determining what further research is needed, or developing ideas. 
5. The student should allow adequate time to make changes or come in for a follow up appointment.
6. Tutors will first assist students to review items that will have the greatest impact on the paper (such as organization, meeting the assignment requirements, providing evidence) before moving on to more detailed items such as proofreading.
7. The Writing Center seeks to help UD students who wish to improve their long-term writing skills through tutorial support.

Students can expect:

1. To meet in person with a tutor for approximately 20-50 minutes.

2. To engage in a constructive discussion with the tutor regarding the writing and the assignment.

3. To be responsible for their own work. The student should come to the center prepared to work on the paper collaboratively with the tutor. 

4. To improve their writing skills with the support of a tutor so they can complete assignments successfully throughout their education.

Writing Groups

Some students may be more comfortable utilizing the Writing Center if they are attending in a small group.  Please contact the Writing Center Director if you have ideas about incorporating a writing group into your course for students needing additional assistance outside of class with meeting writing goals.

In-Class Presentations
Some classes or departments have specific writing goals or assignments within their curriculum.  To best meet the needs of the course, the instructor and Writing Center Director can plan an in-class seminar.  This could be related to: choosing topics for essays, creating a thesis, assignment organization, structure, etc.  The Writing Center Director can also team with the Academic Support Center staff to best meet the needs of your class.  It is recommended that faculty contact the office at least 2 weeks in advance to discuss the date/time and topic they wish to have presented.

Don't Cancel Class Program
Occasionally a faculty member will find that due to a professional commitment, he or she has to cancel a class.  If you face this choice, the Writing Center Director can talk with your students about writing issues that they encounter in the course or field of study.  A conversation with the faculty member can identify an appropriate topic for the particular class.  It is recommended that faculty contact the office at least 2 weeks in advance to discuss the date/time and topic they wish to have presented.

For more information, please contact:
Jessica Schreyer
English Faculty/Writing Center Director
209 Library
563.589.3742
JSchreye@dbq.edu