Writing Center

We offer:

• One-on-one writing or presentation consultations by appointment
• Drop-in writing or presentation consultations
• Grad Hours for graduate students to work on writing or presentation projects with the Director
• Writing Hours to work in the Writing Center
• Group consultations are available by request. Please email us to make a request.
• Online sessions are available. After you make your appointment, follow the instructions in your confirmation email to request an online session.

Every session is a bit different but, in general, when you visit the Writing Center for a consulting session you can expect that:

• We will ask to see the assignment you're working on, so be sure you have that available.
• We will ask questions about the assignment, where you are in the process and what you want to work on in your session.
• If you do not have a draft or outline yet, we will talk through your ideas and help you get them down on paper, so you can plan next steps.
• If you do have a draft of your paper, we will invite you to read the paper aloud or will read it aloud for you. If you don't feel comfortable with this—for example, if you discuss personal or sensitive topics—please let us know.
• If you want feedback on a practice run of your presentation, we will listen attentively and give you feedback at the end. If privacy is a concern while delivering, we will either move to the Director's office down the hall or simply close the Writing Center door.
• We will probably only get through one or two issues in a thirty-minute session. You are welcome to schedule follow-up appointments.
• You will leave with a plan for the next steps on your writing or speaking assignment.

While it is true that every session is a little different, there are a few things we won't do in your session. We won't:

• Discuss grades
• Write the assignment for you
• Proofread or edit your work for you
  • If you have specific mechanics, grammar, or word choice concerns—for example, passive voice, transition words, comma splices, and so on—we are happy to talk through those rules and help you spot any issues in your work.

• Writing / Research LibGuide: AU Librarians and the Writing Center have put together a helpful guide on research, writing, using sources, and citations.
• Research: For assistance with research and accessing AU library resources, contact the Personal Librarian for your subject.
• Citation Guides (Purdue OWL): Purdue's Online Writing Lab has up-to-date information on all the major citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago Style, and more).
• General Writing Resources (Purdue OWL): Purdue's Online Writing Lab has a wealth of information about writing processes, academic writing, grammar and mechanics, and some specific types of writing.
• Composition Library: We have books on all things composition for you to borrow or read in the Writing Center
• More resources coming soon!

Syllabus Statement

Consider including the following information about the Writing Center in your syllabus:

Consider visiting the Writing Center for assistance with writing and presentation assignments for this or any other course. Everyone can benefit from talking about their work with an interested and engaged peer, and consultants are available to discuss all kinds of writing and presentations, in any discipline. Visit my.alfred.edu/writing-center to see the schedule and make an appointment, or drop in to the Writing Center (Seidlin 008) during the day.

Class Announcements

We are available to introduce the Writing Center to your class. Email to schedule a time to bring your class to the Center or for one of us to visit your class. 

Classroom Services & Workshops

We are available for workshops or tutorials during class or to host special events outside of class time. Please reach out to discuss possibilities!