Writing Center

All writers can benefit from talking about their writing with an interested and engaged reader. Writing consultants are available to discuss all kinds of writing with any member of the AU community. No matter where you are in your writing process, you can gain confidence and improve as a writer by making an appointment with one of our consultants. Schedule an appointment or drop-in to Seidlin 008 for a consulting session today!

Make an appointment

 

Hours and Locations

Writing Center in Seidlin 008 (downstairs):

  • Monday-Thursday, 10:15 AM - 4:15 PM
  • Friday, 10:15 AM - 3:15 PM

BookEnd Lounge in Herrick Library:

  • Monday-Wednesday, 8 PM - 9 PM

Services

Peer writing consultants are available to talk through any kind of writing, at any stage. We can help brainstorm ideas, strengthen arguments, incorporate evidence, talk through revisions, or work through any other writing task that can benefit from another set of eyes and ears.

New in Spring 2024, we are also offering help with public speaking! Come talk over ideas, get feedback on an outline or  visual aid, practice your delivery or talk through speech anxiety.

In addition, we offer writing hours, if you're looking for a quiet spot to write, and a library of information about all things writing.

Whatever your need—a grammar brush-up, a book on argument structure, some pointers on speech delivery, long-term assistance with a research paper, or a new place to write—we can help you improve and gain confidence as a writer.

Make an appointment

 

Peer Consultants

The consultants at the Writing Center represent a variety of backgrounds. Any consultant can help you with any type of writing or speaking, but if you would rather go to someone familiar with your particular subject, then check the staff page to view a description of the consultants.

Contact Information

If you have questions or run into any issues, please email Chloe Hansen.



We offer:

  • One-on-one writing or speaking consultations by appointment
  • Drop-in writing or speaking consultations
  • Writing Hours
  • Group consultations are available by request.
  • Online sessions are available. After you make your appointment, follow the instructions in your confirmation email to request an online session.

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

  • We will ask questions about your assignment, where you are in the process and what you want to work on in your session.
  • We will ask to see the assignment you're working on, so be sure you have that available at your session.
  • If you don't have a draft or outline yet, we will talk through your ideas and help you get them written down.
  • If you 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 practicing delivery, we will either move to the director's office down the hall or simply close the Writing Center door.
  • We will likely only be able to 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.

  • More resources coming soon!

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