Do I need to make an
appointment?
Appointments are not
required, although they are highly recommended. Our
calendar fills up quickly, and an appointment guarantees you a
spot.
I haven't started my paper, can
you still help me?
We can help you at any stage of the
writing process. We can help you organize your thoughts,
outline, plan, or work on a paper you have already
started.
When should I make an
appointment?
Writing is a process. We've found
that the earlier you begin working on an assignment, the better it
is for your own process. So, it's best to make an appointment as
soon as you get an assignment.
Can you quickly "check over" my
paper?
Not really. We are
here to make better writers not better writing. To explain: we
are here to make sure that your future work improves, not just
a specific assignment. So, "checking over" your text
would not help you learn much.
Why won't this just take a few
minutes?
Writing is a process that
takes time. We are part of that academic process, and our
sessions are structured to reflect that. Your input and
presence is vital.
Will you tell my professor I was
here?
We tend to stay out of the
student / professor relationship. We want you to come here
when you want to, and we certainly don't want you to feel forced or
watched. Though if you want, we'll send a summary of the
session to your professor.
Can you help me get an "A"?
Each professor grades
differently, especially when it comes to writing. We do not
guarantee or even necessarily want to talk about grades. We
are focused on your writing, not a particular
assignment.
Can I just drop off my
paper?
No. We are not an
editing service. Again, we have sessions structured around
your participation. Plus, it can be invaluable to sit down and
talk to a consultant (a friendly,
informed, non-judgmental peer) about your writing and
work.
How do I become a Writing
Consultant?
If you feel like you are an
ideal candidate, come see us. Be prepared to submit several
recent academic writing samples and recommendations from faculty
familiar with your writing. Just so you know, our training
procedure requires a lot of time, reading, and effort.
What else does The Writing Center
do?
Part of the mission of The
Writing Center is to foster a writing culture here at St. John's
University. We host and sponsor readings, book discussions,
film screenings, and the like. We are always open to writers
and artists looking for a creative outlet--whether that be in the
form of other students, atmosphere, or just a place to sit and feel
at home. We are also the unofficial home of Sequoya: St. John's
University's Literary and Art Journal, The Gaelic Society, and
The English Honor Society. Stop by, it's a cool place full of
cool people (do cool people still say "cool"?).