Writing Center staff will help students build the skills they need as writers rather than do work for them.

We will provide on-going, meaningful writing instruction that is

• individualized and based on legitimate student needs,
• supportive of the student and the classroom teacher, and
• in cooperation with other support services, including referral to other services for problems beyond our expertise.

As a center devoted to the improvement of student writing, we have our limitations. We will not offer tutorial services for all areas of English study, for general study skills, or for reading and speaking concerns except where those skills affect student writing. However, we do not limit our clientele to students in English composition classes alone; we are eager to help students in courses from any discipline who are having trouble with writing assignments or who have concerns about their writing.

We will:

• teach students how to write papers, using all phases of the writing process (generating ideas, composing, revising, editing);
• identify individual patterns of error and work with students to eliminate those problems , using appropriate materials;
• assist students when they drop in at the last minute to the extent that we can, without doing the work for them;
• counsel students on the importance of time management and planning in developing writing skills;
• refer students to other support services as appropriate;
• provide a sounding board for student ideas as they deal with writing topics and issues;
• build students' confidence in their ability to develop as writers.

We will not:

• write papers or parts of papers for students;
• correct, edit, or proofread papers for students;
• teach grammar in isolation of student writing.

We will expect students to:

• make appointments and keep them;
• make every effort to schedule appointments with the same tutor;
• let us know when they are unable to keep appointments;
• come to scheduled appointments on time and prepared;
• listen to your tutor and do your best to follow his/her advice;
• provide the tutor with as much information as possible regarding the criteria and expectations for writing assignments in your classes.