Writing Center

How we can help

Face-to-face: Stop by the Writing Center (Library, Room 203) to discuss your writing with one of our trained peer tutors. No appointment is needed for in-person tutorials.

Zoom: Zoom tutorials are available by appointment. Email us at van.writingcenter@wsu.edu to set up a Zoom meeting.

Email: To submit a paper to the Online Writing Lab, email your paper and a short description of the assignment in Microsoft Word format to van.writingcenter@wsu.edu. We are not able to comment on Google Docs, SharePoint links or PDF files.

What we do

We're happy to help with assignments in any discipline, and at any stage of the writing process.

Tutors can provide support with:

  • Reading assignments
  • Brainstorming ideas
  • Outlining and drafting papers
  • Developing thesis statements
  • Paragraphing
  • Organizing and revising drafts
  • Formatting assignments
  • Citing sources
Writing Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to meet with a tutor?

The Writing Center operates on a first-come, first-serve drop-in basis, so appointments are not needed. However, if you would like to set up an appointment, email van.writingcenter@wsu.edu to schedule one.

What should I bring to the tutoring session?

Bring a printed copy of your paper and, if possible, the original assignment/instructions. If you are bringing a paper that has already been through one revision with a tutor, bring in the original paper along with the revision. This will help the second tutor know what changes you have made.

How long is a typical tutoring session?

A typical session lasts 45 minutes. You may have two tutorials per day, with a two-hour break in between to revise.

Can I drop off my paper to be fixed and come back later?

No. The Writing Center does not accept drop-off papers. Tutors do not fix your paper but review it with you so you can improve your own writing. If you have difficulty scheduling a tutorial session, consider using the Online Writing Lab.

Does the Writing Center provide tutoring for group writing assignments?

Yes. For group papers, at least two thirds of the group must be present at the tutorial.

Can graduate-level assignments be submitted?

For graduate dissertations or theses, contact Writing Center Coordinator Dr. Kandy Robertson at kandy_robertson@wsu.edu. These submissions may require a longer response time depending on their length and complexity.

Who works at the Writing Center?

Dr. Kandy Robertson, scholarly professor of English, is the Writing Center Coordinator. Writing Center tutors are students who enjoy writing and have received training to help other students with their work.

Will the Writing Center edit/proofread my paper for grammar?

The Writing Center is not an editing or proofreading service. The priority is to review your draft for global issues such as whether you have a strong thesis statement or whether your evidence and analysis work to support that thesis. Local issues such as sentence construction and grammar can be addressed once the larger issues are taken care of.

May I come to the Writing Center even if I don't have a paper to be read?

Absolutely. It's not always quiet but you may find it a relaxing place to study. The Writing Center has comfortable couches and tables for anyone to use. It also has free coffee and snacks!

Policies

The Writing Center has an open mind when it comes to policies. We have policies that we hope serve to ensure a beneficial and cooperative writing environment. In order to create such a healthy learning environment we have a few rules that we ask of our patrons:

  • Try to limit your consultation to 45 minutes. The consultant will work with you diligently for as long as he/she feels is appropriate and productive after that.
  • We discourage "consultant hopping". Essentially this means that when you are finished with a consultation please take time to revise before approaching a different consultant.
  • Group papers need an appointment, and the paper should be submitted early. A group consultation is very different from a one-on-one consultation. Consultants need time to look over a group paper, usually because of its length, but also because each writer/researcher in the group will need to be worked with. We would like to have at least 2/3 of the group at the consultation for the same reason. In short, submit your paper at least 24 hours before the appointment if at all possible, and be sure that at least 2 people from a group of three (and so forth) are present at the consultation.
  • Graduate papers often require graduate or equally experienced readers. Please make an appointment and submit your paper 24 hours prior if possible.
  • We do not accept "drop off" papers. If you have difficulties scheduling a one-on-one consultation, please consider using our OWL at van.writingcenter@wsu.edu.
  • Help with written exams can only be given with prior approval from the instructor of the course.

Online Writing Lab

Welcome to WSU Vancouver’s Online Writing Lab (OWL)!

This free service is provided to WSU Vancouver students who are unable to come to an in-person tutorial.

Submit any kind of writing assignment for any discipline

Email your paper as an attached Microsoft Word document (no Google Docs, SharePoint links or PDFs, please) to van.writingcenter@wsu.edu. In the email, provide the following information:

  • Your name
  • Course number and name
  • Professor
  • Assignment requirements, and
  • Other questions or specifics that may help tutors give adequate feedback

Feedback

Allow a 24- to 48-hour response time for OWL submissions. Papers submitted after the Writing Center has closed for the day or the weekend will be addressed on the next business day. Any follow-up questions or revised drafts are welcome for further response.

For graduate dissertations or theses, contact Writing Center Coordinator, Kandy Robertson. Ph.D. Depending on their length and complexity, these submissions may require a longer response time.