The Writing Center’s primary purpose is to offer one-on-one assistance, by appointment, with College Reading & Learning Association-certified “personal trainers.” In a relaxed but confidential setting, we help undergraduate and graduate students wherever they happen to be in the writing process: planning, focusing, developing, revising, proofreading, and documenting. Writing Coaches do not edit or proofread FOR students, but if a paper is ready, they do review points of grammar and help students practice quality control strategies for finding and eliminating their own errors.
Additionally, the Writing Center exists to accomplish the following:
- To help students clarify and solidify their sense of purpose within a clear understanding of instructor expectations.
- To challenge students in the context of writing assignments to face their weaknesses, while supporting them as they work toward higher levels of excellence.
- To demonstrate the interconnection of all academic skills: writing, reading, thinking, speaking
- To help facilitate faculty use of writing not just as a means of formal communication, but as a method of practicing critical thinking, developing creativity, and fostering greater overall engagement in academic processes and topics.
Services for UNI Instructors
Classroom Visits from Peer Writing Coaches
Upon your request, Writing Center staff will visit your classes to promote Writing Center services and explain how they work, or deliver presentations/demonstrations on writing-related topics. Email the Writing Coordinator, Deanne.Gute@uni.edu, or call 319-273-2361 to talk with Deanne to describe your interests, any assignments the visit will supplement, and your date/time preferences.
Faculty Referral Form/Request for Writing Center Services
The form gives you a chance to offer your students specific feedback about their writing when you recommend or require a Writing Center visit. Feedback forms help ensure that Writing Coaches provide effective assistance. Students should bring the form to their first appointment. Students are responsible for arranging an appointment time at 319-273-2361.
Assignment Bulletin Board Service
You may advise individuals or groups in your courses to utilize the Writing Center. Please consult with Deanne Gute if you’re thinking of requiring large groups to schedule appointments. This will ensure that the Writing Center has adequate appointment slots available and that Writing Coaches and reception staff are aware of your requirements and goals for your students’ visits. We also request that you share all assignment guidelines for distribution to the Writing Coaches.
If you are recommending but not requiring Writing Center visits, we invite you to send your assignment guidelines for distribution to the Writing Coaches.
Client Verification and Reporting
All students check in using AccuTrak, and all appointments are summarized by the Writing Coaches. Faculty can request verification of student visits or copies of appointment summaries with proper notification to students.
