For Students

"We write to discover what we think." - Joan Didion

The Writers’ Workshop offers assistance to students seeking an undergraduate degree as well as those pursuing a graduate degree.

All of our consultants are trained to work with any writer from any discipline working on any project, but you may want to choose a consultant based on your particular needs. While drop-in appointments are welcome, if you want to ensure a consultant is available when you arrive, please make an appointment using our convenient online system.

Have another question? Get in touch! Stop by our front desk on the second floor of the Library, email [email protected], or call 218-726-8500 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect from an appointment? How should I prepare for an appointment?

See our Appointment Information page. 

When should I see a consultant?

You are welcome to see a consultant at any stage in the writing process, from brainstorming to preparing the final draft for submission. Just remember that it's best to make an appointment early enough in the process that you have time to revise your writing after the session has occurred. You can always make another appointment later. You can get help on any writing project, even those not for a class, such as personal statements, application materials, UROP proposals, research projects, grant proposals, and so on.

Which consultant should I choose?

While all our consultants are trained to help with whatever you are working on, you can check our consultant's page to see if someone specializes in, or is particularly familiar with, the type of writing you are doing. If English is not your first language, you may want to choose one of our ESL experts.

Do I have to make an appointment to work with a writing consultant?

While appointments aren't required, making one will guarantee your time slot with a specific consultant, on a specific day, and at a specific time. If you don't make an appointment, you are welcome to stop by the Writers' Workshop to see if anyone is available to work with you. Drop-in appointments are not guaranteed, however. Please contact us if you need help making an appointment or see our instructions for the appointment system.

Why can't I drop off my paper at the Writers' Workshop for proofreading?

The mission of the Writers' Workshop is to provide support to anyone who seeks to become a better writer—that won't be fulfilled by doing the work for you. However, in addition to discussing revision strategies to address concerns such as organization, coherence, use of evidence, and so on, we're happy to work with you to develop your skills so you are better able to find and correct errors in your own work. The agenda you and the consultant set will determine what to spend time on during your session.

Will the Writers' Workshop notify my instructor that I worked with a consultant?

The Writers' Workshop will send you an email summary of your session. You are free to share that email with your instructor if you choose to do so; however, we do not notify your instructor of your visit.