Where is the Writing Lab?

It's located in ARH 132, at the north end of the first floor.

What kind of help does the Writing Lab offer?

In individual conferences, the Writing Lab offers each student help with whatever part of the writing process that the student needs help with, whether it be brainstorming or prewriting or organizing or getting started or writing robust sentences or finding comma errors.

How do I sign up to get help in the Writing Lab?

You can come to the lab at ARH 132 and put your name on one of the instructors' schedule sheets, which are generally posted for several weeks in advance; you can call the lab at X3117, particularly between 8:30 and 11 a.m. or between 1 and 2:30 p.m. (at these times our trusty student office managers are on duty and able to help schedule times); or you can send an email to the account WRITING or to one of the staff members individually.

Will my professors know that I am using the lab?

Yes, we notify your professors that you have come in and are getting help with your writing. In our note, we ask that the professors inform us about how they want us to help you. In our view, you, your professor, and we in the writing lab work together toward the common goal of improving your writing.

Do I have to have a complete paper done before I visit the lab?

No, it's not necessary to have a complete paper written or even begun. We are available to help you with any part of the process, and that even includes brainstorming to produce ideas. Ask us about the nifty software program Inspiration if you are interested in trying a technologically assisted approach to invention and organization.

If I am put on the waiting list, do I really have a chance of getting an appointment?

Yes, we actually offer appointments to most students who sign up and remain interested in having one. Here are some suggestions for ways to maximize your chances:

• Write your name, phone number, and email address on the waiting list legibly. It is hard for us to contact you if we can't make these out.
• Be honest and accurate about when you are available. Don't tell us that you are available "anytime on Tuesday" if you have one class and four hours of work scheduled that day.
• Check back with us frequently -- we're much easier to find than you are.
• If you realize you don't need or can't use the time you've requested, please notify the office immediately. Don't make us waste our time trying to find you unnecessarily.
• If you follow these procedures carefully, you'll increase your chance of being able to see one of us.

If I have a very long paper to talk about, what procedure should I use?

 During the two weeks before breaks and before finals, appointments will be scarce. Therefore, we ask that you try to get your drafts done early, or just come in with an outline. We cannot promise a last-minute reading of very long term papers. If you want our help with such projects, come to see us early in the process so that we can help with the writing as you go.

Are there rules I should know about in signing up for appointments at the lab?

We ask that students not sign up for more than one appointment at a time without permission. And we ask that, if you are signed up for an appointment and discover that you cannot keep it, contact us as early as possible so we can offer that time to another student.

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