Academic Achievement and Retention Center

In order to receive assistance with any stage of the writing process, a student may be instructor-referred or self-referred. If a student needs to work on enhancing his or her writing skills in general, an individual program of study will be designed based on a writing diagnostic sample administered by the Writing Center. The student works on this individualized program of study at his or her own pace.

Our consultants will help you meet your immediate goals as well as help you develop as a writer. They’re more than happy to assist at most stages of the writing process, from revision to brainstorming and development. Consultants will often offer advice on thesis construction, use of evidence, structure, flow, and sentence organization. Though the writing center doesn’t proofread your paper, they will help improve your own editing and proofreading skills–enabling you to become your own best editor.

Because our staff consultants practice collaborative tutoring, you should be aware that they will not copy-edit your work or “check it for errors.” Instead, they will start each session by talking with you about your writing process. They are interested in your big-picture concerns. Next, they will most likely have you read the paper out loud (or read it out loud themselves). This practice is there for you to “hear” mistakes and errors, while also helping ground yourself within your work. After, consultants will help you identify areas that may need improvement and will empower you with the tools to improve. Consultants do not edit your papers; they aren’t there to “give you the answers” – all consultants believe that students investigate their own thinking and more effectively understand their own expression of ideas. Inquiry-based tutoring assures that you will think, and write, for yourself, applying, adapting, and extending your abilities.

These practices are the same for both writers who identify as ESL students and native English speakers. While consultants understand many ESL writers are pursuing fluency through line-edits, consultants believe those goals can be addressed effectively through collaboration and conversation.

Individual writing tutorials are by appointment, and students are encouraged to set their appointments well in advance of when the assignments are due. While walk-in appointments are possible, there is no guarantee that appointments will be available, especially near the middle or end of the semester when papers are due.

All services are currently offered virtually. Students may make an appointment by calling 615-963-5102 or by scheduling an appointment on the EAB app.

The Learning Support Workshop (ENGL 1011) is the required co-requisite learning support for ENGL 1010 based upon a student’s sub-score in writing on the ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER at the time of admission to the University.

For more information on Placement Testing, click here!

The Writing Center offers workshops on various topics, including revising and editing, grammar and mechanics, sentence structure, research, and documentation styles. These workshops are open to all students throughout the University. Workshops may also be designed and presented at the special request of instructors for specific classes.

To request a specialized workshop, instructors may email the coordinator, Ms. Rhonda Kavan, or call her at 615-963-5102.

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