The UVM Undergraduate Writing Center is staffed by well-trained peer writing tutors who can work with any UVM student enrolled in any undergraduate course on any writing project for any class or major—as well as for any extracurricular or professional purpose. Whether they are first year students transitioning to college expectations, advanced students completing an honors thesis or capstone project, or at any stage in between, students can benefit from meeting with a writing tutor.
Not all students know about the Undergraduate Writing Center, and some who do may hesitate to seek support, whether because of stigma associated with resource-seeking behavior, a misconception that the writing center is only for certain types of writing or writers, or doubt whether time spent with a writing tutor will be effective. Most students who choose to use the writing center report that encouragement from a faculty member was influential.
Ways to Connect Your Classes and Students with Our Services
Syllabus Statement
Faculty can encourage students to seek support by including information about the writing center on syllabi and assignments. Use or adapt this suggested language:
For support and feedback at any point in your writing process, consult with a tutor at the Undergraduate Writing Center. The writing tutor will write up a session report which you are encouraged to share with me to get credit for your extra effort.
In-Class Presentations and Workshops
By your request, a writing tutor can visit your class and make a 10-minute presentation to introduce the writing center and demonstrate how to make an appointment. You can request to extend the visit by 10-15 minutes to include a facilitated discussion of writing styles and processes. Writing tutor lead discussions of Effective Peer Review, Revision Strategies, and Citation Strategies can be arranged in consultation with the Director of the Undergraduate Writing Center.
To request a class visit, complete the presentations and workshops request form, or contact the Undergraduate Writing Center with your preferred dates, the course code and title, course enrollment, meeting time, and classroom location. We will need at least two weeks advanced notice. Generally, we will be prepared to start class visits after the third week of the semester. In timing a class visit, keep in mind that students may be more open to seeking out peer writing tutor support after they have submitted writing and received some constructive feedback.
Connect a WID Mentor with a Writing-Intensive Course
The Undergraduate Writing Center partners with Writing in the Disciplines (WID) on the WID Writing Mentor Program, which attaches experienced undergraduate writing tutors to classes that engage students in disciplinary-based writing by request.
Additional Questions? Contact us!
Do you have questions about how to connect student writers to writing tutoring? Are you considering requiring your students to visit the Undergraduate Writing Center and wondering about capacity? Want to know more about our undergraduate Honors Thesis/Capstone Project writing groups? Please contact the Undergraduate Writing Center.