The University’s Writing Center, located in Minné 340, offers WSU
students free, individualized instruction in all aspects of writing. The center
is staffed primarily by graduate assistants in English training in composition
instruction, and, to a lesser extent, by qualified upper-division
undergraduates.
Funded, staffed, and maintained primarily by WSU’s English Department,
the Writing Center promotes the use of academic writing—in all
disciplines—as a tool for learning, communication, self-expression, and
critical thinking. The Center works closely with students, faculty, and
administrators to help students become capable, successful writers.
The Writing Center typically opens the second week of classes each
semester and stays open until the last class day of the term. While daily center
hours may vary from semester to semester, tutors are usually available between 9
a.m. and 7 p.m. each class day. An appointment sign-up sheet is posted on the
door each semester.
Students may visit the Center once, a few times, or on a regular basis.
They may seek help on their own or appear on the recommendation of a teacher.
Students may drop in for help with their specific assignments—a perfectly
legitimate use of our services—yet they should realize that Writing Center
tutors will not proofread and “correct” their final copy. The responsibility
for the final product remains that of the student writer.
The Center also assists students in first-year and fundamental writing courses, works with non-native speakers, and helps students prepare for the Education Department’s writing clearance examination. The Center publishes The Writing Labyrinth, which addresses concerns of composition theory and practice, tutoring, and writing-across-the-curriculum for the university community.
Writing Center staff members often make brief visits to WSU classrooms to
distribute brochures, describe services, promote awareness, and encourage use of
the center. The Writing Center keeps a wide variety of materials for use by and
with student writers, from textbooks and handbooks to exercise sheets, a library
of composition works, computer programs, and a World Wide Web site.
To arrange a class visit or to learn more about the Writing Center, contact the Writing Center Director or visit the Writing Center Web at http://www.winona.edu/writingcenter.
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