Integrating the UWC into your classroom

We offer feedback for students at any stage of the writing process and all across campus, ranging from first year English language learners, senior Engineering students, and Ph.D. candidates.

All writers benefit from an outsider reader, however some students may need an extra push to get them into the writing center. Whether they are great writers or students who struggle, we suggest referring students to the University Writing Commons for support designing papers, creating presentations, professional documents (resume, cover letter, etc.) and any sort of written work.

Students who are required to attend our sessions or come for extra credit are often disinterested and do not benefit from the UWC. Therefore, we do not sign attendance forms, but suggest a separate write-up that focuses on what the Student worked on and took away from the session. Please see the “Assignment Options” tab for alternatives.

Students who are only required to get a signature from one of our Writing Assistants, receive very little from a writing session. We have created a template below that suggests including a brief assignment to help the student reflect on their session.

If you wish to provide extra credit as an incentive, then we recommend that you include a brief assignment to encourage explicit understanding of the session. Here is a faculty example:

University Writing Commons, extra credit

I highly recommend working with a Writing Assistant at the University Writing Commons. If you attend a session, then include the following write-up on a separate page with your assignment. Length: 2-3 paragraphs. Subtitle “UWC, Extra Credit”. Tell me,

• Day, time, location, and name of the Writing Assistant.
• What did you discuss during the session?
• What feedback and suggestions were made about your writing?
• What did you work on after the session?
• What information/details do you need from me for the next UWC session?

This brief write-up requires your student to pay attention, to engage, and to plan ahead. You don’t need us to sign anything because the proof will be in the write-up.

Successful sessions depends on the student’s willingness to take an active role in shaping their documents through revision and editing feedback. We have listed some aspects below that make the writing sessions more effective.

• Students are willing to partner with the Writing Assistant on how to shape their documents through revision and feedback.
• The student is able to share the prompt and assignment with the Writing Assistant. We suggest making all of your prompts available online.
• Introduce extra-credit opportunities that require the Student to engage with their Writing Assistant.
• No Autographs!!! The UWC does not provide a signature for extra credit or course work. Please visit our Assignment Options tab.

Tours: You can request onsite tours for your students to see where we are located, to learn how to sign up for an appointment, inquire about walk-ins, and to check-in. Please schedule at least 3 days in advance

In-class presentations: You can request an in-class presentation by one of our student assistants, writing assistants, or coordinators on what the UWC is, how to make an appointment, where we are located, and how a student can best prepare for a session.

Collaborations on writing assignments: Set up a meeting with us to discuss how we can best collaborate on assignments, projects, and presentations, so that your students can get the most out of their writing sessions. Please contact us ahead of time to discuss the options.

English 100 and English 405 are 1-credit, P/F classes that requires the completion of 12 appointments.

Each student is paired with a dedicated Writing Assistant at the University Writing Commons (UWC) to improve and to refresh their writing skills throughout the term.

Students are expected to bring writing prompts, drafts, and ideas for constructive feedback and guidance from the Writing Assistant. If you don’t have a draft, just bring in your assignment and plan on talking though an outline.

Learn more about ENG100/ENG405