How it Works

The NWC’s pedagogy honors a process of learning that goes beyond any single writing assignment.

• A writing fellow and student usually sit together for about 25 to 50 minutes, depending on each writer's needs. Writers may work with the same writing fellow each time or come and work with all of the writing fellows.
• Conferences usually begin with questions to determine the writer's wants or needs, based on current project requirements, past writing history, general composing habits, motivation, learning style, etc.
• Writing fellows act as peer consultants and objective readers. The final decision concerning any writing assignment remains in the writer's hands.
• Writing fellows can provide support with all assignments: course essays and reports, master's and senior thesis papers, personal narratives, résumés or CVs, cover letters or statements of interest for jobs and grad school, creative writing, articles for publication, grant proposals, scholarship essays . . . and more!

What students get:

Writing Fellows usually address global issues before local issues unless you ask otherwise.

• Global issues concern the whole paper: clear and focused ideas, organization, insights, analysis, voice, and style.
• Local issues concern grammar, mechanics, punctuation, documentation, etc.

Usually writing fellows try to focus on one to two issues per session.

Here are some hints:

• The NWC's aim is to involve students in the process. Students should come prepared to collaborate and explore their writing.
• Students should bring in their writing as soon as they can (ideally several weeks before it is actually due). A writing fellow is limited in the amount of support he or she can offer if a student comes in the same day that a paper is due.
• Writing fellows recommend that a student stop in at least two or three times per assignment. Writing is a process of development, progression, practice and reflection.