Undergraduate Student Services

Our highly trained peer consultants can help students to:

• Comprehend assignment goals
• Translate instructor feedback into a revision plan
• Develop confidence for new writing tasks
• Choose assignment topics
• Verbalize ideas
• Transfer thoughts from head to hand
• Gain awareness of audience, situation, and purpose
• Organize thoughts
• Generate clear and concise theses
• Articulate informed arguments with appropriate claims and reasons
• Gain control of grammar and mechanics
• Practice paraphrase and appropriate use of research materials
• Understand new media presentations such as PowerPoint, video, websites, and Prezi
• Learn and follow APA, MLA, Chicago, and other documentation guidelines for writing

Although all our services currently are remote (so some of these expectations are not relevant now), please keep these points in mind as you prepare for your consultation.

Please bring one of the following items with you to your Writing Center appointment:

• A print copy of your paper - we do not have the resources to print your papers or sources.
• Your own laptop - try to have a file copy so that you are not subject to the whims of the OU wifi network.
• A computer rented from the Circulation Desk at Kresge Library - you can checkout a library laptop in house if you show your ID.

When preparing for your appointment, please do the following:

• Gather your assignment sheet and draft paper (bring any sources, note cards, etc).
• Clarify any questions that you have concerning your assignment with your professor.
• Read through your paper and write down any questions that you may have for the visit.
• Familiarize yourself with the citation style that you will be using.
• Turn off all cell phones and pagers.

Many instructors ask their students to visit the Writing Center where they can practice and refine their writing skills. If your professor or instructor has referred you to the Writing Center, please know that we are eager to work with you.

To make the most of your visit, please refer to our Preparing for the Writing Center Consultation tab before your appointment. Then visit This Semester in the Writing Center to schedule an appointment.