- Do I have to be affiliated with UCD to use the Writing Center?
- What kind of writing can I bring to the Center?
- Do I need to make an appointment for a consultation?
- How does a consultation in the Writing Center work?
- How long are sessions?
- Can you help me with my thesis or dissertation?
- Can I bring a take-home exam to the Center?
- Can I receive help on my 1020 (or 2030) portfolio?
- English is not my first language, and my instructor says I need to have my grammar checked. Can you help?
- What if I just have a quick question about my writing?
- Can I request a particular consultant?
Do I have to be affiliated with UCD to use the Writing Center?
Yes. Anyone affiliated with UCD—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—may use the UCD Writing Center. Students at Metro and CCD have their own writing centers: Metro - King Center 310; CCD - South Classroom 142.
What kind of writing can I bring to the Center?
Our consultants are here to work with writers on any type of written work-scholorship applications, personal statements, resumes, engineering reports, critical essays, article reviews, creative writing, theses, statements of purpose, dissertations, senior projects, biology lab reports, grants and proposals, artist statements, public speaking outlines and graduate school applications. We encourage you to visit us during all stages of the writing process.
Do I need to make an appointment for a consultation?
We see writers on an appointment basis. Those with appointments have priority. To avoid a potential wait, you can make an appointment by stopping by or visiting our new online scheduling system.
How does a consultation in the Writing Center work?
When you arrive, you'll sit down at a table or computer with a Consultant who will assist you with your writing. In general, sessions are more productive when writers arrive with an idea of what they'd like to discuss, although Consultants are happy to identify areas they feel are of concern.
How long are sessions?
Appointments begin every hour, on the hour, and last approximately 50 minutes. Students are limited to 50 minutes per day and 100 minutes per week in the Writing Center.
Can you help me with my thesis or dissertation?
Absolutely. You should plan to visit us more than once for such a lengthy document.
Can I bring a take-home exam to the Center?
Yes, but only with prior consent of the instructor. You can have your instructor email us or call (303) 556-6534.
I'm working on my 1020 (or 2030) portfolio. How much help can I get in the Center?
We can assist you with any of your portfolio writing, including your self-reflective essay.
English is not my first language, and my instructor says I need to have my grammar checked. Can you help?
We can help. We are here to help you become a stronger, more effective writer, and the best way we can accomplish this is by making sure you understand various grammar issues and learn how to address those issues on your own. In the process, we can help you become more knowledgeable about how English grammar works and, therefore, more comfortable writing in English. Because we find writers learn best when we focus on only one or two issues in each consultation, you'll probably want to visit us often. We offer recurring, bi-weekly appointments for all English as a Second Language Learners. Please call (303) 556-4845.
What if I just have a quick question about my writing?
If you just have a brief question about a sentence or a citation, feel free to call us at (303) 556-4845. If all the consultants are busy, one will get back to you ASAP.
Can I request a particular consultant?
Absolutely. If you find a consultant you really connect with, you can set up future sessions with that specific consultant when you schedule your appointments.
