By Beth Przybylski
Writing assignments can feel overwhelming, but University of Louisville students do not have to complete them alone. The University Writing Center in Ekstrom Library provides feedback and guidance to writers at every experience level and during any stage of the writing process.
They serve the entire U of L community, including students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and staff. According to Annmarie Steffes, associate director of the University Writing Center, they believe everyone can improve as a writer.
“We really believe that writing at all levels benefits from revision and feedback, regardless of your experience level,” Steffes said.
Consultants help all
Students can bring any project that includes writing. The center assists with course essays, but consultants also help with speeches and digital projects by focusing on their written components.
Students may receive assistance with scholarship essays, resumes, cover letters and personal statements. Graduate students can bring journal articles, theses, dissertations and grant applications.
The center also assists with writing completed outside the classroom.
“Any kind of writing you’re doing can be brought to the Writing Center—creative writing, personal websites, anything that you’re working on,” Steffes said.
The Writing Center offers in-person appointments in Room 132 of Ekstrom Library and two online options. Students can meet with a consultant through Microsoft Teams or request written feedback.
Students should bring any work they have completed, even if it consists only of notes, an outline or visual map. Steffes also recommends bringing the assignment instructions, grading rubric, cited sources and instructor feedback.
During a 50-minute consultation, the consultant first learns about the writer, assignment and areas of concern. They may read portions aloud, discuss confusing passages and develop revisions. The session concludes with a plan the writer can follow after leaving.
Consultations focus on collaboration instead of simply correcting a student’s work.
“We don’t just sit and correct the paper silently next to the writer,” said Steffes. “We really are just kind of a safe, inclusive and judgment-free space.”
Visiting the Writing Center made Millie Jones, an undergraduate student, feel more confident about her work.
“The Writing Center helped me organize my ideas and feel more confident about my paper,” said Jones. “The consultant answered my questions and gave me useful suggestions for revising my work.”
Consultants often assist students who are encountering unfamiliar assignments. Other common concerns include grammar, formatting and plagiarism. However, consultants take a broader look at each project and may identify needs that a student did not initially recognize.
Workshops and writing groups often meet in this cozy space within the Writing Center. (Photo by Beth Przybylski / The Louisville Cardinal)
Writers connect
The center offers workshops and writing groups as well. Programs change each semester and may be organized with campus partners. A creative writing group meets Mondays at 4 p.m. and is open to students, faculty and staff. Topics include publishing, new genres and advanced creative writing.
Graduate students can attend Mug Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. The program provides a shared writing space, free coffee and opportunities to meet other graduate writers.
The Graduate Fellows Program offers semester-long mentorship to students completing substantial projects, such as dissertation chapters or articles for publication.
Students can schedule an appointment anytime through the Writing Center’s website at https://louisville.edu/writingcenter/.
Feature Photo by Beth Przybylski / The Louisville Cardinal
