Instructors are invited
to request Writing Center workshops. Workshops are an excellent way to introduce students to specialized topics in writing and give students a chance to practice on a specialized area of writing. Workshops are taught by a writing center tutor with
specialized training. If you do not see a workshop that you need for your students, you can request a custom workshop through our online request form.
To request a group workshop, use this online request form. We will process your request and confirm the date and time with you within two
business days.
The Writing Center also offers students the opportunity to attend Wednesday Workshops, which are workshops open to all students on campus and are held on Wednesdays throughout the semester at 7:00 p.m. in Eicher Hall.
Here is the current schedule of Wednesday
Workshops available.
All workshops take place in the Writing Center (218 Eicher Hall) and last about 50 minutes.
Undergraduate Workshops
Introduction to the Writing Center
This workshop shows how tutors can help students with their writing. It explores some of the writing skills students can build upon in college and demonstrates how tutors can help writers work on those skills. It’s also a great way for students to meet
tutors and see everything the Writing Center has to offer them.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in ENGL 100 or 101
Introduction to the Online Writing Center
This workshop shows students how to book an appointment and meet a tutor online through the Online Writing Center. Students will see how the Online Writing Center functions live and in real time to connect students with tutors from anywhere in the world.
Approximate time: 30 minutes
Ideal for students in any class
Communicating with Professors
Students often wonder how to approach their professors and what sort of style to use when they e-mail, write a note, or speak in person. Formal? Casual? Polite? Direct? Urgent? Even brief communications require decisions about appropriate style. This
workshop covers do’s, don’ts, and tips for polite, professional, and effective communication with professors.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in ENGL 100 or 101
Writing Professional Memos and E-mail
Students entering many professions will need to learn the basics of crafting a professional internal memo and using e-mail effectively. This workshop demonstrates the basic structure of memos and e-mail messages and shares strategies for writing both
in a professional work environment.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in any class
Using Transitions for Smooth Writing
Scientist and author Isaac Asimov once said, “Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” This workshop has nothing to do with life or death, but it does deal with troublesome transitions, especially those that require
smooth connections between ideas.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in ENGL 100, 101, 202 or any class
Proofreading
This workshop helps students build the kinds of careful reading skills that are needed to proofread their papers, including reading slowly, using A Writer’s Reference, and following rules of thumb.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in any class
Word: Beyond the Basics
Most people use only a fraction of the many useful features in MS Word. This workshop focuses on features that are easily overlooked or hard to find, such as renumbering pages, hanging indents, modifying internal margins, and inserting a table, chart,
or table of contents.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in any class
Peer Review
In this workshop, students learn the concepts and practices of effective peer review. They will see examples of constructive and non-constructive feedback and learn why it’s not helpful to correct every mistake in a paper or to give only positive feedback.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students ENGL 100, 101, or any class
Google Scholar
Google Scholar is a powerful tool that students can use for intelligent searching of information on the Web. In this workshop, students learn to use Google Scholar to search academic literature and locate full-text articles.
Approximate Time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in ENGL 202
MLA Documentation
This workshop introduces the MLA documentation style (8th edition), including how to quote and summarize from an original source. It’s a hands-on workshop in which students see examples and do exercises. Topics include citing within the text,
using signal phrases, creating the Works Cited page, and documenting online sources.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in ENGL 202
APA Documentation
In this workshop, students are introduced to the APA documentation style (6th edition), including how to quote and summarize from an original source. It’s a hands-on workshop in which students see examples and do exercises on their computers.
Topics include citing within the text, using signal phrases, creating the References page, and documenting online sources.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in ENGL 202
Hearing Voices
Incorporating source material in one's writing requires multiple rhetorical moves. This innovative workshop illustrates the ways in which these moves work like a conversation between “speakers” with different “voices.” Students are asked to identify the
voices in a text, and are invited to compose a piece of writing that incorporates their own voice with the voice of a source.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in ENGL 100, 101, or 202
DIY Resumes
Most students will need a resume at some point during or after their college years, and they can learn new features in MS Word that will make their resume distinctive. Students can get started on one during this workshop, or polish up one they've already
written.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in any class
DIY Personal Statements
Personal statements are an important component of applying to jobs, internships, or graduate schools. This workshop will help students plan and write a draft of a personal statement.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in any class
Organizing and Writing Scientific Research Papers: Introductions and Literature Reviews
This workshop is designed for students who have to write a scientific research paper or report in the social sciences, sciences, or in the professions (examples in the workshop can be tailored for specific disciplinary needs). The workshop focuses on
how to structure a scientific paper, the different parts of the paper, how to engage with the literature of the field (beyond summary), making rhetorical choices based on purpose and goals, and strategies for source use and synthesis.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for advanced undergraduates or graduate students
Creating an Effective PowerPoint
This workshop introduces students to how to create a rhetorically effective PowerPoint, including elements of audience, graphics, and design.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for students in any undergraduate class
“No Workshop”
Would you like to reserve our computer lab to teach your class or conference with your students while the class works on computers? Simply request a “No Workshop” workshop!
Graduate Level Workshops
Introduction to the Writing Center and Graduate Editing Service
This workshop offers information for graduate students on the Writing Center and Graduate editing service. Typically, we pair this workshop with other content (see below).
Approximate time: 20 minutes
Ideal for graduate students who will need to complete a thesis or dissertation.
Writing a Literature Review and Appropriate Citation Strategies
This workshop helps students understand the value of a literature review and offers strategies for how to effectively write one at the graduate level. It covers structuring a literature review, reading strategies, writing strategies, synthesis, and appropriate
citation strategies. We will tailor this workshop to your student and disciplinary needs.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for all graduate students.
Common Challenges in Graduate Student Writing
This workshop covers five common challenges that graduate student writers face in their writing, particularly as they are transitioning from earlier degree programs. These challenges include: emotional management and self-efficacy, time management and
goal setting, appropriate source use, avoiding unclear and unprecise language and overcoming verbosity, and using appropriate organizational strategies.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for all graduate students.
Completing Your Dissertation Successfully
This workshop offers graduate students strategies for successfully writing a thesis or dissertation, focusing in several areas: time management and handling feedback. The workshop offers research-supported strategies for time management, goal setting,
and creating space for writing to help you successfully create time for writing. The workshop also covers how to manage feedback from your advisor and committee members and strategies for engaging in extensive revisions on your thesis or dissertation.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for all graduate students preparing to write a thesis or dissertation and/or in the process of writing.
Avoiding Plagiarism for Graduate Writers
This workshop introduces graduate writers of any level in how to avoid plagiarism in their writing, both in graduate coursework and at the dissertation and thesis stage. The workshop will cover cultural expectations, reading and citation strategies, managing
large numbers of sources, and self-citation. The workshop will also cover how to understand and work with the iThenticate program, which is used by the graduate school prior to submission of your thesis or dissertation. Finally, this workshop will
also introduce the Jones White Writing Center’s graduate editing service.
Approximate time: 50 minutes
Ideal for all graduate students.
"No Workshop"
Would you like to reserve our computer lab to teach your class or conference with your students while the class works on computers? Simply request a “No Workshop” workshop!