What NOT to Do When informing students of the UWC
Don't impose UWC visits as a punishment.
Example: “Everyone with a C or lower should go to the UWC for extra help.”
If students sense that going to the writing center is a punishment then they may not come in with a positive attitude toward changes in their writing.
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Don't imply that the UWC only works with bad writers.
Discussing and revising papers is a normal part of the writing process, not simply something bad writers do. (Indeed, it’s something bad writers rarely do.) If the UWC is perceived to be remedial, many students will be reluctant to use this resource. Good students often tell us they know their writing can be improved, but they aren’t sure how. We want these students to know that the UWC is available to them.
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Don't forget to tell students that UWC uses an appointment system.
The best way for students to get help at the UWC is by making an appointment--this reserves a guaranteed slot at a certain day and time. During busy periods in the semester, we may be booked for a week or more in advance, so it's important that students plan ahead when they need to visit the UWC. Students without appointments can be seen as walk-ins, but they may wait an hour or longer before they are seen.
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Don't imply that the UWC will correct, edit, or proofread papers.
We place importance on global issues and try to help writers with issues such as organization, clarity, style, and error patterns. We do not correct or proofread papers.
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Don't send students with additional forms for UWC consultants to complete.
The UWC uses a Record of Consultation (RoC) form. This form has been designed to contain all of the pertinent information regarding a consultation, including time, date, and what was discussed. The student is given the top copy at the end of the consultation. You can ask for students to turn in a photocopy of their form with assignments to be assured that you will have a copy.
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Don't offer wide parameters for the timeframe of student visits.
Example: "You must visit the UWC twice during the semester."
In these cases, students will very often wait until the end of the semester to visit the writing center. They cannot benefit from visits without time to make revisions. We suggest that you send students to the writing center with a deadline. For example, ask that students to have their visit completed four days prior to the due date of the assignment. The RoC form will have the date and time of the student's visit.
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