University of Nebraska at Omaha
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frequently asked questions.
What is the UNO Writing Center?
When is the Writing Center open?
Where is the Writing Center located?
Who can visit the UNO Writing Center?
Why should I use the Writing Center?
When should I meet with a writing consultant?
Who are the writing consultants?
How does an individual consultation work?
Why won't a consultant edit my paper for me?
How many appointments may I make?
How can I make an appointment?
Will the Writing Center help with collaboratively written papers?
What is the UNO Writing Center?
The Writing Center is a place where you can meet with a trained writing consultant to talk about any university-related writing project. Your consultant will answer questions, provide feedback, and coach you through any stage of your writing process from brainstorming to final editing.
When is the Writing Center open?
The Writing Center Web site’s home page displays this semester’s hours of operation for all three locations - in ASH 150, in Mammel Hall, and in the library.
Where is the Writing Center located?
Our main location is on the first floor of Arts and Sciences Building, Room 150. The Pacific Street satellite is in Mammel Hall, room 134K, and walk-in service is available in Criss Library near the Reference desk.
Who can visit the UNO Writing Center?
UNO students, faculty, and staff from any department on campus are welcome to use the Writing Center free of charge. Writers at any skill level or any stage of the writing process can use the center.
Why should I use the Writing Center?
Talking to another writer about your writing can be valuable at any stage of the writing process whether you are starting to gather ideas or nearly finished with a final draft. The center’s writing consultants can help you in any of the following areas:
o Deciding on a topic
o Generating ideas
o Focusing your ideas
o Organizing your ideas
o Improving your grammar and your writing style
o Handling technical details of documentation and format
o Overcoming writer’s block
o Understanding different forms of writing
o Becoming a more confident, comfortable writer
When should I meet with a writing consultant?
Plan to meet with a consultant well before your assignment is due, so you will have time to incorporate changes you discuss with your writing consultant. If you have a quick question, you can also visit the consultant at our UNO Criss Library satellite location. No appointment is necessary, but please limit your library satellite visits to 15-20 minutes if other writers are waiting.
Who are the writing consultants?
The writing consultants are graduate teaching assistants and instructors in the English Department. They undergo extensive training to work with students’ writing in various academic disciplines. To learn more about our writing consultants, including their areas of expertise in writing, see About Us.
How does an individual consultation work?
o You must arrive at the Writing Center (ASH 150) at least 5 minutes before your appointment time so you can log in to our computer system.
o Bring a copy of your writing assignment and your draft (even if it is just a page of notes or doodles at this point). Also bring a list of questions you have about the assignment or draft.
o After greeting you and spending a few minutes getting acquainted, your writing consultant will want to know what you are working on and what goals you have for the session.
o Each consultation session lasts 25 minutes. It is based on your requests for help, so plan to be an active participant. Take notes during the session.
o The center’s consultants will NOT edit your paper for you, so please do not come to a session with that expectation.
Why won't a consultant edit my paper for me?
Our goal is to make you a self-sufficient editor of your own writing, and doing the work for you will not achieve that goal. Instead, we will help you identify errors in your writing and help you learn ways to avoid those errors.
How long is a consultation, and how many appointments may I make?
The usual consultation is 25 minutes, but if you have a very long or complex paper, you may want to schedule an hour appointment. You may make up to two hour-long appointments or four 25-minute appointments each week, up to one hour per day.
How can I make an appointment?
You are welcome to drop in at the Writing Center’s main location (ASH 150) any time you need writing help; however, it’s wise to make an appointment when possible.
To make an appointment, click on the Make an Appointment button, read through the Writing Center’s basic policies, then schedule an appointment.
Will the Writing Center help with collaboratively written papers?
Writing Center consultants are happy to work with students on group projects. We will work with you on sections of the paper that you crafted. If you want feedback on the whole paper, the whole group should participate in the consultation.