Who We Are and What We Do
The Writing Center works with the UNO and UNMC writing community to improve writing abilities, think critically, read productively, and communicate effectively.
The UNO Writing Center is not just a place; it is people: writers talking with writers about writing.
Established in 2005 through Programs of Excellence funding, the center evolved from vision to actuality through the efforts of Shelton Hendricks, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Michael Skau, former chair of the Department of English; and Connie Eberhart, the center’s first Director. Dorianne Richards directed the center from 2007 until her retirement in 2010, then Nora Bacon and Marsha Kruger directed it until 2013. The current Director is Travis Adams.
Writers Supporting Writers
- To offer collaborative and constructive writing assistance to all members of the UNO community
- To provide writers with tools and skills to become confident, effective communicators
- To foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive writing environment in the Writing Center, the campus, and the community
Services We Offer
Individual consultations
The center’s primary mission is to provide a place for writers to talk with writers about writing projects. Consultations with trained writing consultants last 30 or 60 minutes. During that time, the consultant will pose and answer questions, provide feedback, and coach writers through any stage of the writing process from brainstorming to final editing. Writing consultants can assist with:
- Deciding on a topic
- Generating ideas
- Focusing ideas
- Enhancing writing style
- Handling technical details of grammar, documentation, and format
- Understanding different forms of writing
- Becoming a more confident writer
Consultations for graduate students
The Office of Graduate Studies and a partnership with UNMC fund a limited number of graduate consultants on our staff. While these consultants have more experience consulting with MA/PhD level writing projects, all of our staff have been trained and are available to meet with graduate students and faculty. Graduate consultants are identified on our schedules with an * by their names.
Orientations
The Writing Center offers brief orientation presentations to individual classes, departments, or programs. These orientations provide basic information about Writing Center services. We also encourage instructors to share our orientation video directly with students.
Workshops
The Writing Center Director, Associate Director, and graduate consultants offer a variety of workshops on topics of interest to the university’s writing community. Presented at our central location in ASH 150 or in the classroom, presentation topics range from pre-writing strategies to documentation styles. To inquire about a workshop for your students, department, or program, contact Dr. Travis Adams at gtadams@unomaha.edu.
Locations
We have multiple locations on the UNO & UNMC campuses. Please visit our Writing Center Locations page for information on hours and availability.