Q: What will happen in a session
if I have a draft?
A: We'll ask you a few questions,
then ask you to read your paper aloud.
Q: Why?
A: Writers who read aloud are able
to hear much of what they'll want to revise in a paper. The more you can do
yourself, the better, we think.
Q: Then what?
A: The tutor will take notes on what
you've read, and afterwards you'll have a conversation. The issues we begin
with are the higher order concerns: have you met the requirements of the assignment,
do you have a thesis if you need one, do you have adequate support for your
arguments that are appropriate for your discipline? Then we look at grammar.
We have to physically look at the page to do that, and while we don't proofread,
we do help you to find patterns of error, if they exist.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment
at the writing center?
A: Bring your assignment. Bring your draft, if you have one, or notes, or just
good ideas or questions.
Q: Can I use the writing center for all my courses?
A: Yes. We work with students for all four undergraduate years, with graduate
students, with faculty members, and with Marquette staffers. We sometimes work
with alumni as well.
Q: Will you help with letters or personal statements for law and medical school?
A: Yes. The Career Services Center will work with you on your resume, and the Arts and Sciences Office of Preprofessional Studies will give you good ideas about personal statements as well.
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