Washington and Lee University
1. How is the CommCenter different from the W&L Writing Center?
While the Writing Center serves all W&L students, the CommCenter serves only students with projects for Williams School courses. The consultants who staff the CommCenter are professionals with extensive experience in writing, editing, and teaching college writing. They also have over 8 years of experience working with Williams School students.
2. Where, when, and how can students access the CommCenter?
Location: Huntley Hall 118
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, 6-10 PM, plus extra hours posted near end-of-term.
Students reserve an appointment through the online sign-up calendar at http://go.wlu.edu/commcenter/
3. Is the CommCenter for struggling writers and presenters only?
Absolutely not. Even good writers and speakers can improve. Since communication only succeeds when it reaches an audience, writers and speakers of all ability levels benefit from feedback from a professional consultant.
4. Why should students visit the CommCenter?
Help is available to individuals or groups at any stage of the creative process. With the CommCenter consultants, you can discuss your work and receive non-judgmental feedback. The consultants can help you to say what you have to say as well as you can, show you strategies for better revising and self-editing, and refer you to appropriate sources for help on matters that aren’t solved during the appointment. Plus, it’s free!
5. Will the CommCenter consultants proofread student papers?
No. The consultants do not supply wording or content, guarantee better grades, or serve as a last minute fix-it shop. All help given conforms to the W&L honor code.
6. What happens during a typical session at the CommCenter?
Students arrive with enough copies of their draft for everyone involved in the meeting. After describing the nature of the project, students read the paper aloud. Consultants and students stop along the way to ask questions and discuss the draft. Sessions vary depending on the needs of the student and the nature of the project and may cover any or all of the following areas:
7. Do instructors know whether students have been to the CommCenter?
CommCenter consultants send an emailed, non-evaluative report to the instructor about each consultation, summarizing what matters were discussed during the session.