RESOURCES
The Writing Centre
Introduction
The FLAME University Writing Centre is based on a simple pedagogical insight: that academic learning is for people, and not vice versa. University assignments are not (and should not be allowed to become) an obstacle course, but properly understood, they are the context in which students discover their intellectual lives. Moreover, since the crucial step in intellectual growth is writing, this is where University students truly find themselves, and each other: in and through their writing.
Our Writing Centre offers the student community an arena in which to engage with itself, in intellectually empowering ways. Any student can make an appointment, to discuss a writing assignment with our undergraduate peer tutors. These consultations are holistic, helping students not only to excel in curricular terms, but to take a step forward in their personal intellectual growth. All this occurs in the proper environment for writing: i.e., communication, first and foremost, with one's (engaged, but not expert) peers.
Key Questions:
If I'm a student doing a research paper, how will consulting at the Writing Centre add to what I already know from my classes with faculty?
It’s one thing (and indispensable) to be taught a subject, including the subject of academic writing, as happens in the classroom. But it is another to take ownership of teachings. This is what intellectual growth is ultimately about, and what good and original writing involves. However, it doesn’t come easily. Everyone who thinks and writes has personal ‘demons’ to defeat, as well as personal triumphs to take hold of. Therefore, the Writing Centre provides a personal process of consultations, so that you, the writer, can keep finding your voice, and discovering more and more about what makes you tick.
Can I visit the Writing Centre for my extra-curricular (non-University) writing?
Generally speaking, the Centre’s consultation hours are for working with University writing assignments alone.
But all kinds of writing are important to us, and a sound writing process spans all kinds of genres. Hence, the Writing Centre aims to promote a campus-wide culture of writing, via retreats, workshops and other events.
Can I come for a consultation even before I start writing?
Yes. Consultations can be beneficial at any stage of the writing process- including the planning/dreaming/thinking that ideally occurs before anything is written.
Can I get my drafts edited and proof-read at the Writing Centre?
The Writing Centre cannot edit and proof-read assignments, in a thorough way. However, we will point out patterns of mistakes, and suggest ways for the writer to resolve these issues at their root. The empowerment of the writer is the Centre's pedagogical goal, as opposed to providing band-aid fixes.
How do I set up a consultation at the Writing Centre?
There are two ways. You can click on the chat button on the right to begin a live-chat with one of us. This way, you can consult online and also fix up an in-person consultation asap.
Alternatively, or when we're offline, you can request an appointment at a time and day of your choosing, by clicking on the 'Request an appointment' button in the menu, or clicking on this appointments form. Your appointment will then be confirmed within eight hours, depending on availability.
Once an appointment is set up, please do not cancel unless absolutely necessary; give your writing the priority it deserves. In any case, cancellations (by email only) will not be permitted within six hours of the appointment time. You'll then be marked a no-show. Repeated no-shows will render a student ineligible to consult at the Writing Centre.
Who can I speak to and where can I ask if I have more questions?
Contact us anytime at
Venue
The Writing Centre consultations will take place within the Collaborative Space, on the third floor of the Chandragupta building, at the top of the Academic Spine.
Policy Note for Faculty
1. Writing Centre services complement the teaching process. We request your support in encouraging your students to consult at the Centre, regarding any assignments you give them. As you know, such consultations are beneficial for writers at all levels of proficiency, for the 'strong' and also for the 'weak.'
2. Our goal is to empower the student, especially so that they overcome anxieties as to judgment. In this regard, our experience has shown that making appointments mandatory or linking them with extra credit- even with the worthiest of intentions- tends to be perceived as burdensome. Therefore, we no longer advocate mandatory or credit-linked sessions at the Writing Centre. Further, Writing Centre sessions will remain confidential, at the option of the student.
3. Please feel free to ask the Writing Centre to conduct group sessions related to any type of writing (eg., response papers, book reviews) or writing process, for your class. We will be happy to do so. You can contact us on email, phone, or chat.