EIU Writing Center

For Students

We are open to help any student from any major at any stage of his or her writing process. Our system of one-to-one consulting sessions demonstrates our value and respect for individual writers, all of whom can benefit from feedback about their works in progress.

What to Bring to a Writing Conference

When you come for a conference in the writing center, be sure to bring these items:

• The instructor's writing assignment or writing prompt
• A printed copy of the paper or your laptop or a flash drive with your work in progress on it
• Questions and ideas

What You Can Expect in a Writing Conference

During a one-on-one conference, here is what you should expect during the session:

• We will offer a stress-free and open environment whatever your major or class level, at any stage of the writing process
• The conference will promote thinking about your documents-in-progress from a reader's perspective
• Consultants will ask questions that prompt you to think about how to refine and support your ideas
• Consultants will suggest strategies to help you efficiently and effectively revise and edit your own work

Why You Should Come in Early for Your Writing Conference

Even though your writing project might not be due for a while, it's best to come in early for these reasons:

• If you come in early with your writing assignment and ideas, our consultants can help you understand and analyze the writing assignment
• If you come in early, we can help you brainstorm ideas
• If you schedule an appointment early, your conference with a writing center assistant can act as a mini-deadline to keep you on task and motivated
• If you come in early, you can assure yourself a spot in the Writing Center's busy schedule (this is especially important during peak times, such as mid-term and near the end of the semester).