USF Sarasota-Manatee - Writing Resource Center

Do you want to improve your writing skills?  
The Writing Resource Center at USF Sarasota-Manatee can help!

What does the Writing Resource Center do?

The Writing Resource Center helps individual writers to think through their work, understand the writing process, and develop strategies for planning, drafting, and revising.

Do you edit or proofread?

No. Although we can help writers identify and address problems with grammar, punctuation, etc., we do not “fix” papers. Our purpose is to help writers learn to revise their own work, concentrating primarily on the higher order concerns of focus, development, organization, flow, and style. We give them tools to continue to develop their writing.

Can anyone use the Writing Resource Center services?

The Writing Resource Center is open to all students who are currently enrolled at USF Sarasota-Manatee. Students who are enrolled only at the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Lakeland campuses are encouraged to contact the Writing Resource Centers on those campuses. Dr. Valerie Lipscomb is happy to work with students of all levels, on any skills and on any type of writing.  In addition to teaching numerous university writing classes, she has many years of experience as a professional writer and editor. 

Good writers always can become better writers!
 

How do I get started?

You can request a meeting, or ask for help via e-mail.  Begin by e-mailing Dr. Valerie Lipscomb: writinghelp@sar.usf.edu    

You’re welcome to call the office at (941) 359-4718, but e-mail is checked more often.

If you are requesting help via e-mail, please include the following:

Please include the following:     

•             - ON THE SUBJECT LINE: “Writing Resource Center”
•             - Your specific questions
•             - Any work-in-progress
•             - The guidelines for the writing assignment
•             - Your name and university identification number
•             - Your phone number as well as your preferred e-mail address

You will receive a response as quickly as possible, generally within 48 hours.
 
If you prefer working together in person, e-mail a request for an appointment. We will arrange a consultation of about 30 minutes. Office hours in C258 vary from semester to semester, but appointments will be available at least 10 hours every week.  Please bring a copy of the instructor’s assignment (if applicable), as well as the writing-in-progress.  We can schedule regular appointments if you have ongoing concerns.

What can I expect during an appointment?

Context of the Writer:	Discuss writer's purpose for consulting the Writing Resource Center
Context of the Assignment:	Determine project guidelines
Higher Order Concerns:	Address concerns regarding focus, development, organization, flow and style.
Later Order Concerns:	Review style and conventions.
Planning:	Outline plan for completing assignment.

Can I drop by?

Walk-in help is possible in C258 if no appointments are scheduled. Fall 2009 office hours are Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. to noon, and Thursdays 10-11 a.m.
 

Should I just wait and see if my writing gets better?

No!  Take full advantage of the services that USF provides for you. Contact the Writing Resource Center today!