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USF Sarasota-Manatee HOME > Learning Resource Center

What does the Writing Resource Center do?

The Writing Resource Center helps writers to think through their work and develop strategies for planning, drafting, and revising. We work with writers across the curriculum, from all levels of writing, and on any type of writing.

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.

How do I get started? Can I come regularly?

We begin with an in-person consultation of about 30 minutes, and it is possible to work together via email as well. It would be beneficial to bring to the consultation a copy of the instructor’s assignment (if applicable), as well as the writing-in-progress.  We can work regularly with writers who have ongoing concerns.

Contact Dr. Valerie Lipscomb by email (lipscomb@sar.usf.edu or writinghelp@sar.usf.edu) and we will arrange an appointment time. You’re also welcome to call (941) 359-4718, but email is checked more often. Regular office hours in C258 are from 9:30-10:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, but appointments will be available at least 10 hours every week.

Can I just drop by?

Walk-in help is possible if no appointments are scheduled, but an appointment tends to be more productive. 

What can I expect during our appointment?

Context of the Writer:

Discuss writer's purpose for visiting 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.

 

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Direct questions or comments about the Web site to leahwilliams@sar.usf.edu