For grad students
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Graduate papers may present new challenges–more length, more resources, more standards to follow, and more demands for correctness and creativity. Maybe you’re working full time, are commuting, or have been out of school for a while, or are new to Valpo. Our range of consulting options and staff can help you meet these challenges. In fact, last year nearly 100 consultations were with grad students. We welcome you to the pleasure of working with someone on your writing projects. LOCATION: First floor of the Christopher Center.
What we do
We ask questions, help interpret your assignment and the citation styles, and guide your editing and proofreading. We do not edit or proofread. We can not mark every error. We can help you meet standards expected at Valpo. Most appointments are a half an hour to an hour, for graduate students.
In-person consultations, online consultations, IM consultation, and phone calls
Each meeting style has its advantages, but for your first meeting, it would be nice to meet you in person. An online submission allows your consultant to write a thorough analysis, but does not allow for discussion or questions. Online consultation does not work well if you are still learning English. IM consultation or phone calls work are good for questions, companionship, or encouragement!
Long papers
Consultants can usually respond to 10 pages in a consultation. For longer papers, plan several sessions, over a day or two. Alert the Writing Center that you plan to drop off or mail a long paper before an appointment. That way the consultant may be prepared ahead. For papers of 20 or more pages, consultations may be limited to analysis of the first 10 pages, a few in the middle, and the conclusion. This will allow you and the consultant to identify organizational problems and errors (punctuation, citation, usage) that may be occurring in the whole paper.
Our staff–Writing Consultants and Graduate Tutoring Services
Our staff of writing consultants has undergraduates and graduate students from several majors and university programs and a professional director who will meet with you. You may sign up with any staff member. Because of their training and experience with writing, the all the consultants are well qualified for most assignments.
The Graduate Tutoring Service is designed for grad students who need extensive help in English language skills or for grad students who are looking for someone familiar with a particular class.
International student advice
We encourage you to come in often and take advantage of other conversation and writing workshops we offer. The more you speak, the better your writing of English will become. Please plan ahead so that you and the consultant only look at a few pages during an appointment.
If you are just beginning your graduate program and need a lot of help with English, you should work with the Graduate Tutoring Services.
Preparing for your appointment
- Plan ahead; plan for several appointments.
- Bring your assignment and other materials the prof. has distributed.
- Think of specific questions you have about the assignment and the text you have written.
- Let us know if we’re not providing the help you need!