The Writing Center
What We Do
The Writing Center exists to help members of the Spring Arbor University community grow as writers. In keeping with The Concept, we offer space for students to learn in community by engaging in conversations about all aspects of writing and critical thinking.
We fulfill this mission through one-on-one consultations with students, asynchronous email feedback, handouts and other resources to help students with specific questions.
Summer Hours
By Appointment Only
One-on-One Consultations
We aren’t a proofreading or editing service; rather, we want to work with you so that you can grow as a writer. When you come for an appointment, expect to engage in a rigorous conversation about your ideas and your writing. While our tutors hope that you walk out the door with a better piece of writing, they are more concerned that you leave a better writer.
Make an Appointment
You can see what hours he or she is available by choosing a name from the drop down menu at the top of the page. Click on the time you want, enter your contact information, and you’ll be ready to go. We look forward to talking with you about your writing.
We are located on the first floor of the White Library, just to the left of the main stairs.
Online Consultations
In order to serve the many SAU students in the Adult and Graduate/Online programs who aren’t able to come for a face-to-face writing consultation, we also offer online consultations (this service is not available to on-campus students). If you are a Adult and Graduate/Online or online student, simply email your essay or writing project as a Word Document to sauwritingcenter@arbor.edu.
In the body of your email, include a brief summary of your assignment and any questions or concerns you have. We will do our best to reply within one business day, and will return your document with comments that will suggest ways to strengthen your argument, clarify confusing sections, and identify and correct repeated errors. If needed, you can follow up with your tutor through a phone call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of writing can I bring to the Writing Center?
We will work with you on writing projects from any context, such as class essays, resumes, graduate school applications, scholarship applications, presentations
Should I wait to come until I have written a complete draft?
You can bring in your writing for help with any stage in the process: brainstorming, outlining, thesis development, organization, introductions and conclusions, revising, grammar.
Please come no less than 24 hours before your essay is due. Because our tutors will discuss not only your essay’s grammar and formatting, but also its thesis, organization, and ideas, you will need this time to make revisions to your essay before you turn it into your professor.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Besides your enthusiasm and a desire to improve your writing, bringing the following will make for a more productive conversation:
- A hard copy of your essay
- The assignment information from your professor and any other details about his or her expectations such as a rubric or sample essay.
Do I need to make an appointment?
While appointments are not required, we get quite busy at certain points during the semester, so making an appointment will ensure that you don’t have to wait for a consultant. You can make an appointment via our online calendar or by contacting Amber Hollowood, either by calling her at 517.750.6481, ext. 1481, or emailing her at amber.hollowood@arbor.edu.