Writing Center

Location

Online & In-Person(GSSC 112)

The TLS Writing Center exists to provide TAMUCC community members with the support they need to become confident and independent as writers. We do this in several ways.

One-on-One Consultations: Q&A

Will you edit my paper?

Our goal is to help you become a better writer. Editing works against that goal because it allows somebody else to control your words. We want your voice to be heard. It’s important to us that you own your writing, so we are not allowed to edit.

We do help you learn how to edit. We can find patterns of errors in your writing and teach you how to identify and correct those errors on your own. More importantly, we ask questions about content, organization, and other high-level concerns. When you learn how to ask those questions about your own writing (which you can begin to do after just one session), you will be a better writer; you won’t need us to edit your paper.

So, how does a one-on-one consultation work? 

When you visit the Writing Center, our staff will greet you and ask you to sign in on our sign-in computer. If you’re early, we have a waiting area with comfy couches and plenty of magazines. When it’s time, your consultant will invite you to sit down next to them at a table.

Consultations last for 45 minutes, and you’re in charge the whole time. The consultant will ask what you’re working on and may ask to see your assignment. Then, you and the consultant will talk about your goals for the session. For example, you can say that you’d like to work on organization or that you want a stronger thesis. If you don’t know what you need to work on, that’s fine too!

The consultant will then ask you to begin reading your paper aloud (or offer to do it for you). This may seem strange at first, but reading out loud is one of the best ways to double-check your writing. Writers often improve their papers without our help because it’s easier for them to hear and see problems when they read out loud.

 Again, you decide where the session goes.

 For example, we CAN help you:

• brainstorm ideas
• outline your paper
• organize your argument
• use the clearest language possible
• check your technical style (APA/MLA/Chicago)
• identify and correct grammatical errors and look for patterns
• revise your own paper
• edit, format, and proofread your own paper

 But for various reasons, we CANNOT:

• edit or proofread for you
• write on your paper (especially not with a big red pen)
• tell you what to write
• find all of your mistakes for you
• interpret assignments
• predict your grade

 At the end of your session, you and the consultant will summarize what you’ve covered and then plan the next steps of your writing process. Feel free to stay in the Writing Center and work. When you leave, don’t forget to sign out!

What do I need to bring?

If you have an assignment or a prompt, bring it. If you have a draft — even a partial draft — bring it. Otherwise, just bring your ideas for what you want to write, and your consultant can help you plan the next step. 

Is a digital copy okay?

Yes! In fact, many students like to make changes to their paper during their consultations. If you can pull it up online, you can use one of our computers. We have both Macs and PCs. You’re also welcome to bring your own laptop.

What about other types of writing? Résumés? Applications? Short stories?

Yes! The Writing Center helps writers with ANY type of writing of ANY length, from a sentence to a dissertation.

How do I cancel an appointment?

Login to the appointment system and click on the orange square that corresponds with your appointment. You will see a form. At the bottom of the form, click “Cancel This Appointment.”

Do you accept walk-ins?

No. All services are offered to our students through appointments. If you walk into the Writing Center seeking help, you will be asked whether you have an appointment or not. If you do, you will see the consultant at your appointed time. If you do not have an appointment, the Office Assistant will help you in setting appointment with our consultants.

How often can I use the Writing Center’s services?

You are allowed to make three appointments per week, one appointment per consultant per day. 

These limits are intended to ensure that you maintain ownership of your work and that everyone has equal access to our services.

Will you guarantee an error-free paper?

Writing is a process, and as such, we work with writers at their point of need to help address error patterns.  We can go through and look for patterns of error and teach /model how to correct these errors. We will then ask the writer to go through the next section of the paper and make revisions to these patterns along with us. From there, we will move on to the next issue of concern once the writer has demonstrated understanding. There may be more text to address, and most writers will self-correct as we go through the remainder of the text; this, though, does not guarantee an error-free paper.  Writers may choose to not make revisions to the remainder of the text or they may decide not to take our suggestions.  Ultimately, this is the choice of the writer. We will make suggestions, work with error patterns, have the writer demonstrate revision to those error patterns to check for understanding, and move on to the next issue of concern, asking the writer to finish making those changes to the remainder of the text. 

Can you help with group projects?

Group projects are wonderful learning experiences and are welcomed! As it is the mission of the Writing Center to teach the writer how to revise and edit their own paper, it is important that all members of the group attend a group session so we can work with each writer.  If all members are not able to make it to a session, then we will be more than happy to work with the portion of writing of the members who are present. Another option is to have each group member make an appointment for their section of the project (their writing). Groups who come in together have found sessions more helpful because each writer is present and is able to explain rhetorical choices, meaning, and sources.  If you have questions regarding group projects, please give us a call!

Can I just use your computers, reference books, etc.?

Absolutely! Just sign in when you arrive and make yourself at home.

Informative and Interactive Writing Workshops

The TLS Writing Center offers informative and interactive workshops for classes on a variety of writing topics. These workshops can be facilitated in the Writing Center (GSSC 112) for up to 50 students, or Writing Consultants can facilitate the workshop in your classroom.

Please contact WritingCenter@tamucc.edu to request a workshop.

Orientation to Writing Center Services 10 minutes
This brief workshop introduces students to the services and resources offered by the TLS Writing Center. We recommend this introductory workshop to all classes as a simple way to introduce students to the services we offer as well as the Writing Consultants who staff our center. This workshop is most effectively delivered in your classroom. 

Introduction to APA 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the basics of APA style, formatting, and documentation. It focuses on the most basic elements of APA style: formatting a document, writing an abstract, organizing with headings, creating references, and citing sources within the text. The workshop is both informative and interactive, as it invites students to apply what they are learning about APA through guided practice with Writing Consultants. 

Introduction to MLA 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the basics of MLA style, formatting, and documentation. It focuses on the most basic elements of MLA style: formatting a document, creating a list of works cited, and citing sources within the text. The workshop is both informative and interactive, as it invites students to apply what they are learning about MLA through guided practice with Writing Consultants. 

Strategies for Effective Revision and Peer Review 50 minutes
This workshop introduces students to the concepts of revision and peer review by defining these terms, emphasizing their value in the writing process, and offering suggestions for providing and receiving effective feedback. Following the workshop, students are asked to switch papers with a peer and engage in the peer review process. 

Integrating Sources/Evidence (APA or MLA) 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the importance of using sources effectively and correctly within their writing. The workshop introduces students to the purpose of using sources in academic writing as well as how to use credible sources within their own writing. It explains the difference between integrating a paraphrase and a quotation, and it additionally offers students strategies for effectively integrating sources in their own writing. At the conclusion of the workshop, students are asked to apply what they have learned in their own writing. 

Introduction to Scientific Writing 30 minutes
This workshop is designed to introduce students to the purpose and general conventions of scientific writing. It focuses on the use of concise language, active vs. passive voice, verb tense, and the general structure (IMRAD) of a scientific paper. The workshop can also include a section on a specific documentation style (i.e. APA, JEB, IEEE). 

Writing an Abstract and a Conclusion/Discussion 30 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to discuss requirements and provide strategies for composing an abstract and a conclusion/discussion in scientific writing. Following the workshop, students are encouraged to switch drafts with a peer and offer feedback on their abstract and conclusion/discussion. 

Plagiarism and the Misuse of Sources 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to define what plagiarism is and provide examples of different types of plagiarism. The workshop provides strategies for effectively quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material as well as correctly citing material in a required documentation style. 

Strategies for Successful College-Level Writing 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce first-year students to the resources available to them at the CASA Writing Center. The workshop briefly discusses the expectations of college-level writing, offers tips for approaching and managing writing projects, and explores elements of the writing process. 

Strategies for Research Writing 50 minutes
As a general introduction to the research process, this workshop focuses on finding a topic, conducting research, documenting source information, annotating sources, and beginning the writing process. This workshop is most effectively facilitated in the classroom or computer lab to allow computer-access for each student. 

Annotated Bibliography (APA or MLA) 30 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to provide strategies for composing and formatting an annotated bibliography. It emphasizes the importance of drafting and revising annotations and encourages students to compose their annotated bibliography according to instructor expectations. This workshop is available in APA or MLA. 

Composing a Literature Review 30 minutes
This workshop emphasizes the importance of the literature review, reveals its purpose as a piece of writing or as a section of larger work, and offers strategies for researching, organizing, and discussing sources. During the workshop, students are provided with a research matrix template and given the opportunity to apply their own research. 

Strategies for Extended Writing Projects 50 minutes
This workshop is designed for students who are working on an extended writing project, such as a thesis, dissertation, and/or published article or chapter. It offers suggestions for planning, composing, revising, and staying motivated. 

Conducting Ethnographic Research 50 minutes
Designed to introduce students to ethnographic research methods, this workshop breaks these methods down to their most basic elements: selecting a location, fieldwork – observation and data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The workshop also offers various models and examples to help students understand how ethnographic research methods are incorporated into popular representations of communities. 

Multimodal Projects 30 minutes
This workshop introduces students to what a multimodal presentation is and shows them some available software options. The workshop focuses on elements of visual rhetoric and emphasizes the importance of professionalism and style in creating a multimodal presentation. 

Poster Presentations 30 minutes
This workshop shows students how to transfer their research into a professional poster presentation. It introduces students to the general expectations of professional posters, such as font, images, layout, and citing sources. Following the workshop, students are provided with a template to design and draft their own poster. 

Composing Your Résumé 30 minutes
This workshop introduces students to the options available to them when composing their résumé. Writing Consultants guide students through formatting options and provide strategies for composing sections of a résumé. The workshop includes various samples of résumés as well as general guidelines for students. Following the workshop, students are encouraged to work on drafts of their résumés while Writing Consultants answer questions and offer feedback. 

Composing Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) 30 minutes
This workshop introduces students to the major elements of a curriculum vitae (CV). Although there is not a universal CV format, we offer students general guidelines to follow when composing this document. The workshop focuses on the most common categories listed in a CV and includes samples of CVs from different disciplines. Following the informative workshop, students will be given the opportunity to work on their own CV as Writing Consultants answer questions and offer feedback.

Dr. Rita Sperry - Director of College Readiness and Academic Support

Andres L. Garcia - Assistant Director, Tutoring & Learning Services

Sarah Pons - Writing Center Coordinator

B.A. in Studio Art; M.A. in Art History

Sarah has a B.A. in Studio Art and an M.A. in Art History. In addition to the writing center at TAMUCC, Sarah also works at the Stone Writing Center at Del Mar College. She has partaken in several major writing projects in both her undergrad and grad years with an emphasis in research, interpretation and argumentative theory. Sarah is a two-time published writer under the McNair Scholar’s Program, where she conducted research in her field of art history. Her favorite genre in which to write is creative non-fiction and has applied such a style to much of her academic writing. In her free time, Sarah loves to write poetry, paint with acrylics and oils, and spend quality time with her cat-child. 

Naomi (Lead Consultant)

A.A. in Business Administration (Del Mar College, 2021) 

B.B.A. in Management (Expected Graduation Date: December 2023) 

Naomi Cradoct is a senior at TAMUCC in the Business Management program. After graduation, she hopes to attend Del Mar College’s Pastry Arts program and eventually open a custom cakes business. Naomi specializes in technical writing, grammar, APA formatting, APA reference pages, APA in-text citations, and research essays. Her hobbies include baking, cooking, reading, crocheting, and listening to music. 

Ahn

Emily

B.A in Psychology (EGD: May 2024)

Specialties: APA formatting

Emily is currently working towards a B.A in psychology with a sociology minor. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she wants to pursue a M.S in clinical mental health counseling to be a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Outside of academic writing, Emily also enjoys embroidery, painting, and video games (especially The Legend of Zelda franchise). What she likes to do in Corpus Christi is getting drinks from Creature’s Coffee and attending First Friday ArtWalk. 

Ian

B.A. in Psychology (in progress)

Specialties: liberal arts papers (psychology, history, political science), introductory science papers (environmental science)

Ian is currently pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Pre-Law, and has a strong passion for learning and creativity.  

Some of his writing specialties include liberal arts papers, particularly in subjects such as Psychology, History, and Political Science. He also has experience in Environmental Science and creative writing.  

Ian plays piano and percussion, and he played marimba in marching band while in high school. He has a love for writing music and also enjoys other outlets such as photography, videography, and architecture. Some of Ian’s favorite shows include Frasier and King of the Hill, both of which he has seen nearly every episode...

Manuel

B.A. in English, M.A. in English

Specialties: formatting, essays, critical thinking, theory

I prefer not to be called Manny. I have been a writing consultant for three years. I am also an adjunct professor for writing and rhetoric. The heaviness of Slipknot soothes my migraines, Metallica calms me down, and Ghost speaks to my mind. I love watching The Office, Schitt's Creek, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. I am a great writer and theorist. 

Trisha

B.A. in English, pursuing M.A. in English

Specialties: Technical writing; history and literature papers; Chicago style; scripts; presentations

Trisha is currently pursuing an M.A. in English and plans on becoming a literature professor in
the future. In addition to the specialties listed above, she enjoys helping in documentation and
formatting; particularly MLA, APA, and Chicago (notes and bibliography). In her free time, she
enjoys playing video games (especially strategy, RPGs, and mystery ones), reading, and
running.

Valeria

I am Valeria and I am seeking my bachelor’s in Information Systems. 

My side of expertise is brainstorming, presentations, formatting, and business papers. 

I am planning on graduating in Fall 2024 and start my master’s degree in Information Systems as well. After studying I would like to go to Australia and work in one of the most successful cybersecurity companies. I play for the Women’s Tennis team, where my teammates and I compete for TAMUCC in the Southland Conference. I started working in the Writing Center summer this year, but I already love this place and people that I work with. In my free time, I just enjoy watching Netflix in my bed with my favorite shows like Avatar the Last Airbender, Legend of Korra, Arcane, She-Ra, Adventure Time, the Simpsons, and the Walking Dead. 

Venus

Venus is currently a sophomore student attending Texas A&M-University Corpus Christi where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in systems programming. She plans on becoming a software developer or software engineer in the future. She currently holds a position as a writing consultant at the Tutoring and Learning Services. As a writing consultant, she specializes in documentation and style formatting, such as citations and formats, and grammar errors, such as run on sentences etc. Venus loves to be active and keeps herself busy with hobbies like going to the gym, going for walks, morning runs, and skating. When she is not out and about, she is usually playing her guitar or binge-watching an anime or tv show. Ultimately, Venus thinks writing can be fun and looks forward to helping her clients grow as writers! 

Zoe

M.A. in English (in progress)

B.S. in Chemistry (minors: Creative Writing, Philosophy, Psychology)

Specialties: graduate writing, creative writing, technical writing, freshmen writing, cross-disciplinary writing/ transfer, genre-fluid texts

Zoe has studied at TAMU-CC for 10 years. They do interdisciplinary research on genre-fluid media (visual poetry), alternative scholarly models (post-disciplinarity), complexity theory as meta-language, and knowledge management for cognitive justice. They are a professional visual poet and Creative Director/ Sr Editor for Windward Review, a TAMU-CC based creative journal & blog. As an undergrad, they did McNair/ LSAMP funded research and have published findings in the Journal of Chromatographic Science (2018). As a lover of all types of knowledge, they consider themselves a “free floating” writer/ mentor. Zoe apologizes in advance for getting too excited about helping you perfect your writing skills.