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. 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. 

Emily (Lead Consultant)

B.A in Psychology

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.

Adrian

B.A in English (in progress)

Adrian is working towards his bachelor’s in English in hopes of becoming a technical writer in the future. Adrian’s specialties include brainstorming, researching, grammar, and layout organization, but he is more than happy to help with anything that raises questions. When he’s not assisting with papers, Adrian enjoys reading, watching movies, gaming, and playing with his pets.

Chloe

A.A and B.A in English, M.A in English (in progress)

Specialties: Creative and technical writing as well as the MLA format.

Chloe plans to become an ESL instructor and writer in the future. Her areas of interest include research into disability, LGBTQ, women’s, pop culture, early modern and modern literature, and classical studies as well as linguistics. However, she ultimately loves learning about any subject when she can. When she’s not doing classwork, Chloe enjoys playing games, adventuring in D&D, watching fantasy and horror, reading, writing, and learning other languages. She is a proud owner of four cats named Angel, Jimmy, Bowie, and Frodo.

Isabella

B.A in Psychology (EGD: May 2027)

After graduation, Isabella hopes to pursue an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and become a licensed professional counselor.

As a writing consultant, Isabella is happy to help students with all parts of the writing process. She can assist clients with a variety of writing needs such as brainstorming, formatting, structuring, or revising. Her strengths include outlining, analytical writing, and organization/flow.

In her free time, Isabella enjoys reading books, writing her own stories, and playing with her dog, Yuki.

Jessica

Elementary Education (EC-6) major with a concentration in Reading

With this degree, Jessica plans to become an elementary school teacher as well as pursue a master's degree in Professional School Counseling. Her goal is to become a school counselor to work with children of all grades, and ensure every child has a successful, positive learning experience.

As a writer, Jessica is confident in her abilities to help any writer with anything they may need assistance with. However, her strengths fall more closely with grammar, organization, clarity, and formatting.

A fun fact about Jessica is that she excelled a lot more in math as a K-12 student, but better appreciated the creativity and thought put into reading and writing, which heavily motivated her degree choice!

Kennedy

B.A in Theater (in progress)

Kennedy is a senior at TAMU-CC who is pursuing a degree in theater with an emphasis in acting and directing. Her strengths as a writer include APA format and grammar as well as creative writing.

In the future, she hopes to continue to pursue acting on a larger scale by acting in major films and perhaps learn more about the backstage world of stage theater.

She spends her free time reading fantasy novels, watching crime shows, or relaxing by embroidering pieces of fabric.

Makenzi

Specialities: APSA formatting, brainstorming, research, adding commentary, and organization.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to move to Colorado and continue her education with either law school or a master’s program for journalism.

Outside of the Writing Center, she is the Chief Justice of the Student Government Association (SGA) and the president of the Political Science Club. She enjoys reading and all things related to arts and crafts and has two cats and a dog.

Raistlin

Specialities: Literary analysis, essays of any variety, MLA and APA formatting, and prewriting activities.

Raye is currently working on completing her B.A. in English with a concentration in Writing Studies. She hopes to continue her studies following her graduation and she wants to become a librarian in the future.

She is passionate about writing and dabbles in creating poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction stories. In Raye’s free time, she enjoys cross stitching, playing video games, and watching horror movies.

Sam

B.S. in Environmental Science (in progress)

Specialties: natural science papers (especially biology and environmental science), science communication, presentation/public speaking preparation, and grammar/punctuation

Sam is a senior pursuing a B.S. in environmental science with a concentration in marine and coastal systems and a minor in biology, and they spent the fall 2024 semester completing a minor in maritime studies through the Williams-Mystic program in Connecticut. Their favorite part of their job at the writing center is learning what subjects their clients are most interested in and helping them find the best ways to communicate their knowledge and passions.

Sam cycles through hobbies like they're browsing TV channels, but they always enjoy making things, playing their bass guitar, going to local music gigs, and hanging out with as many dogs as possible.

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.

Tyler

B.A. in English (expected Spring 2025)

Specialties: Literary analysis; research papers; technical and professional writing; grammar; MLA formatting

Tyler is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Writing Studies. Following graduation, he hopes to attend law school and pursue a legal career. Through his consultations at the writing center, Tyler aims to help students develop important literacy and communication skills for academic and professional success. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys going for runs and bike rides, watching shows and movies, and playing chess.

Valeria

B.S. in Business Analytics and Information Systems with a minor in Management. (In Progress)

Specialties: Brainstorming; presentations; formatting; and business papers.

Valeria plans to graduate in Spring 2025 and pursue an MBA. After completing her studies, she aims to move to Australia and work for a leading company in the cybersecurity or networking industry.

Valeria used to play for the Women’s Tennis team at TAMUCC, where she and her teammates competed in the Southland Conference and qualified for the NCAA tournament four times in a row by winning the conference.

She began working at the Writing Center in the summer of 2023, and absolutely enjoys being part of a supportive staff while helping students improve their papers. In her free time, she assists with coaching the women’s tennis team and work out at the gym.

Valeria's favorite shows are Avatar: The Last Airbender, Legend of Korra, Arcane, She-Ra, Adventure Time, and The Simpsons.

Venus

Venus is currently a junior 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 videogames, improving her guitar skills, 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! 

Ylianna

B.A. in Media Production and Music Industry (EGD: May 2026)

Specialties: poetry, media-related papers, essays

Ylianna is currently working towards a BA in Media Production and Music Industry, where she hopes to eventually work with musicians to write, produce, and direct music videos, musical movies, and tour documentaries/concert movies. Along with this, Ylianna also hopes to work alongside activists to create media that will have an impact regarding human rights. Outside of school, Ylianna enjoys music, writing, and spending time with her kitten, Murphy Lou. Ylianna can’t wait to meet you and do what she can to help you!

Zoe

M.A. English (Expected graduation: Spring 2025)

B.S. Chemistry (May 2018); Minors: creative writing, philosophy, psychology

Specialties: research timelines, goals, and scope; humanities writing; scientific writing; thesis statements; graduate-level writing; formatting (APA, MLA); web design and writing; grant writing; resumes, CVs, application essays; creative writing (any genre); scholarly presentations

Zoe (she/they) has been a Writing Consultant for 4 years. Their personal writing interests include large-scale interdisciplinary research, genre-fluid visual poetry, scholarly blogging, and scholarly presentations. They have publications in the fields of creative writing and scientific writing. Beyond the Writing Center, they have nurtured writers from every level (elementary through college-aged, as well as professional writers) through leading workshops, open mics, and panels across the Coastal Bend. They are also the Creative Director and Senior Editor of Windward Review creative journal and blog where they uphold a compassionate editing model.