Writing Center

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 CASA 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 Casa.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 CASA 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. Kendrick Billings - Director, Center for Academic Student Achievement

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

Coordinator - Vacant

Manuel De La Cruz (Lead Consultant)

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

Specialties: formatting, essays, critical thinking, theory

I prefer not to be called Manny. I have been a writing consultant for three years. 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.

Amy Inkster (Lead Consultant)

B.A. in English; TESOL certificate

Amy loves talking about writing and coming alongside students to share in their writing journeys. She believes that although the processes of writing and speaking can be nerve-wracking, both writing and speaking give students the opportunity to express themselves and connect with other people. Amy finds it rewarding to help people overcome their fears to share the unique messages they have for the world through these activities. Outside of academics, Amy likes walking, yoga, going to the movies, and reading.

Sarah Pons (Lead Consultant)

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.

Ally

B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Marine (in progress)

Specialties: scientific/technical writing, scientific presentations/posters, APA formatting

Ally is a senior at TAMUCC pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology. Ally is currently completing a Project of Excellence (undergraduate research) through the Honors Program and LSAMP. Through this, she has many experiences in presenting her research at conferences. Ally is most interested in scientific writing and often reads scientific literature. One of the reasons Ally wanted to join the Writing Center was to help her fellow students improve both their scientific writing and other reading/writing skills. After she receives her B.S., Ally plans to continue on to graduate school and hopefully receive a Ph.D. In her free time, Ally enjoys going to the beach, watching movies, and scuba diving.

Avien

B.A in English; MLS in Library and Information Science

Specialties: research papers, literature reviews, library database navigation

Avien is currently a research librarian located in Austin, TX. She graduated from TAMU-CC in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a TESOL Certificate. She went on to complete her Master of Library Science at Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX in 2021. Her areas of expertise are research papers and literature reviews, as well as library database navigation. She also enjoys working with ESL students.

Brenda

B.A. in Communications-Journalism, M.A. in English (in progress)

Specialties: formatting, references, APA and MLA, humanities papers, thesis work, news sources, communications

Brenda Riojas is a graduate student in the English Department. She enjoys researching scholarship on the writing development of first year composition students. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications-Journalism at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She recently published a creative fiction piece in the Corpus Christi Writers Anthology entitled, Broken. She is due to finish her Masters in English May of 2023 and is writing her thesis on writing center scholarship.

Brittany (she/her)

B.A. in English, M.A. in Literary and Culture Studies (in progress)

Specialties: literary and cultural analysis, literary theory and criticism, personal statements/letters of intent, thesis-driven essays

Brittany graduated from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi in the fall of 2021 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literary Studies, with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexualities Studies. She was accepted into the Masters Literary and Culture Studies program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she currently attends. Along with her graduate studies, she is also a research assistant and Communication and Language Support consultant at CMU.

Brittany’s personal motto is, “I can read myself out of any situation”—fortunately, she has not been put to the test of solving any real problems; however, this skill is particularly useful in helping others in their endeavors with words. She is happy to help with all kinds of writing, and particularly loves to give presentations. Caffeinated or not, she promises to do her best to be both helpful and entertaining during interactions.

When Brittany isn’t busy telling terrible jokes, she can be found by leaving a trail of books, video games, comics, movies produced by A24, Pokemon cards, and large tumblers of cold brew coffee with oat milk. Alternatively, you can access the bad jokes and poorly worded midnight tweets by following her on Twitter @blai_starker

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 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 significant experience in environmental science writing. Ian plays piano and percussion and played marimba in marching band while in high school. He has a love for composing music, and also enjoys other outlets such as photography, videography, architecture, and writing. In his free time, Ian enjoys writing lyrics and poetry, bike riding, and is also trying his hand at writing short stories. Some of Ian’s favorite shows include Frasier and King of the Hill, both of which he has seen nearly every episode of...

Kelsey

M.A. in English; TESOL Certification; Texas Teachers Certification; PhD (in progress)

Specialties: rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, proposal writing, lab reports, and technical writing

Received her B.A. in English at McMurry University May 2013. Received her Master’s in English with a concentration in British Literature and Rhetoric and Composition December 2015. She is accredited with a TESOL certificate as well as a Texas Teachers Certificate. She specializes in helping beginning writers, but she is also comfortable consulting students on the following topics: literary analysis, literature reviews, lab reports, clinical studies, job letters (proposals, resumes, letters, etc.), and dissertation writing. Currently, she is a part-time adjunct at Northwest Vista College (San Antonio, TX) and the University at Incarnate word (San Antonio, TX) where she teaches Composition 1 & 2, World Literature, and American Literature courses.

Raye

B.A. in English (in progress)

Specialties: literary analysis, argumentative essays, and personal narratives 

Raye is currently working towards completing a B.A. in English with a dance minor. She will likely graduate in 2025. She enjoys writing poetry and short creative fiction, and is proficient in literary analysis, argumentative essays, and personal narratives. In her free time, Raye likes to cross stitch, play video games, and watch scary movies.

Rissy

B.S. in Biology

Specialties: science writing, APA formatting

Rissy received a B.S in Biology with a concentration in marine biology in the Spring of 2022 from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. As an undergraduate, Rissy was a Chick-fil-a Leadership Scholar, a NOAA CCME scholar, and did coral reef research in the Bahr Marine Ecology Lab on campus. She wrote many scholarship applications and gained experience in scientific writing. Rissy loves all things coral reefs and is passionate about science communication. She plans to attend a Master’s program in Biology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and eventually pursue a career in STEM education. Outside of academia, Rissy likes doing home DIY projects with her husband, traveling, painting, and loving on her two dogs, Luna and Harlee.

Shalyn

Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts and Business Administration, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: EC-6 Generalist – Emphasis in Reading/Writing (in progress)

Upon graduation, Shalyn would like to teach reading and writing at an elementary school near her home; she is currently leaning more towards teaching 4th – 6th grades.

Shalyn vastly enjoys reading series such as, Tales of a New World by P.C. Cast, The Forbidden Game by L.J. Smith, and The Dragon Riders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. She enjoys Fiction because she admires the creativity, be it books, television shows, or movies.

Shalyn is very passionate about writing and helping other people with their scholarly or personal writing projects. She has yet to write for much other than scholastic purposes, but she dreams of trying her hand at writing her own fiction book(s) one day.

To her, writing is just another form of art, and she appreciates all art forms. Aside from reading and writing she is also enthusiastic about painting, and as a self-taught artist, her favorite medium was acrylic paints…until she began playing with face/body paints, with which she is now obsessed.

When she is not engaged in scholastic or artistic activities, she loves spending time with her “hubby,” of 10 years, and their 4 beloved dogs. She and her man like to shop at thrift centers, re-sale shops, antique shops, and yard sales rather than department stores because in doing so, every outing is a little treasure-hunting adventure and time well spent together.

*DISCLAIMER: Shalyn has a Perfume/Cologne ALLERGY - Any clients who come in wearing perfume/cologne will have to be switched to another consultant (if one is available) or they will need to be rescheduled. Thank You for your compassionate understanding.

Tasha

B.A. in English, M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition

Specialties: grammar and syntax, APA and MLA formatting

Tasha received her B.A. in English from Southwest Texas State University in 1991. 20 years later, after devoting that time to homeschooling her own children, she went back to graduate school here at TAMUCC where she studied Rhetoric and Composition and graduated with her M.A. in 2014. Tasha occasionally teaches composition here at TAMUCC in the First Year Learning Program as an adjunct professor. She also teaches private English classes to homeschooled high schoolers while continuing to educate her own children at home. She serves

on the Speech Committee for a national homeschool forensic league and coaches speech and debate for a local club. Though she assists the learning process through these many group situations, it is the one-on-on technique that Tasha finds particularly effective. As such, she appreciates the opportunity to do so at the Writing Center.

Zoe

B.S. in Chemistry, M.A. in English (in progress)

Specialties: thesis writing, creative writing, technical writing, freshmen writing

Zoe has studied at TAMU-CC for 9 years. During their time here, they earned a B.S. in Chemistry, with minors in creative writing, philosophy, and psychology. They are currently doing interdisciplinary, creatively-oriented research in the English graduate program. They are also a professional poet, specializing in visual poetry. They currently work as an editor for Windward Review, a TAMU-CC based creative journal. In addition, they did research in the Chemistry department as an undergrad (McNair and LSAMP funded), which culminated in the publishing of their (co-written) research write-up in the Journal of Chromatographic Science in 2018. They are proficient in academic, creative, scientific, technical, and non-standard writing approaches. 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

Dissertation Mentor

Library Research Guide

APA Basic Formatting (7th Ed.)

APA Basic Formatting (6th Ed.)

APA Formatting References (7th Ed.)

APA Formatting References (6th Ed.)

APA Intext Formatting (7th Ed.)

APA Intext Formatting (6th Ed.)

APSA Citation Style

Chicago Style Formatting and References

IEEE Intext Formatting

IEEE Formatting References

MLA Annotated Bibliography

MLA Basic Formatting

MLA Citing a Reprint

MLA Creating a Header

MLA In Text Citations

MLA Works Cited

Articles

Independent and Dependent Clauses

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Parts of Speech

Prepositions

Integrating Sources

Evaluating Print Sources

Literature Reviews

Research Matrix

Paragraph Development

Signal Verbs

Writing Lab Reports

Writing in the Sciences

Introduction to APA 7th edition (Video)

Intro to Student APA 7th edition

Intro to Professional APA 7th edition

Introduction to MLA

MLA Source Integration

Literature Review

Engineering Lab Reports and Technical Writing (PPT Loop) by Dr. Chris Andrews

Engineering Lab Reports and Technical Writing (PPT) by Dr. Chris Andrews

Email Etiquette

Getting Words on Paper: Strategies for Brainstorming

Health Professions Essays (HPAC)

Plagiarism

The PQ4R Reading Method

Presentations

Responding to Questions in Writing

Taking Effective Notes

The Research Process