Writing Support FAQs

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  • Where is the Writing Studio located?
    The Writing Studio is located within the Weinstein Learning Center on the first floor of Boatwright Library.

  • I want to work with a Writing Consultant. What are my options?

    The Writing Studio provides student support in a few different ways.  

    Drop-ins are the primary way that the Writing Studio offers support during the school year. Students can come to the Writing Studio any time during drop-in hours to work one-on-one with a Writing Consultant. Drop-ins are typically Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-10 pm; Fridays, noon-6 PM; and Sundays, noon-6 PM, but hours vary depending on the semester. Please confirm drop-in times in the WLC Student Portal before going to Boatwright Library.  

    Appointments must be booked in advance through the WLC Student Portal. There are two types of appointments: in-person and virtual. In-person appointments take place in the Writing Studio. Virtual appointments take place over Zoom; students will see a link to access their Zoom appointment after booking a time through the WLC Student Portal.

    Draft commentaries are asynchronous. Students must submit a draft when booking this type of appointment, and all feedback will be sent via email afterward.  

  • How do I know which type of session is best for me? Should I attend drop-ins or schedule an appointment?
    It depends on how much time you think you will need to discuss your writing. Drop-ins are typically for quick questions. Appointments are largely meant for students who want more time to talk about their writing.

  • A Writing Consultant is embedded in the course that I’m taking. How does that work?
    Embedded Writing Consultants offer one-on-one sessions and draft commentary support to students in their assigned courses. Your embedded Consultant knows your professor’s expectations and is able to provide more tailored feedback for assignments in that class. However, you are welcome to work with Writing Consultants during drop-in hours or on the general appointment schedule if your embedded Consultant is not available. You will see your embedded Consultant’s schedule when you log into the WLC Student Portal to sign up for an appointment. While there are different types of appointments available, professors usually ask students to meet in-person with embedded Consultants. Please double check which type of appointment your professor prefers before booking a time with an embedded consultant.

  • I’m a student athlete, so it’s hard for me to get to the Writing Studio. What should I do?
    Virtual appointments and draft commentaries are good options for athletes with busy schedules. Writing Consultants also offer drop-in hours in Millhiser Gymnasium just for athletes. Please contact Isabel Rose (irose@richmond.edu) with any questions about athletics drop-in hours.

  • What happens during a session?
    We work one-on-one with students from all majors within the University of Richmond. We also provide feedback at every stage of the writing process, from developing ideas to polishing grammar. Our approach to giving feedback is learner-centered. We provide the tools that you need to revise and edit your work, and we guide you as you apply those tools to your writing.

  • Do I need to bring anything when I meet with a Writing Consultant?

    You can provide a draft of your writing, as well as any assignment instructions, syllabi, and notes that will help your Consultant to better understand your work. However, you do not have to have written anything to meet with a Consultant in person or over Zoom. We provide feedback at all stages of writing, including brainstorming.

    The exception to this is draft commentaries; you must attach a written draft when booking this service in order to receive asynchronous feedback.

  • I’m a faculty member. How can the Writing Studio support my students?

    There are a few ways that the Writing Studio can support your students if you are a faculty or instructional staff member. First, you might request an embedded Writing Consultant for one of your courses. Please email Dr. Rebecca Johnson (rebecca.johnson3@richmond.edu) the semester before your course is scheduled. Embedded Writing Consults are assigned on a first-come, first served basis, so make sure that you submit your request as soon as you can.

    You can also submit a request for an in-class writing workshop and a representative from the Writing Studio will be in touch to confirm a date and time.

    Lastly, some professors require students to either attend drop-in hours or schedule an appointment with the Writing Studio. However, please email Dr. Johnson first to confirm whether there will be enough Consultants available to meet with your students before assignment due dates.

  • How are Writing Consultants trained?
    Writing Consultants complete training every semester, and this training adheres to requirements for certification through the College Reading and Learning Association. Consultants are trained to help students from all majors and levels within the University, including graduate-level students.

  • I am not a University of Richmond student. Can I meet with a Writing Consultant?
    Consultations are only for University of Richmond students currently enrolled in credit-bearing courses, but we can refer you to private tutors in the area if you are interested. We also encourage you to check out our repository of online resources.