Writing Assistance

Need help with the writing process? From concept to outline to finishing touches, our writing fellows can help you with writing concerns such as organization, documentation and style. Writing fellows are BU doctoral students who offer writing advice and troubleshooting strategies. Please note that we offer assistance and do not simply proofread or edit your work.

Please note that Writing Assistance appointments for Spring 2012 will begin January 23rd.  Students can start searching for appointments now.

“The Writing Fellow was great and really insightful. She helped me get to the core of what I was arguing. The Writing Fellow didn’t write for you, she had you figure out what you were trying to say.”

How can I have a successful Writing Assistance appointment?

  • Bring a double-sided printed copy of the writing piece you’d like to work on, if you have it.
  • Bring other relevant information or documents—such as the assignment sheet, class syllabus, application form/prompts, outlines or previous assignments.
  • Help us help you! Come with a goal of what you want to accomplish in your session and let us know what that is.
  • Keep an open mind: Students sometimes misdiagnose their own writing. We may direct your attention to new aspects of your work.
  • Go easy on yourself: Remember, very few people are 100% happy with their writing. You may be a stronger writer than you think! Don’t think about coming to us as a search for your weaknesses, but as a search for your strengths.

What can I expect from a Writing Assistance appointment?

  • You will meet on an individual basis with a Writing Fellow for up to 45 minutes per appointment
    • You will need to bring your own materials with you, such as the assignment sheet, class syllabus, application form/prompts, outlines or previous assignments, as well as a printed copy of the writing piece you’d like to work on
  • Your appointment will be a judgment-free space for you to ask any and all questions
  • You will be challenged to work through your writing process with the guidance of your Writing Fellow
  • To learn more about what to expect during your appointment, click here

Is there anything I should NOT expect?

  • Be sure to bring a printed copy of the writing piece you’d like to work on; using laptops is not preferred
  • A proofreading session. Writing Fellows will not proofread your paper for mistakes, nor will they edit your paper for you
  • The Writing Fellow will not have a lesson plan prepared ahead of time – be sure to come prepared with a goal of what you want to accomplish during your appointment

What are the policies of the ERC’s Writing Assistance Program?

  • In order to receive Writing Assistance from the ERC, you must be a student, alumni, faculty or staff member of Boston University.
    • BU Alumni, if you’d like to make an appointment with one of our Writing Fellows, please email the following information to Mike Lantvet at mlantvet@bu.edu: First and Last name, BU id#, most frequently checked email address, most frequently used phone number.
  • You will arrive on time for your appointment
    • One student may sign up for an appointment and only that student’s work may be discussed. Group appointment requests should be addressed to Gin Schaffer, gschaff@bu.edu
    • Students are permitted one appointment per day and a maximum of three appointments in a 10 day period (appointments can be scheduled up to ten days in advance).
    • If you need to cancel an appointment, you must e-mail wfellows@bu.edu at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start of your appointment
    • Repeated cancellations and missed appointments will jeopardize your ability to schedule an appointment with the Writing Assistance at the ERC
  • All patrons will arrive with a hard copy of their document
    • Writing Fellows will NOT work from a laptop, therefore a printed copy of the document is required
    • Writing Fellows DO NOT provide proofreading or editing services
      • The appointment will focus more on clarity, organization and argument rather than correcting grammar, punctuation or typos
  • All patrons are expected to adhere to the BU Academic Code of Conduct
    • Any work submitted by a patron must be their own
    • Any deviation from this may be construed as academic misconduct
    • If a Writing Fellow suspects a BU Academic Code of Conduct violation (i.e. a student arrives to an appointment with another student’s work, or a take-home exam), the Writing Fellow reserves the right to terminate the appointment

What happens if I miss an appointment? If I’m late to an appointment?

  • Students who do not cancel their appointments with at least 24 hours notice are marked Missed.
  • Students who do not show up within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time of the appointment are marked Missed.
  • Students who do not come to their scheduled appointment are marked Missed.
  • A student with TWO Missed appointments on record will not be able to make any additional appointments, and will be removed from any future Writing Assistance appointments until s/he has discussed their TutorTrac account with an ERC staff member.

How do I sign up for a Writing Assistance appointment?

  1. Make sure you have read and understand the policies of the ERC’s Writing Assistance Program.
  2. Watch a demo on how to make a Writing Assistance Appointment (be sure to adjust your sound or use the closed captioning feature)
  3. Read the instructions for Scheduling a Writing Assistance Appointment