Before Visiting

General Policy

The Writing Center aims to help clients become better writers through a collaborative consultation process. Thus, the UWC refrains from writing on papers or editing papers for clients. Additionally, clients may not drop off a paper for correction by a writing consultant. Our policies intend to maintain academic integrity, ensure clients' authorship of their own works, and encourage clients in the development of their written communication skills.

See below an outline of what we can and cannot provide in accordance with our goal for academic integrity.

We Can Help You

  • Generate ideas for your essays, including thesis development
  • Organize your paper
  • Identify and correct grammatical errors
  • Revise and apply corrections to your paper
  • Improve your writing style

We Cannot

  • Tell you what to write
  • Mark on your paper
  • Proofread, revise, or correct your paper for you
  • Take responsibility for finding all of your mistakes
  • Estimate the grade you may earn
  • Help you with essay exams or tests
  • Discuss instructors or other students with you

In-Person Consultations

  • All UWC appointments last a maximum of 45 minutes. However, some sessions can run shorter depending on context and client questions.
  • Consultants will provide specific grammar feedback on up to two pages or half of the paper (whichever comes first). However, clients may ask grammar questions on content outside this scope. Otherwise, consultants provide feedback on flow, organization, and structure over all content presented.
  • Keep in mind that consultant feedback should be considered as advice, not authority.

Please bring the following to your appointment:

  • DBU Student ID
  • Professor's Name and Class Designation (ENGL 1301, RELI 4642, etc.)
  • Classification (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate)

 Please note that we must see an official DBU photo ID (or other state-mandated photo ID) for students checking in for exam proctoring or for credit in a class.

  • Please schedule UWC appointments in person or via phone at (214) 333-5474.
  • Clients may make appointments at least an hour in advance. However, clients must schedule professor-required visits or exams a business day in advance.
  • Please follow the instructions given in the confirmation email sent after scheduling an appointment. Call us if you fail to receive said email.
  • Clients who do not arrive within 15 minutes of their appointment time will be marked as a no-show. Three no-show appointments will result in suspended services for that semester ONLY.

Email Consultations

If you meet the qualifications for an email consultation, please include the following in your session request:

  • Place "Consultation Request" in your subject line 
  • Attach the paper as a Word Document as well as any assignment instructions.
  • List the course name, number, and professor.
  • Specify your name, ID number, status as a commuter, distance-student, or student with accommodations.

Email address: writingcenter@dbu.edu

Email Confirmation

  • After emailing your request, we will reply with a confirmation during our business hours. If you email outside our business hours, we will reply once we open again.
  • Please allow three business days for the fulfillment of your email consultation, and feel free to call us with any questions or concerns.