Writing Center FAQs

Find the University Writing Center in the basement of the Collins Learning Center next to the elevator (room 001). You may also contact us by phone at (214) 333-5474.

Mon., Tues., Thurs.**:
9:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Wed. & Fri.**:
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Chapel Closure Mon. & Wed.:
10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

**Lunch Closure Mon. - Thurs.:
12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.

**Lunch Closure Fri.:
12:00 P.M. - 1:15 P.M.

• You may come in with our paper at any stage of the writing process. This includes brainstorming, writing a thesis and/or outline, formatting, or polishing grammar.
• Please bring in your work no later than two hours before its due date. This policy allows the client to make changes after the session and before submission.

• We require clients to make appointments at least one hour in advance as our schedule permits. However, please note that professor-required visits, as well as exams, require scheduling one business day in advance.
• We allow a 15-minute grace period for sessions. Clients who fail to arrive within 15 minutes of their appointment time forfeit that session and must make another for a different time. Clients who no-show for three appointments may not make further appointments until the term ends.
• For more tips, see our page about before visiting.

We assist clients at any stage of the writing process. You may bring prompts, notes, outlines, spare paragraphs, rough drafts, etc.

• To receive help with a paper, clients must come in (in-person or online) for a session with a consultant. They may not drop off papers for consultants to review.
• Only off-campus, commuter, or clients with accommodations may receive help indirectly via an email consultation. Learn more about our email sessions on our before visiting page.

All UWC appointments last a maximum of 45 minutes. Some sessions run shorter depending on the content or the questions a client brings.

If you intend to work on grammar content or organization, bring a printed copy of your work and send a digital copy to the UWC. If you intend to only work on formatting or brainstorming, clients only need to send in professor instructions/notes if applicable.

• The UWC does not inform your professor or any staff, faculty, or student of your appointment or your status with the UWC. We ask that each time you visit, you fill out a form for record.
• However, we do not share any information unless directed to do so by you. Additionally, if you submit a formal academic appeal, the appropriate dean or vice president holds the right to review your UWC records, if necessary. 

• UWC consultants never write on or edit client papers. Instead, appointments encompass a collaborative process between consultant and writer.
• We want all clients to feel confident in their own writing ability, as well as gain independent writing skills. Thus, we do not provide an editing or proofreading service, but rather guidance to help you write your paper with confidence and skill.

• If you bring in a paper over four pages in length, consultants offer specific grammar feedback for the first two. For papers shorter than four pages, consultants will provide specific grammar feedback on half the paper.
• Consultants provide feedback regarding organization, structure, and flow for the remaining paragraphs that do not fall under this rule. Additionally, clients may ask specific grammar questions on any part of their paper and receive feedback.

• The UWC assists clients with résumés and cover letters, as well. We offer several handouts on these application documents, which can be viewed online.
• Consultants may assist clients fully with résumé and cover letter formatting. Keep in mind that our grammar policy still applies to these works, and consultants will limit their feedback to general guidance for cover letter content to uphold academic and vocational integrity.

Clients may bring creative writing to the UWC and receive assistance like they would for any academic assignment.

• If you attend DBU as a commuter or online student or receive accommodations, the UWC provides options to meet all client needs. We offer online appointments via Blackboard's Collaborate which garner the closest in-person session experience. We also offer phone consultations and email consultations.
• Please note that you must possess one of the qualifications above to receive online or phone appointments. 

The Writing Center's services fall within the resources available to active students at DBU as a part of student service fees. Alumni or non-DBU students may not utilize our resources.

• If you do not have time for a UWC appointment or simply want resources to aid in writing improvement, consult our Quick Reference Flyers.
• Find paper copies of almost all the resources above outside of our office in the basement of the Collins Learning Center (room 001).

We offer helpful packets for the most up-to-date versions of APA, MLA, and Turabian. Find these resources with our Quick Reference Flyers or come to our office for paper copies.

The UWC hires writing consultants as openings arise. Applicants for a consulting position should have:

• Completion of at least 30 credit hours (sophomore or above) with credit for ENGL 1301, 1302, and either 2301 or 2302; any major may apply.
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• English GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership and negotiation abilities
• Strong Christian character
• Servant leadership qualities

The Writing Center hires receptionists as openings arise. Applicants for a receptionist position should have:

• Workstudy funds
• Avid interest in writing with strong skills in place
• Overall highschool GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Highschool English GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Strong leadership and negotiation abilities
• Strong Christian character
• Servant leadership qualities
• Interest in becoming a consultant is appreciated

Receptionists may become consultants later in employment after receiving freshman-level credits and the completion of consultant training. However, we do not require receptionists to desire eventual consulting.