Syracuse University Writing Center

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It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the Writing Center (WC). Each year our staff work one-to-one with thousands of SU students of various academic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds to become better writers. Our professional, graduate, and peer writing consultants understand the difficulties writers face throughout the writing process. Because these difficulties are wide-ranging, consultants expect the unexpected and can assist no matter your course, audience, ability, or method; whether it's planning a paper, reorganizing main ideas, or using sources, our consultants can help you identify and design strategies for meeting your desired goals.

Although many students come to the WC with drafts in hand, often the best time to make an appointment is before you have anything written down. In fact, many times our most successful sessions are when we help students interpret assignments, talk through ideas, and map strategies for an entire project. Of course this also gives students an opportunity to work with consultants throughout their projects—not just at the end.

The WC is located in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility in 101 H.B. Crouse Hall, right on the Quad. Stop in to use one of our six iMacs to schedule or cancel appointments, work on a paper before or after a session, find digital resources with a consultant, or just to check email or browse the web between classes.

One of the most exciting aspects of the WC is that its space extends beyond the Quad. By using WCOnline, you can make or cancel appointments from anywhere you have Web access. We also offer two online services for students who are unable to meet face-to-face, or who need support outside of our regular hours. Our eWC offers help through email while our chat service pairs you with consult via instant messaging programs like AOL Instant Messenger, iChat, Gtalk or Jabber. (Click Appointments above for information on these services.) Finally, each semester we offer several workshops and events across campus and are involved with community projects throughout the city of Syracuse.

The WC is one of those services on campus that thousands of smart, successful students use each semester. We hope you'll join in that tradition by making an appointment with a consultant today!

Sincerely,

Eileen Schell
Writing Program Director

Jason Luther
Writing Center Administrator

Current SU students, staff or faculty can receive support in three ways:

Face-to-face. Meet with a writing consultant in-person in the Writing Center (101 H.B. Crouse) for a 25- or 50-minute session. Appointments are made by choosing the "Face-to-Face" schedule when logging in to WCOnline ; alternatively, students may drop in at any time to see if a consultant is available. View our policies page for more information.

E-mail. Email your question or brief excerpt to us and a consultant will respond within 48-60 hours. For more information or to submit a request form, visit our eWC page.

Instant messaging. Chat one-to-one with a writing consultant using AOL Instant Messenger, Google Talk, Jabber, or iChat. Appointments are made by choosing the "Instant Message" schedule when logging in to WCOnline. A few minutes before your appointment, sign on to your instant messaging account and a consultant will contact you. See our policies for more information.

Make an Appointment.

All students should be aware of Writing Center Policies.

In general

The primary aim of writing consultants is to help students become stronger, more accomplished writers. In order to do this more effectively, and to serve the whole student population, we have designed the following policies. Please take a minute to review them before making an appointment.

No matter which form of support you choose, writing consultants will work with you at any stage of your writing process. Specifically, they can help with:

pre-writing or invention activities: helping a writer to come up with ways to approach an assignment
first drafts or revisions: thinking through audience, purpose, organizational strategies, introductions, conclusions, development of ideas and examples, and source use
problems in critical reading and thinking, research strategies, and documentation
editing and proofreading strategies
technical conventions of the language

Writing consultants will not:

write a paper for a student
edit a student's paper (though they will work with students on their
proofreading and editing skills)
dispute or question the grade a teacher has given a student's paper

Face-to-face appointments

We cannot guarantee that writers dropping in will see a consultant immediately, especially as the semester progresses. We recommend reserving an appointment <link to WCOnline> in advance.
Appointments are in 25 and 50-minute segments, starting on the hour and half hour.
Writers are restricted to a total 120 minutes per week.
Out of courtesy to the consultants and other writers, please show up for all appointments you make. Cancel online (up to six hours before your appointment) or by calling 443-5289 during business hours. Missing or canceling at the last minute could result in the loss of appointment privileges for the semester.
Those arriving more than ten minutes late for an appointment may find that their appointment has been canceled. They will have to reschedule and will lose appointment privileges for the semester if they cancel on a consistent basis.
Please check in with the receptionist before every appointment.
Bring everything that you may need to help the consultant assist you. This includes your assignment sheet, relevant texts, class notes, and any prewriting or drafts that you have made.
Writing consultants may suggest editing or proofreading strategies, but they will not copyedit or proofread for you.

E-mail services (eWC)

The eWC is intended for current SU students and faculty/staff who are unable to meet face-to-face with a consultant at our Writing Center (101 HB Crouse Hall).
Submissions are on a first-come, first-served basis. We confirm requests as soon as possible and respond with feedback within 48 hours for requests received Sunday-Thursday, and within 60 hours for requests received on Friday or Saturday.
The more writing consultants know about your project, the better they can help you. Taking time to write a full and complete request form will save you time and confusion later. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
Don't wait until the last minute to ask for help; submit a request as soon as you receive an assignment.
Requests should be limited to 1-2 questions or concerns and/or a maximum of 5 pages per paper.
Expect to be an active participant in the exchange. Consultants will make observations and suggestions, but writers retain full ownership and responsibility for their paper.
Writing consultants may suggest editing or proofreading strategies, but they will not copyedit or proofread a paper.

Instant messaging appointments

Our IM service is intended for current SU students and faculty/staff who are unable to meet face-to-face with a consultant at our Writing Center (101 HB Crouse Hall).
We are able to support students using the following IM programs:

	iChat (Mac only)—texting, video and/or audio chat, file sharing, group sessions, and screen sharing (requires OS 10.5).
	AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)—texting, video and/or audio chat, file sharing, and group sessions
	Google Talk—texting and file sharing only
	Jabber—texting and file sharing only

Audio and video features require a calibrated, compatible webcam and microphone.
Appointments are offered in 25 and 50-minute segments, starting on the hour and half hour.
Consultants will contact you using the information provided on the WCOnline reservation form. Be sure your IM program and username are accurate when reserving an appointment.
Writers must be present during the entire appointment and remain connected until the consultant closes the session. Leaving early may result in a missed appointment.
A distraction-free environment is expected and necessary for a successful session.
Writers must have access to all computer files and the Web; please do not chat from cell phones or handheld devices.
Appointments are restricted to a total of 120 minutes per week.
Out of courtesy to the consultants and other writers, please be prepared for all appointments you make. Cancel online (up to six hours before your appointment) or by calling 443-5289 during business hours. Missing or canceling at the last minute could result in the loss of appointment privileges for the semester.
If you are having technical problems, IM the consultant ("syrwc" for iChat/AIM users) or call the WC during normal hours.
Those arriving more than ten minutes late for an appointment may find that their appointment has been canceled. They will have to reschedule and will lose appointment privileges for the semester if they do so on a consistent basis.

iMac and printer policies

WC printers are reserved for students, faculty or staff who have appointments scheduled.
Our six iMacs are for all students, faculty, and staff at SU; however, priority goes to students who are working with consultants.
Out of courtesy to other students, please limit your time on the iMacs.
Files saved on iMac hard drives are erased upon logging out. The best way to import or save files is to use flash drives or email.

Fall 2008

Graduate Consultants

	Ryan McClure Degrees: BA in English from the University of Vermont. MA candidate in English at Syracuse University Academic interests: American Literature, Contemporary Literature Courses taught: WRT 105 and 205. Personal note: Ryan can quote nearly every line from the movie version of the board game "Clue."
	Chris Michel Degrees: BA in English from Norwich University. MA in English/Creative Writing from Miami University of Ohio, currently in MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry from Syracuse Academic interests: Literature, Poetry, Environmental Sustainability, Pedagogy, issues of power and difference, Photography, Post-Soviet politics and culture Courses taught: WRT 105 and WRT 205 Personal note: Chris enjoys coffee, mini-golf, Flight of the Conchords and driving to New York, but not all on the same day.
	Derek Mueller Degrees: BA in English from Park University. MA in English from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Academic interests: new media and digital writing activity, mapping and geographies, ecological psychology, visual modeling methods, close/distant reading as heuristic, discourse analysis, networks, and theories of composing. Courses taught: WRT 105, 205, 302. Personal note: In his spare time Derek enjoys reading, following basketball, and spending time with his family.
	J Haynes Degrees: BS Ed. in Secondary English Education, Missouri State University; MA in Writing, Missouri State University; PhD in progress, Composition and Cultural Rhetoric, Syracuse University Academic interests: Queer Rhetorics, Issues of Gender and Power, the Rhetoric of Social Movements, Issues in Education and Teaching, Feminist Theory and Practice Courses taught: WRT 105 Personal note: I have an odd affinity for experimental theater and comic book movies.
	Ivy Kleinbart Degrees: BA in English from University of Pittsburgh, MFA in Poetry from Syracuse University. MA candidate in English at Syracuse University. Academic interests: 20th Century American Poetry and Culture, Visual Rhetoric and Film Studies, Creative Nonfiction Courses taught: WRT 105, 205, 114; ETS 107, 151 Personal note: I enjoy seasonal variances (both in cooking and weather), watching films, taking long walks, finding weird treasures in unexpected places, and reading amazing things not listed on my syllabi.
	Boke Ogugu Degrees: B Ed in Literature and French from Kenyatta University. Currently MFA and MS at Syracuse University Academic interests: Literature and publication, race, gender and class issues. Courses taught: WRT 105 Personal note: Boke is currently working on a novel on vigilantism and the land question in Kenya.
	Reva Sias Degrees: AA from the College of Lake County; BA in Psychology (major) with a Language and Literacy (minor) from the University of Oklahoma; MA in English from the University of Central Oklahoma; and I am a 2nd-Year SU Doctoral Student and Teaching Associate in the Composition and Cultural Rhetoric Program. Academic interests: African American Rhetoric, Feminist Rhetoric, Native American Rhetoric, Rhetoric of Change and Social Justice, Rhetoric of Social Histories, and Visual Rhetoric Courses taught: WRT 105, 195, and 205 Personal note: Happy Writing!!!

Professional Consultants
	Amy Barone-Phillips Degrees: BA in English & Textual Studies (minor in Women?s Studies and Drama) from Syracuse University. MA in English from Syracuse University. CAS in Women?s Studies from Syracuse University. Academic interests: feminism(s), racial/ethnicity theories, gender/class/race/sexuality/ethnicity issues, food politics, sustainability, globalization, pedagogy, and politics Courses taught: WRT 105 (service and non-service sections) and 205 (service and non-service sections).
	Jennifer Bryan Degrees: BA in English with minors in Political Science and Sociology; MFA in fiction from Bowling Green State University. Academic interests: Creative writing Courses taught: WRT 105
	John Colasacco Degrees: : BS in Advertising and MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University. Academic interests: Literature, Translation, Italian, Visual Art and Rhetoric, Commercial Art and Rhetoric, History, Popular/Counterculture, Social Justice, the Avant-Garde. Courses taught: WRT 105, 205, 195; ETS 151, 107. Personal note: I look forward to helping you with your college writing assignment.
	Andrea Constable Degrees:BS in Public Relations and Journalism from Utica College, MA in English and Certification in Women?s Studies from Syracuse University. Academic interests: Gender, race, literature, linguistics, education, history, politics, psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Courses taught: WRT 105, WRT 205 Personal note: Off campus, Andrea enjoys reading, writing, knitting, sewing, skiing, and spending time with her family, which includes intense games of Scrabble.
	Robert Danberg Degrees: BA in English, SUNY Purchase; MA English, University of Minnesota; MFA in Poetry, Sarah Lawrence College; PhD Candidate, Composition and Cultural Rhetoric, Syracuse University Academic interests: Composition pedagogy, Learning in math, science and the arts, creative nonfiction Courses taught: WRT 105, 205, 307 Personal note: Robert Danberg's poetry has appeared in Ploughshares, Global City Review, the Sun, and other publications in print and on-line.
	Matt DelConte Degrees: Ph.D., M.A. (The Ohio State University), and B.A. (Hamilton College) in English. Academic interests: American Literature, Narrative and Rhetorical Theory. Courses taught: WRT 105 and 205
	Kiffen Dosch Degrees: BA and MA in English Literature from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. Academic interests: Rhetorical studies, composition pedagogy, 20th-century American literature (specifically literary rhetorical analysis), and post-colonial studies. Courses taught: WRT 104, 105, and 205. Personal note: In her spare time, Kiffen is learning to work with stained glass.
	Ellen Fallon Degrees: BS in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego. MS in English Education and MA in English both from Syracuse University. Academic interests: Visual and performing arts, film theory, advertising, journalism, food politics, anthropology, sociology, music, and the American public school system. Courses taught: WRT 104, 105, 195, 205, and 307. Personal note: Ellen likes to take painting classes, experiment with gourmet cooking, and spend time with her family and pets.
	Steve Feikes Degrees: BA in English at Indiana University; MA in Creative Writing/English at Syracuse; BS in Respiratory Care at SUNY Upstate Medical University expected in May, 2009. Academic interests: Citizenship, architecture, art and poetry, writing in the sciences, technical writing Courses taught: WRT 104, 105, 109, 205, 209, 307 Personal note: If Steve had spare time, he would in a daze watch old music on YouTube
	Amber Luce Degrees: BA in Literature from Missouri State University, MA in Literature from Missouri State University Academic interests: queer rhetoric, queer social movements, feminism, Foucault, gender and power. Courses taught: 104, 105, 109 & 205 Personal note: I love provocative writing and reading as well as various forms and subjects of analysis. I also love Chuck Palahniuk.
	Emily Luther Degrees: BA in English Education, SUNY Fredonia with minor in philosophy; MA in English, Syracuse University. Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies from Syracuse University. Academic interests: Literature, literary or critical theory, academic writing, philosophy, gender and women's studies, GLBTQI studies, class and race issues, secondary and special education, hip-hop culture, cultural studies. Courses taught: WRT 105, 205 (including special topics in personal wellness, gender, prostitution, and sexuality), and numerous high school English courses Personal note: Emily has interests in politics, history, art, music, hiking/backpacking/travel, food politics, and community service.
	Jason Luther Degrees: BA in English Education and BS in Communication from SUNY Fredonia. MA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. Academic interests: Sustainability, geography, pedagogy, creative nonfiction, architecture, race, gender and class issues, art theory and history, zines, and counterculture. Courses taught: WRT 104, 105, 205, 114, 331 and 430. Personal note: In his spare time Jason collects LPs and brainstorms clever things to say on Facebook.
	John Starkweather Degrees: A.A. from Jefferson Community College; B.A. in English from SUNY at Geneseo; M.A. in English from Syracuse University. Academic interests: Critical thinking, the writing process, history, mythology, English and European literature, art, and architecture. Courses taught: WRT 104, 105, and 205. Personal note: Hockey, French culture, music, art, and gastronomy are among John's many interests.
	Jeremiah Thompson Degrees: BA in English from SUNY Geneseo. MA in American Studies from the Purdue. Academic interests: Rhetoric of Humor; Social Justice Education; Race & Critical Whiteness Studies. Courses taught: WRT 104, 105, 205, 307, and First Year Forum.
	Molly Voorheis Degrees: B.S. in Film and English from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; M.A. in American Lit from SU. Academic interests: writing and community activism; workplace writing. Courses taught: WRT 105, 109, 205, 301, 307, 308. Personal note: Molly won the Writing Center's 2007 March Madness pool.
	Immy Wallenfels Degrees: BA in English from SUNY Oswego. MA in English from SUNY Oswego. MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University. Academic interests: Vladimir Nabokov, Emily Dickinson, Literature of the US Civil War, Chinese Art, Society and War, digital writing, creative non-fiction. Courses taught: WRT 105, 195, 205, 207, 307, and Writing in the Community. Personal note: In her spare time Immy retrains a championship Morgan horse, Fred, for dressage and attends singer/songwriter concerts.
	Vanessa Watts Degrees:BA in Literature and Psychology from Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, WV. MA in Psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. MA in English from Syracuse University. Academic interests:Queer theory and other postmodern theories of difference; film studies; pedagogy. Courses taught:Courses Taught: WRT 105, WRT 195, WRT 205. Personal note: In her spare time, Vanessa hikes another ADK high peak and drinks Italian reds.
	Stacey Wright Degrees: BA English & BS-English-Secondary Education at Buffalo State College; MEd-English-Secondary Education at University at Buffalo Academic interests: Literature (all genres); Educational Theory and Practice Courses taught: WRT 105 Personal note: I enjoy learning about history, science, and religion.

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