The Writing Center

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Announcements:

We Hear You! 

In our evaluations, quite a few students let us know that booking an appointment was....well, cumbersome. We hear you and appreciate the feedback!


Beginning JULY 1ST, the Writing Center will be introducing an automated appointment booking system. We hope this system will make booking appointments more convenient, allowing everyone to think less about logistics and more about writing! 

 

Our Mission

The Writing Center’s mission is to equip students with the proper tools to understand and produce English written works in a collaborative learning environment. The writing strategies practiced in the center will better prepare multilingual and L2 students for their studies and future careers. We offer students one-on-one appointments at any stage of the writing process.
While the center is a tutoring resource, it is not only for students who are struggling. The center is a resource for all UdS students, at any level, that is meant to help guide them through the writing process to better understand their text and process as writers. 

 

Appointment Types and Services

We offer four types of appointments

Writing Consultations - Research Consultations - Proofreading Services

NOTE: Most appointments are 30mins. If you feel you need longer feel free to book back-to-back appointments.

Writing Consultations are designed to assist students with: 

  • Brainstorming
  • Outline drafting
  • Short essay & term paper planning & drafting
  • CV/Resume writing
  • Cover letter writing
  • Ethical use of AI generated text:
    • Basics of how to use AI
    • Prompt writing/crafting
    • Interpreting what is useful and what is not
    • How to properly cite AI text
  • General asistance with:
    • Class assignments
    • Sentence & paragraph structure
    • Grammar
    • Emails/Letters
    • Formal English writing 

Research Consultations are designed to assist students with: 

  • Correct research practices
  • Citation styles

Peer-to-peer Consultations (Will return in November 2024)

Our Peer-to-peer Appointments are exclusively available for BA/undergraduate students seeking a supportive space for writing assistance. Please be aware that if you are making an appointment as part of a course requirement, you will need to make an appointment with a lecturer.  If you're unsure whether this is the right type of appointment for you, feel free to talk to your instructor or send us an email. 

Peer-to-peer sessions connect students with a peer tutor who is trained to help guide them through the writing process. As per data protections and regulations, peer tutors are bound to confidentially and are trained to be supportive in giving useful feedback in a non-judgmental way. 
Please be aware that our peer tutor is currenly abroad and will return in November 2024 with a wealth of new knowledge and expereince to assist students. 

Proofreading Service

  • MA & PhD theses or publications only
  • An appointment may not be necessary, please email for inquires.

**Note: As our staff is limited, this service is limited as well. Please email the Writing Center for questions, avaliability, and timeframes concerning proofreading services**

How to make an appointment

Step One: Click the link to view the Outlook Appointment Calendar 

Step Two: Find an appointment labeled "Free Appointment" or "Free peer-to-peer appointment" (check our "types of appointments" to see which one is the right appointment for you) . You can choose between "in person" or "online" make sure to let us know in the email!

Step Three: Email us the day and time that works best for you

Step Four: Wait for our confirmation email 

Step Five: Arrive on time and be prepared for your appointment 

 

What to expect at your appointment

Making an appointment at the Writing Center is great, but what excatly  happens during the appointment? 

A Writing Center appointment, or one-on-one tutoring, is an opportunity for students to receive additional feedback on their written assigments. For shorter assignments, the tutor will go over the assignment with the student and ask questions concerning clarity, intention, and structure. The tutor will also provide feedback and direction concerning grammar and/or conventions.

It is important that the student comes prepared to the meeting by having specific questions or concerns ready. 

The Writing Center is unable to provide academic guidence or assistance with field/departmental content.  

Feel free to contact us for further questions and we look forward to seeing you at your appointment! 

Workshops

Did you know we also offer workshops?

It is true! We offer a verity of workshops for the UdS community be it for a department, an incoming group of students, or an institution within Saarland University.

Below is a list of workshop topics we are able to offer:

  • Avoiding plagiarism & learning proper citations
  • Incorporating research into academic writinng
  • Structuring an academic paper
  • Planning, drafting, and time management in writing
  • Professional email communication
  • Ethics of writing with Generative AI
  • Understanding how to use Generative AI output

If you would like to request a workshop please email us, we look forward to working with you!

 


Past and Present Workshops:

  • Mastering Professional Communication: Writing Clear and Effective Emails (Click here for current dates)
  • Professional Communication: Academic Writng, and Gen AI (Click here for current dates)
  • How to Use AI Generated Texts Effectively and Ethically​ (Click here for current dates)
  • ChatGPT and Generative AI: Studying, Writing and Research 
  • A Researcher’s Roadmap: Navigating Literature Research and Citing Sources​ 
  • Professional Emails:Learning the Basics of Email Etiquette 
  • Time Management & Structure in Academic Writing 
  • Research & Argumentation 
  • Advanced English Writng Skills (for LPM) 
Courses

In cooperation with ISZ (Saar) and Anglistik und Amerikanistik's Sprachpraxis, the Writing Center also offers Wrting for Academic Purposes. 
This course is offered to international students looking to improve their academic writing. It is a blend of live sessions, guided self-study, and personal one-to-one meetings. 
Course is offered every semester, for registration dates and more information click here.

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Contact Us

writingcenter(at)uni-saarland.de

Hours for Summer Semester 2024:

During Summer Semester, we will offer appointments on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Check our calendar for dates and times!