VU Services | Writing Center

Welcome to the Writing Center!

Writing Center consultants work with Vanguard students one-on-one at any stage in the writing process. Students should bring in writing projects they’re creating, such as expository essays and researched writing. We help students organize notes, develop outlines, revise thesis statements, and work on various aspects of atomistic and holistic revision. Our Christ-centered, collaborative learning environment offers constructive feedback with the long-term goals of improved writing skills and critical thinking. We offer support to all writing-enriched courses across the Core Curriculum, undergraduate majors, graduate schools, and School of Professional Studies.

New Welcome Video!

Watch our 3-minute cartoon video welcoming Vanguard students to the Writing Center!

Our Location

The Writing Center is located in Heath 214, on the 2nd Floor of Heath Academic Center.

Hours

Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Closed during Chapel Hours on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday.
Closed during University Holidays, including Christmas Break.

Face-to-Face Appointments

Schedule an appointment and come visit us!
You may call extension 4774 or make your appointment in person.

Please note: *Appointments are required.*
Due to the high volume of appointment requests, drop-ins are not guaranteed writing feedback.

Electronic Appointments

Electronic appointments are designed for the convenience of SPS and distance-learning students.
Please call extension 4774 to request our email address, available only to current Vanguard students. Our email address is also printed on Writing Center brochures available in the SPS Office.

Please *do not* email a writing project without reserving an appointment first.
Papers emailed without appointments will be automatically placed on the Waiting List.

Please note: All students are encouraged to make face-to-face instead of email appointments, if possible.

Writing Center Stamp

Vanguard students: If your professor requires a Writing Center Stamp as proof you received suggested revisions, please tell your Writing Consultant. At the end of your appointment, the Writing Consultant will stamp your paper. Some professors award extra credit for Writing Center stamps, while other professors require the stamp before accepting the final draft of your paper. If you are an on-line student whose professor requires a Writing Center Stamp, your Writing Consultant’s e-mail message is equivalent to a stamp.

Writing Center Survey

You’re welcome to fill out the Writing Center Survey. We look forward to your feedback!

Writing across the Curriculum

What is writing across the curriculum? How are “writing to learn” and “writing in the disciplines” important parts of it?

Rubrics & guidelines for writers in various disciplines, thanks to GMU.
Compilation of articles & strategies, thanks to the Illinois College Writing Center.
Faculty Resources at Vanguard University.
Writing Center Referral Form

Writing Center Usage

Writing Sessions Served

2011-2012: 1,747 // Waiting List: 556
2010-11: 1,450 // Waiting List: 484
2009-10: 1,316 // Waiting List: 399
2008-09: 1,750 // Waiting List: 559
2007-08: 1,719 // Waiting List: 675
2006-07: 1,539 // Waiting List: 298
2005-06: 1,270 // Waiting List: 65
2004-05: 1,123 // Waiting List: 68
2003-04: 603

English as a Second Language

ESL Tip Sheet for 10 Languages (from Keys for Writers, Ann Raimes)
ESL Cyber Listening Lab
Additional ESL Resources

Writing in a Bilingual Classroom

English Language Space Station (A UK ESL site)
Professor Jill Savitt, English & Spanish (Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute)

Writing an In-Class Essay

Writing Center at the University of Washington

Writing a Scholarship Essay

Handout from the University of Colorado
Tips from Yale University
Handout from University of California, Irvine
Tips from International Students Dot Com

Career Development Center

Sample Cover Letter
Sample Curriculum Vitae

Writing a Graduate Application Essay

“The Graduate School Essay” by University of Massachusetts, Lowell
“Writing the Graduate School Application Essay” by the Dartmouth College Writing Center

Writing a Business Letter

Guidelines for Business Letters

“Faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life . . .” (Titus 1:2).

Writing Center

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