The Writing Center’s programs are staffed by professional staff and doctoral teaching assistants. All instructors in Writing Center programs are highly trained, expert readers and are qualified to offer help with writing in all disciplines and at all levels.
General questions
Is everything here free?
Yes! The Writing Center does not charge for any of its services. Our individual instruction and workshops are offered free of charge to all currently enrolled University of Wisconsin-Madison students.
How do I ask a general question or one about a topic not listed below?
If you have questions about any of the Writing Center’s services, please email wcenter@writing.wisc.edu.
Appointments and the Writing Center
How can I work with a tutor on a writing assignment?
Writing Center instructors are available by appointment (in our main location), by first-come first-served (in our dorm and library locations), and by email.
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can make an appointment through our online scheduler, WCOnline.
How can I reschedule an appointment?
You can reschedule your appointment using our online scheduler, WCOnline. If you have problems using the scheduler, contact us at 608-263-1992.
How can I cancel an appointment?
You can cancel an appointment by using our online scheduler, WCOnline. Call us at 608-263-1992 if you have problems canceling your appointment.
Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment so that we can give the time to another student.
If you do not show up for an appointment or cancel it very late you may lose the opportunity to make more appointments that semester. “No-shows” and late cancellers deny other students a chance to use the Writing Center, and we take that very seriously. Please help us to make the most of our resources.
How can I ask a quick question about writing?
Do you have nagging questions about sentence structure? Is some grammatical rule causing you to lose sleep? Don’t know where to begin with a documentation style? If so, take advantage of our Chat Services and instantly message a tutor!
Can alumni use the Writing Center?
The Writing Center is happy to offer limited consultations to alumni early in the semester. Because our instruction is funded by student tuition, we give first priority to currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students. Call us at 608-263-1992 to schedule an appointment, and let the receptionist know that you are alumni and that you would like to be scheduled during a time that is otherwise quiet for the Writing Center.
Who can use your computer lab?
The computer lab is open during regular Writing Center hours and is available to all UW-Madison students. Our computer lab is also a teaching facility and will occasionally be closed for classes. Keep in mind that this lab, unlike the DoIT labs, does not have support staff. If you think you’ll need a lot of computer assistance, you may want to work at a different lab.
Workshops
Do I need to register for Writing Center workshops?
Writing Center workshops require advance registration.
How can I register for a Writing Center workshop?
Register through the web page of the workshop you wish to attend.
How can I confirm my registration for a Writing Center workshop?
To confirm or double check your registration, call our friendly telephone staff at 608-263-1992 or email us at reception@writing.wisc.edu.
How can I cancel my registration for a Writing Center workshop?
In most cases, canceling your registration is not necessary, but if you’d like to let us know that you won’t be attending one of our workshops, you can call us at 608-263-1992 or email us at reception@writing.wisc.edu.
Where do workshops take place?
Unless otherwise indicated, all in-person Writing Center workshops meet in or adjacent to 6171 Helen C. White Hall. We also offer workshops that meet virtually through Zoom.
For faculty, academic staff, and TAs
I’m a UW-Madison professor, an academic staff instructor, or a teaching assistant. How can I arrange a Writing Center instructor to visit my or co-teach my class?
Your students are more likely to visit the Writing Center after a member of our staff has made a brief presentation about our services in your class. Every year, we make such presentations in undergraduate and graduate courses across campus.
How can I learn more about teaching with writing?
Visit the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program page.
I’m a professor or academic staff instructor. How can I find out more about having a Writing Fellow work with one of my courses?
Professors teaching small Writing Intensive or Comm-B classes without TAs can ask to work with Writing Fellows. Learn more about Writing Fellows.
I’m a visiting scholar or UW-Madison staff or faculty member. Can I receive individual instruction on my writing?
The Writing Center is happy to offer limited consultations to visiting scholars and staff. Because our instruction is funded by student tuition, we give first priority to students.
Call us at 608-263-1992 to schedule an appointment, and let the receptionist know that you are a visiting scholar or staff member and that you would like to be scheduled during a time that is otherwise quiet for the Writing Center.
Website
How can I get permission to link to the Writing Center website or use Writing Center instructional materials for my teaching?
If you would like permission to add a link to the Writing Center on your website or to use handouts reproduced from the Writer’s Handbook, please email us.
We have developed numerous handouts that you can duplicate for use in your teaching. For many of these handouts, see our website, under “Writer’s Handbook,” or request a copy of a specific handout to be sent to you via campus mail by email.
How do I give the Writing Center feedback about the website?
At the Writing Center we believe in revision. Ask anyone.
But it’s not just what we tell everyone who walks in the door. It’s what we do. This web site is no exception to our rule. We’re constantly revising, improving, and responding to the feedback that people are kind enough to take the time to give us.
You can be one of those people! Please, take a moment to email us (wcenter@writing.wisc.edu).