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Ready to make an appointment? You must use the online appointment system. Follow these instructions for using the system.

Please review our consultation policies

The Graduate School Writing Center offers multiple types of consultations for both oral and written communication.  Most consultations, includiding read-ahead, brainstorming, and all oral communciation consultations, are scheduled for 60 minutes and must be reserved in advance through the online scheduling system.  During consultations, graduate students can expect to engage in attentive conversation about their writing or presentations with a peer. A graduate student can work with a fellow to. . . .

  • Talk through, develop, and organize ideas into clear, coherent prose.
  • Develop skills in revising and editing.
  • Strengthen oral presentation skills.
  • Learn to interpret the structure, style, and requirements of various graduate level communications (including seminar papers, literature reviews, dissertation chapters, conference presentations, and thesis/proposal/dissertation defenses).
  • Practice presentations.
  • Get constructive feedback from a thoughtful reader or listener.

Fellows do not edit a student’s composition; instead, students can expect to work collaboratively with the fellows to develop as a writers and speakers.

Read-ahead consultations  are offered face-to-face (in 5100b McKeldin), online (synchronous), or as eTutoring (asynchronous, via email). These appointments require students to submit writing or presentations at least 24 hours in advance. Fellows read, review, and comment on the submissions in preparation for the hour-long consultation.

Brainstorming consultations are ideal for students who are in the planning and development stage of their writing project. These appointments do not require students to submit writing in advance and offer an opportunity to meet with a fellow and brainstorm about a project, review shorter documents (such as cover letters, personal statements, or other documents shorter than three pages), or discuss questions and concerns about style or usage.
 
Drop-in consultations are best for last-minute requests and for reviewing shorter documents. For Spring 2023, Drop-in hours will be virtual on Wednesdays from 12-3pm and hybrid on Thursdays from 12-3pm (come to 5100b McKeldin or join virtually).  No advance registration is required. See links on the calendar (at the bottom of this page). Trouble connecting?  Call or email (gradwritingfellows@umd.edu) the GS Writing Center for help!  

Contact Information

Graduate School Writing Center

5100B McKeldin Library
College Park, MD 20742

301-405-9871
 
Spring Drop-In Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:00-3:00pm
 

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