Academic Help

The Writing Center

Receive support at any stage of your writing to clarify ideas, beat procrastination, and build confidence.

Western offers a student-led Writing Center in Taylor Hall, where students can take their essays for revision and assistance.

Getting Started at the Writing Center

Writing can be challenging at any level, but you don’t have to do it alone. At the Writing Center, experienced consultants are here to help you clarify your ideas, focus your work, and build confidence—whether you’re just getting started or polishing a final draft. Explore our resources to learn how to make the most of your visit and take the stress out of the writing process.

Schedule a Writing Center Appointment

Become a Writing Consultant

What We Do

The Writing Center is here to help writers become stronger, more confident communicators—no matter their starting point. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, organizing your thoughts, or polishing a final draft, we’re ready to support you at every stage of the writing process.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit us:

  • One-on-one sessions that last 25 or 50 minutes, depending on your needs and availability

  • Constructive feedback from engaged consultants who act as thoughtful readers, not graders

  • Support for all writers—from first-year students to advanced scholars, and everyone in between

  • A welcoming workspace with helpful resources, even if you don’t have an appointment

  • Encouragement to take ownership of your writing, rather than handing it off to someone else


What We Don’t Do

While we’re committed to helping you grow as a writer, there are some things we don’t provide:

  • We don’t “fix” papers or edit them for you

  • We don’t write content, complete assignments, or pre-grade drafts

  • We won’t proofread for you, but we will help you learn how to proofread more effectively

  • We don’t have all the answers, but we do know how to find and use great writing resources

Writing Center Hours

The Writing Center (Taylor 112D) is open for walk-in, in-person, and online (synchronous and asynchronous) appointments.

Day Hours
Sunday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Monday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Friday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday CLOSED

Schedule an Appointment at the Writing Center

The Writing Center welcomes walk-in appointments but encourages you to schedule appointments in advance to minimize wait times and ensure that you can meet with a Writing Center Consultant before your assignment is due. Appointments begin on the hour or half-hour. If you are running late for your appointment, call the Writing Center at 970.943.7079.

How to Prepare for Your Writing Center Session

Coming prepared helps you get the most out of your time with a writing consultant. Here’s how to make your session as productive as possible.

1. What to Bring

2. Know What You Want to Work On

3. Be Ready to Talk About Your Writing

4. Build on Your Strengths

Become a Writing Consultant

The Writing Center is always seeking excellent students from all majors who have a strong background in writing and a passion for helping others.

As a Writing Consultant, you’ll:

  • Work one-on-one with students during scheduled shifts in the Writing Center

  • (Optionally) Be embedded in first-year writing classes (ENG 102 or 103) to provide additional support

  • Collaborate with faculty to help students grow as confident, capable writers

Requirements

To apply, you must:

  • Have successfully completed ENG 102 and COM 202 or ENG 103

  • Be at least a rising sophomore

  • Enroll in ENG 240: Writing Center Workshop (offered every fall)

  • Maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA

Priority is given to juniors, seniors, and local graduate students.

How to Apply

To apply, email the following materials to Writing Center Director Jennifer Foster Caldwell:

  • A completed Writing Center application (available upon request)

  • A letter of interest describing your writing experience and interest in helping peers

  • Two writing samples (graded classwork preferred; one may be creative)

Writing Center

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Taylor 112D
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231