Students working on any sort of writing projects are invited to take advantage of the University Writing Center.UAB’s University Writing Center (UWC) offers trained tutors to aid undergraduate and graduate students as they tackle writing projects large and small, whether that’s an essay, an email, a lab report, a thesis or dissertation, or any form of written communication.

Jaclyn Wells, Ph.D., director of the UWC, recruits tutors who make people feel comfortable when sharing their writing. The tutors can assist before a draft is composed, such as providing help in brainstorming or outlining a concept, or help in polishing and refining a draft that is already underway.

“Some people are really nervous about getting feedback on their writing, but our tutors make the process pleasant instead of intimidating,” Wells said. “Many students say they appreciate how much easier it is to start their writing when they sit down and talk with a tutor.”

Personalized help

Tutors at the UWC may be undergraduate students, graduate students, or adjunct instructors. They are all talented writers and are dedicated to helping UAB students.

In addition, all of the UWC staff have completed levels one and two of Student Counseling's Mental Health Advocate training. As Mental Health Advocates, the staff is trained to provide guidance to students who are stressed about deadlines or assignments. Completing this training does not mean they offer mental health or crisis counseling, but they can provide resources about what options are available at UAB.

“We now feel equipped to better recognize signs of distress and encourage students to learn about their resources and seek help,” Wells said.

Tamaa Zankawah, a graduate student tutor, says she has noticed differences in her approach to tutoring after completing the training.

“It has motivated me to remain patient, communicate appropriately with students who feel overwhelmed or depressed by schoolwork, and refer them to the proper mental health resources,” Zankawah said.

Options for scheduling

The UWC offers three types of writing coaching: online, eTutoring, and in-person appointments, all made through the UWC’s scheduling system.

Online appointments are virtual consultation sessions. The eTutoring option allows writers to upload a draft before 9 a.m. on a given day and receive feedback before 9 p.m. on the same day. In-person appointments are held in Sterne Library, Room 175. Sessions may last 25 or 50 minutes. During this time, the tutor and student will work through a draft or create an outline for a successful piece. Appointments must be cancelled at least 30 minutes in advance.

Starting this fall, there will also be a UWC tutor available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Engagement and Enrichment office in the Hill Student Center, Suite 311.

In addition to one-on-one appointments, the UWC hosts regular writing groups. For faculty and students, writing groups offer community and accountability. The student groups are two-hour sessions where students can come and go as needed; they provide a dedicated time to get writing done. The UWC also hosts in-person and virtual faculty writing groups. For faculty and students, writing groups offer community and accountability. All writing group meetings can be found on the UAB Campus Calendar.

The UWC also participates in orientations and other tabling events, and the staff is able to assist with any programs focused on student writing. “If anyone would like a writing tutor to attend programming they’re holding for students, they should reach out to us,” Wells said.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit the University Writer Center website.