When are you open?
Do I have to have an appointment?
We take walk-ins whenever we can. Nearing midterms and finals, however, appointments are important. Moreover, we advise scheduling consultations for midterm and final papers 1-3 weeks before the paper is due.
How do I make an appointment?
All appointments must be made online and can only be made by those with an UNK email address. Use the gold menu to the left or click here to access our appointment book. A confirmation email will be sent to your UNK address.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
All appointment changes and cancelations must be done online. Use the gold menu to the left or click here to access the appointment book. A confirmation email will be sent to your UNK address. The appointment book does NOT permit same-day cancelations, and no-shows are recorded and actionable. If you miss three appointments in a single semester, you will not be permitted to make any appointments until the following semester.
How long are appointments?
We recommend 30 minute consultations for 1-3 page papers. For 4-7 page papers, we recommend 60 minutes. For longer papers and/or those that need significant revision, you will need more than one consultation. You may schedule up to two 60-minute consultations each week, so long as they are not back-to-back.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Bring a full description of your assignment, your paper thus far, and a list of concerns and/or questions. You may also want to bring relevant materials, such as research you have gathered, outlines you have made, peer feedback you have received. Each consultant has a computer you can use to access electronic documents, but most people bring hardcopies of the abovementioned items.
Can I drop off my paper and pick it up later?
No. This is not a dry cleaner. You need to be here to describe your assignment, answer questions, and write down what you decide to change.
Will you fix my paper for me?
Nope. We provide options, advice, another point-of-view. You provide the answers and make the final changes on your own. To be clear, consultants will discuss your concerns, as well as offer feedback and suggestions. They will NOT correct, edit, proofread, or write any part of the paper for you.
Will I get an "A" on my paper if I go to the Writing Center?
We do not determine or speculate about grades. We will always do what we can to help you write a stronger paper, but grades are earned by you and the choices you make.
Will my instructor know I came to the Writing Center?
After your visit, the consultant will email a nonjudgmental summary to your instructor. Instructors appreciate summaries, because they signal extra effort on your part to improve your performance in the class. If you are uncomfortable with your instructor receiving a summary, simply let the consultant know. In contrast, if you would like an additional summary sent to a coach, advisor, or such, bring his/her email address to the consultation.
Can I bring a take-home exam?
Consultants need a completed Referral Form from your instructor before helping with take-home exams.
How many papers go through the Writing Center?
A LOT! UNK’s Writing Center has enjoyed over 1,000 visits every semester since 2002 and over 1,500 every semester since 2008.