writing services wlu

Writing Center

The Writing Center offers individual and group tutorial assistance to students of all abilities on any college writing or presentation task, from papers and lab reports in any stage of completion to PowerPoints and business proposals. 

We do not proofread or edit student work; rather, we help students analyze and strengthen their own composing process, so they become more articulate and confident. In keeping with the Honor System, students who use our service must acknowledge Writing Center help on any project they submit for a grade.

For More Information

Contact Professor Bill Oliver , Coordinator of the Writing Center, at [email protected] .

Resources for Students

How to thrive in a virtual learning environment.

Seven ways to keep your learning sharp in virtual classes!

Peer Tutoring

The mission of the Academic Peer Tutoring Program is to provide assistance for students, both through this site and with their peers. This program is available to all students at Washington and Lee University, free of charge. Upper-division students are available to all students in most entry-level courses.

The program is not only for students who are struggling, but those students who would like an extra boost towards achieving a desired success level in their classes.

All Peer Tutors undergo a rigorous departmental application and screening process followed by a training program to help them assess the best way to work with their students.

Request a Tutor

Please fill out the   Peer Tutor Request Form . We will notify you once we have received your form.

For any further questions, please email  [email protected] .

Writing Center

The Writing Center offers individual and group tutorial assistance on any college writing task, from papers and lab reports in any stage of completion to resumes and application essays.  

The Center is directed by an English Department faculty member and staffed by students from various major and minor fields chosen for their superior writing and teaching skills.

Make an Appointment

The Center is open Sunday through Thursday from 2-4:00 p.m., and 8-10:00 p.m. During Fall Term 2020, all writing center tutorials will be virtual.  Schedule Now!

For More Information

Contact  Professor Bill Oliver , Coordinator of the Writing Center, at  [email protected] .

Williams School Communication Center

Hours/Location: Sunday 6-10 PM, Monday 6-10 PM, Tuesday-Thursday 2-4 PM and 6-10 PM   / virtual in the Fall.

Specifics: The Williams School Communication Center provides access to professional writing consultants versed in the particular details of writing within the disciplines of accounting, business, economics, and politics.  Appointments can be made online through the scheduler on the  CommCenter webpage .

Subject Tutoring

While peer tutoring will connect you to a tutor you might work with over an extended period of time, sometimes you just need help one time with that one problem, that one topic, that one idea. If that’s the case, Subject Tutoring is available in a variety of subjects.

Contact: Professor Helen I’Anson ( [email protected] ) Hours/Location: Sunday-Thursday,  8-10PM EST, 3D Lab in IQ Center

Contact: Your professor or Head Tutor, Lourdes Arana ( [email protected] ) Hours/Location: Monday-Thursday, 7-9PM EST.  All meetings will be virtual.  Specifics: This center is for Economics 100 students only.

Accounting Help Center

Contacts: Beta Alpha Psi President, Avery Younis ( [email protected] ) Hours/Location: Sunday, 8-10PM EST, Huntley 327 Specifics: This center is for Accounting 100 students only.

Math Center

Baldridge Reading & Study Strategy Program

The Baldridge Reading & Study Strategy Program is a one-week course for developing reading speed and comprehension.  The program occurs virtually Sept. 21-25, 2020 with several sessions offered each day and does cost an additional fee.

Academic Success Coaching  

It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the academic load at college. If you’re consistently struggling to get a grip on all those papers and exams and the day-to-day challenges of your classes, you might benefit from academic coaching. Local learning specialist Anna Crockett offers coaching services and consulting for academic and life success on a fee-for-service basis.

Please note : anyone contacting Anna Crockett for themselves or on behalf of a student is strongly encouraged to also notify the appropriate class dean: For first-year students, Dean Rodocker ; for second- and third-year students, Dean Hobbs ; for fourth-year students, Dean Simpson .

Leyburn Library Research Desk

The Research staff of Leyburn Library offers assistance with the use of the library collections and other information resources.

Research Assistance will also be available to anyone using the Science Library.

Schedule a virtual research consultation with a librarian. Review the   library directory   to find a librarian who specializes in your topic of interest.

On demand chat research support is available at   library.wlu.edu . This service is operated by W&L librarians and trained student staff.

Additional Resources

Student Health and Counseling

Academic difficulties are sometimes related to physical or mental health issues.  If you are concerned that your health may be causing academic difficulties, please make an appointment with the appropriate office in Student Health and Counseling. 

The Student Health Center is located in the lower level of Davis Hall. The main entrance is off the alley at the back of the building. You will need your University card to enter the Student Health Center; to make an appointment, call (540) 458-8401. 

The Counseling Center is located on the first floor of Early-Fielding; to make an appointment, call (540) 458-8590.

Student Affairs Class Deans

For non-academic issues, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate class dean:

Dean Jason Rodocker, [email protected] , for FY students,

Dean Megan Hobbs, [email protected] , for sophomores and juniors, and

Dean Tammi Simpson, [email protected] , for seniors.

Residential Life Staff  

The residential life staff is comprised of sophomore, junior and senior student leaders selected through a competitive process.

Resident Advisers (RA’s) work with First-Year students in the First-Year residence halls. 

Community Assistants (CA’s) work with upper-division students in The Village, Woods Creek apartments and theme houses. 

Career Fellows

Career Fellows introduce W&L undergraduate students to Career and Professional Development (CPD) resources and partner with peers to craft professional documents and navigate the job and internship search. They have appointment availability in Handshake to assist with resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, and networking.

Peer Counselors  

The Peer Counseling Program is a team of student volunteers dedicated to helping other students experiencing emotional problems.  Recognizing that students often feel most comfortable talking with friends about life issues, Peer Counselors receive extensive training on how to help other students. They are not therapists, but act as friends who are knowledgeable about the kinds of emotional issues affecting students and campus resources.   

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities  

Washington and Lee University is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities to qualified students with physical or mental disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

For more information, contact the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Disability Resources Lauren Kozak , Elrod Commons 212, (540) 458-4055. 

For Students

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University Library

• University Library Home
• Washington and Lee University Research Guides
• Support for Writing Intensive Courses

About This Guide

• Using the Library Catalog
• Citation Styles
• Grammar & Writing Guidebooks
• Getting Help

Mary Abdoney

Welcome to the library resource and research guide for the writing intensive courses.

Browse the blue tabs (to the left on a computer and below on a mobile device) for information on:

• Using the Library Catalog;
• Citation Styles;
• Grammar & Writing Guides
• Zotero [an awesome citation manager].

Need help with something not covered in this guide, please contact Mary Abdoney , Chat with the Library , or email [email protected] . 

• Next: Using the Library Catalog >>
• Last Updated: Aug 15, 2024 10:53 AM
• URL: https://libguides.wlu.edu/writing

Academic Coaching

Enhance your studying and learning through academic coaching

Whether you are experiencing challenges with your learning and studying or just want to perform better in college, academic coaching can help. Through one-on-one coaching, you will develop your academic practices, as well as your confidence in using a range of strategies and techniques to reach your full potential.

Academic Coaching FAQs

What is academic coaching .

Academic coaching is a one-on-one partnership between a student and a coach. Through a dialogue tailored to the student's needs, interests, strengths, and goals, coaching provides students with a space to enhance their academic practices and their confidence as learners (self-efficacy) to maximize their success in college and beyond.

All students can benefit from academic coaching, not just those who are struggling or underperforming in their studies. Academic coaching promotes academic and personal growth, regardless of the level you are currently working at.

What can an academic coach support me with?

An academic coach can support you with many aspects of your studying and learning, including: 

• Adjustment to college
• Goal setting and planning
• Making the most of classes
• Motivation for learning
• Reading and note-taking
• Study strategies
• Test preparation and test-taking
• Time management and organization

What does an academic coach not do?

• We don't give you the answers but provide tools and strategies to empower your growth to self-discovery.
• We don't do your work for you.
• We don't offer tutoring or subject-specific advice.
• We don't advise on what grades you will receive.
• We don't take responsibility for the grades you receive.
• We don't advise on your current or future class schedule. Your Academic Advisor will be happy to assist you.

Who are the academic coaches? 

We are pleased to offer both professional academic coaching and peer academic coaching.

Dr. Adam Scales , Assistant Director of Academic Resources, offers one-on-one professional coaching for academic success.

We also have a team of highly trained peer academic coaches who are excited to work with students to support their academic and personal growth. As current undergraduate students, our peer academic coaches can relate to your experiences of studying and learning at W&L.

Both professional and peer coaching can be scheduled through Penji.

How can I meet with an academic coach?

Please access the Penji platform or download the Penji app. Once you have accessed Penji, you will see the academic coaching community and will be able to schedule a one-off session with a coach, or a recurring session if you would prefer to meet more regularly.

You will be able to select a type of coach (professional or peer), and will then select a date, time, and meeting location. Once your session is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation from Penji with the details. Please save the meeting invite so you are reminded of your coaching session.

How can I prepare for my academic coaching session?

Before your session, consider specific areas of your studying and/or learning you would like support with. You may also find it useful to prepare a list of questions you'd like to address with your academic coach to bring to the session with you.

You will see a chatroom feature on Penji and you are encouraged to use this to chat with your academic coach before the session if you have questions.

How can I make the most of my academic coaching session?

During the session, we encourage students to be open about their experiences and ask specific questions to make the most of their time with an academic coach. We also encourage students to take notes during the session as these will be useful when applying strategies to your studying and/or learning in the future.

How many sessions will I need with an academic coach?

Some students benefit from one coaching session and feel empowered to move forward independently. Other students attend coaching over the course of a semester or longer. You will have an opportunity to plan a coaching schedule with an academic coach during your first session.

Schedule a Session

Please note: Faculty members making a referral to Dr. Scales on behalf of a student are encouraged to notify the appropriate class dean. For first-year students, Dean Rodocker , Dean Bryant , and Dean Hodge ; for second-year students, Dean McCoil ; for third-year and senior students, Dean Hobbs .

Please refer to our Learning Resources page for additional support with your academic skills.

An Extraordinary Opportunity Through W&L’s Summer Research Scholars program, Landon Rollins ’26 and John Paul Hammond ’27 are working in Special Collections to process an alumnus’ expansive performing arts collection.

By Emily Innes August 12, 2024

A Rich History

Amelia Fisher ’24 began processing the Strouss Collection as an SRS student during the summer of 2023 and found that it perfectly blended her interests in history, theater and education. “This experience speaks to the opportunities you have at W&L, and it was a joy to work on a team to organize something that will benefit student researchers long after I’ve graduated,” Fisher said.

Fisher also had the opportunity to meet with Henry Strouss ’61 and speak with him about his collection, conducting formal interviews as well as having conversations with Strouss and his wife, Jo, about their experiences and passion for the performing arts. “I love stories and storytelling, and our conversations added color to the materials that were already rich with their own histories before landing in the Strouss family’s hands,” Fisher said.

Fisher is currently working as a campus ministry intern at the University of Mary Washington through the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

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Palouse Writers Guild

Contest Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Palouse Writers Guild contests. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who participated! 1st Chapter Contest 1st Place Watcher’s Moon by Ciara Minor (Moscow, ID) 2nd Place E-gypt by William Engles (Pullman, WA) 3rd Place  Return to …

Books & Brews 2024

Join us to celebrate the successes of our local writers! Books & Brews is FREE, family-friendly, and open to the public. This event is an opportunity for the public to meet and greet local authors in a festive book fair atmosphere. Moscow Alehouse is our beverage provider. In addition to …

Call for Authors

The Palouse Writers Guild is hosting its 5th Annual Books & Brews event on Saturday, June 22, 2024. At this free, family-friendly event, authors can meet with the public and autograph their books. The event will be held at the 1912 Center, in Moscow, Idaho and will run from 4 …

2024 Writing Contests

It’s writing contest time! You spoke, we listened. This year there will be two categories for short stories: novice and general entry. Anyone who has been published (yes, even self-published) goes in the general entry category. The novice category is limited to those writers who have never been published in …

2023 Contest Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Palouse Writers Guild contests. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who participated! Short Story Contest 1st Place The Void by Cora Irelan (Moscow, ID) Runner-up Now You See Me by James Foster (Potlatch, ID)   First …

2023 Books & Brews

Join us to celebrate the successes of our local writers! Books & Brews is FREE, family-friendly, and open to the public. This event is an opportunity for the public to meet and greet local authors in a festive book fair atmosphere. Moscow Brewing Company is the beverage provider and non-alcoholic …

2023 Palouse Writers Festival

The Palouse Writers Guild is pleased to present the line-up for our 4th Annual Palouse Writers Festival and Books & Brews events. Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023 Location:1912 Center, 412 East Third St., Moscow, ID 83843 Workshops What Teens Want: Exploring YA Fiction Time: 11:30 AM (75 min session) Location: Reception …

The Palouse Writers Guild is hosting its 4th Annual Books & Brews event on Saturday, June 17, 2023. At this free, family-friendly event, authors can meet with the public and autograph their books. The event will be held at the 1912 Center, in Moscow, Idaho and will run from 5 …

2023 Writing Contests

It’s writing contest time! Anyone may enter the first chapter contest, but the short story contest is limited to novice writers who have never been published before. Information for both contests is below. Submission guidelines are the same for both contests. Multiple submissions are allowed and can be mailed in …

NaNoWriMo 2022

Great news WriMos and Rebels–NaNoWriMo is back! After two years of being sequestered at home, writing alone, NaNoWriMo has returned to hosting in-person write-ins and the Palouse Writers Guild is encouraging local writers to connect and share. For those community members not familiar with the program, NaNoWriMo is the acronym …

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MLA 9 Citations

The MLA style guide is a citation system created by the Modern Language Association and used primarily in the humanities, and specifically in fields that study language and literature. The style guide provides standards for writers to document and cite sources while conducting research in these fields.

A Complete MLA Citation Entry

Every complete MLA entry consists of two parts:

• In-text citation: a parenthetical citation integrated into the sentence or paragraph when quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing. Whether you are quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing, a page number (when available) is required.
• A works cited entry: a complete bibliographic citation listed alphabetically at the end of the paper in the works cited list. Note: the works cited list should include only those sources you cite in your text.

In-Text Citations

Basic parenthetical citation.

“Any poet who wished to engage with Britain’s political situation in the first two decades of the nineteenth century inevitably needed to engage with the subject of the Napoleonic Wars, within which Britain was embroiled for much of the period” (Knowles 307).

As Knowles underscores, “Any poet who wished to engage . . .” (207).

With no page numbers

“Any poet who wished to engage with Britain’s political situation in the first two decades of the nineteenth century inevitably needed to engage with the subject of the Napoleonic Wars, within which Britain was embroiled for much of the period” (Knowles).

With two authors

“It is not surprising, then, that institutional documents, such as certificates of insanity, admission records, and case histories often tell a different story than the one proffered by patients who were seeking justice, redemption, and/or catharsis” (Hanganu-Bresch and Berkenkotter 13).

With three or more authors

Include only the first author’s name followed by “et al.”

“Documents filtered through the criminal justice system and the press also pose challenges in analysing Black women’s experiences and stories” (Ware et al. 638).

With no named author (use the work’s title or description)

“Any poet who wished to engage with Britain’s political situation . . . inevitably needed to engage with the subject of the Napoleonic Wars” ("Female Romantic Poetry”).

Block Quotes

Quotations that run for more than four lines still include author name and page but are formatted in a block quote. A block quote:

• Has no quotation marks around it.
• Is typically introduced by a colon.
• Includes concluding punctuation before the parenthetical citation.
• Is indented ½ inch from the left margin.

As Knowles describes Felicia Hemans’ marriage:

in 1812, the young poet Felicia Dorothea Browne fell in love with and married a Captain Hemans who had returned to England in 1811, ‘weakened and scarred from war.’ The marriage was effectively over by 1818, when Captain Hemans left his growing family to return to Italy, never to return: although we can never know for sure, it is quite possible that his experiences in the war, and their ongoing impact on his health, played a role in this decision. (307)

Reference List

Book by one author.

Davis, Angela Y. Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday . Pantheon, 1998.

Book with two authors

Dorris, Michael, and Louise Erdrich. The Crown of Columbus . HarperCollins Publishers, 1999.

Book by more than two authors

Charon, Rita, et al. The Principles and Practice of Narrative Medicine . Oxford UP, 2017.

Journal article

Knowles, Claire. “Female Romantic Poetry, 1798-1819: The Climate of Fear and the Loss of a Radical Generation.” Women’s Writing , vol. 28, no. 3, 2021, pp. 305-19.

Book chapter in an edited volume

Toorn, Penny van, and Daniel Justice. “Aboriginal Writing.” The Cambridge Companion to Canadian Literature , edited by Eva-Marie Kröller, Cambridge UP, 2017, pp. 26-58.

Work by a corporate author

MLA Ad Hoc Committee on Foreign Languages. “Foreign Languages and Higher Education: New Structures for a Changed World.” Profession , 2007, pp. 234-45.

Rushmore . Directed by Wes Anderson, Touchstone Pictures, 1998.

Goldfarb, Laura. “Clear Speech, Clear Mind.” Laurier Writing Centre , 26 April 2019. https://laurierwriting.wordpress.com/2019/04/26/clear-speech-clear-mind/.

For more information, you can consult the Online Writing Lab at Purdue and the MLA website . 

Writing Services, Wilfrid Laurier University, CC By-NC 2023

Note for Printing or PDF Download

If you are printing or downloading a PDF of this document, note that the document does not display hanging indents.

If your citation is longer than one line of the page, indent the remaining line(s) about 1/2 inch from the left margin.

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