The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers writing consulting to assist students with writing assignments for any course. Our writing consultants can provide guidance in all stages of the writing process including brainstorming, research, content development, organization, formatting, and citations. They do not merely proofread papers.
In supporting the mission of the Learning Support Services, the writing consulting program aims to assist UD students as they become self-determined, motivated, and independent writers over time. Our writing consultants work to equip all writers with the confidence and strategies to engage successfully in the writing process. The goal is to help the writer improve their skills not simply to improve the specific paper.
All writing consulting services are free to University of Dubuque students.
Who are our writing consultants?
Peer writing consultants are UD students that are successful writers, enjoy the writing process, and want to help other students both enjoy and improve their writing. Peer writing consultants are carefully selected on the basis of academic skill, leadership, character, and the ability to communicate with their peers from varying educational, cultural, and social backgrounds.
Writing consultants must meet the following qualifications:
- Have at least sophomore standing
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Receive a faculty recommendation that speaks to their writing abilities
As successful students, peer writing consultants share their knowledge and love of writing as they create a friendly, inclusive environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Work Study Opportunity
If you're interested in becoming a peer writing consultant, please contact ASC@dbq.edu for more information and application materials.
Writing Consulting Hours
During the fall and spring semesters, writing consultants are available during the following hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 9 AM-9 PM
- Friday: 9 AM-4 PM
- Sunday: 4-8 PM
Summer tutoring may be accommodated by appointment only, by contacting ASC@dbq.edu.
The Academic Success Center offers both virtual writing consultations and face-to-face sessions in the ASC, on the second floor of the Charles C. Myers Library.
Scheduling a Writing Consultation
The ASC uses an online scheduling system, which allows students to view ASC schedules and make appointments at their convenience. To view the ASC schedules or make an appointment, students can visit https://dbq.mywconline.com/.
Walk-in appointments are also welcome. However, to ensure that a peer or professional staff member will be available to assist you, we recommend booking in advance. If you need assistance scheduling an appointment, please stop by the ASC in person or call 563.589.3262.
The UD Online Writing Lab (OWL)
The ASC also provides online writing assistance. Whether you are enrolled in the LIFE or graduate programs or are unable to meet for an interactive writing consultation, this alternative may be a good option.
Send your writing assignment (as a .doc, .docx, or .rtf document) to OWL@dbq.edu. A writing consultant will then offer you the same types of suggestions you would receive in a traditional session. Writing consultants will not simply proofread your papers - they address higher order concerns (organization, thesis support, etc.) before looking at lower order concerns (grammar, punctuation, etc.). If using this resource, please plan ahead as documents submitted to the OWL may require up to 48 hours to be reviewed by a writing consultant.
Please note that students enrolled in ENG 090 and COM 101 cannot utilize writing consulting via the UD OWL. For help in those classes - or with group writing assignments - please visit the ASC to take advantage of interactive writing consultations.