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Student sitting in the Writing Center lounge.

The Writing Center

Sign saying "Welcome Back Writers" on the Writing Center front desk.

Visit the Writing Center

At the McDaniel Writing Center, students of all majors are positively supported at every step of the writing process, whether they are writing an essay, research paper, resume, or creative project.

Writing is at the core of a liberal arts education, serving as a crucial skill for career-readiness and academic success. That’s why the Writing Center is committed to ensuring McDaniel students attain the necessary skills they need to be effective and persuasive writers, distinguishing them within their chosen fields.

Trained peer tutors meet the particular needs of each student who visits, providing guidance for their unique writing endeavors. Students will discover the critical thinking and writing skills they already possess, hone these skills, and produce writing they enjoy creating and are comfortable sharing.

Make an appointment

Develop Your Talent

  • Learning assistance: Improve your craft with an encouraging, knowledgeable partner by your side. Writing Center tutors are professionally trained in tutoring pedagogy, so they don’t work as proofreaders. Instead, they challenge students to develop skills in a variety of formats, from scientific to creative.
  • Right on time: The center's flexible hours will fit any schedule, so it’s easy to plan your visit, whether it's drop-in or scheduled. You can also set up three recurring appointments, so you can arrange visits for when you know you need them. 
    • Virtual appointments are available for all students, including those studying abroad at the Budapest, Hungary, campus.

Student-first services Our Dedication to Success

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1 in 4

McDaniel students visit the Writing Center each year.

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75+

hours of tutoring offered every week.

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15

peer tutors available to help.

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>450

tutoring sessions in the spring 2024 semester.

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98%

of students who use Writing Center services would recommend them to a friend.

Become a Writing Tutor

Interested in honing your skills as a tutor?

The center recruits peer tutors from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. What unites them is a deep love of writing and a desire to build a writing community. All peer tutors participate in rigorous, ongoing training in accordance with the Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession standards.

They also have the opportunity to attend the Maryland College Learning Center Association conference (MDCLCA). Some have even served as the student representative on the MDCLCA Executive Board or presented at the conference!

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 2.75 GPA
  • Recommendation by a McDaniel faculty or staff member
  • Formal interview with a mock tutoring session
  • Completion of associate tutor training in a four-credit course
  • Advanced or master tutor rank requires an additional two-credit course, independent study, or participation in writing center research
Two students in talking in front of a computer in the Writing Center.

Become a Peer Tutor

Express Your Interest in Becoming a Peer Tutor Meet the Peer Tutors

Student Support

Two students smiling at each other in Hoover Library.

Campus Partnerships The Long Night Against Procrastination

The center partners with other departments to maximize support. For the Long Night Against Procrastination, in the week before finals, the center partners with library services to provide a study space where librarians and peer assistants from the Writing Center and STEM Center help with writing, citing, and research. 

Photo of literary journal and newspapers on a table in the Writing Center.

What’s Your Style? Specific format? No problem!

​​​​​At McDaniel, you will complete papers in a variety of research styles. Tutors can assist with a variety of formats, including MLA, APA, CMS, and CSE.

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One-on-One Consultations Meet with a Tutor

The average appointment is between 30 to 60 minutes long - dedicated entirely to a student's writing needs. Sessions are active and engaging, so bring questions to ask and be prepared to practice revising techniques.  

An employer talks to students at a job and internship fair.

Career Development Preparing for Professional Success

The Writing Center understands that the value of strong, persuasive writing skills extends beyond success in the classroom. As your writing and communication skills become more nuanced and developed, you will be preparing yourself for life after McDaniel.

Employers regularly report that communication skills, including writing, are among the most desired qualifications when hiring new employees. The Center for Experience and Opportunity assists students in identifying job and internship opportunities that will complement your newfound writing skills.

Learn About Career and Internship Support

Connect With Us

Vanessa Flora-Nakoski

Director of the Writing Center

Phone: 410-857-2420

Office: Hill Hall 102

Location

McDaniel College, Hill Hall 102

 

Hours: Sunday through Friday.

 

Hours are subject to tutor availability. Please visit writingcenter.mcdaniel.edu for up-to-date times. Tutoring available by appointment and walk-in.

McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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