Writing Assistance

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Writing as an Ongoing Process

Everyone can become a stronger writer. There are many different types of writing based upon variations among academic disciplines, professional fields, or even between assignments within the same course. The key is to think about writing as an ongoing process, involving an initial draft, seeking feedback, refining the writing, and seeking additional feedback.

Work with a Writing Assistant

Since it can be challenging to step out of our “own head” to evaluate our writing, seeking feedback through collaboration can be extremely helpful at any stage of writing, both for undergraduate and graduate students. One of the best resources for this active, collaborative process at USM is the team of peer Writing Assistants and Graduate Writing Assistants available to any current USM student. Our writing appointments are student-directed, which means you tell us what you want to work on, and we will take it from there. 

Our Writing Assistants can help students with any aspect of the writing process, including but not limited to:

Writing Assistants do not serve as editors of students’ papers.  Rather, they assist students in a manner that moves along the writing process, and strengthens the students’ own skills and confidence with writing. Students should arrive at appointments with a description of the original assignment, a first draft if possible, and a willingness to be open to feedback. To further explain what it would be like to work with a Writing Assistant, this introductory video was created by a Writing Assistant at the Learning Commons.

Writing Assistance FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the writing service. If you don’t see the answer to your question, please visit the Writing Assistance site or email Carrie Kancilia, Faculty Director of Writing Services, at carrie.kancilia@maine.edu.