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The Writing Center

Overview

The Writing Center is a caring space open to all Doane campus community members. It is also an intellectually dynamic environment where writers, at any stage in the writing process, can have productive conversations regarding writing and their work, whether academic, professional, or creative. Visits are recommended for everyone: all writers can benefit from a conversation with a reader. 

The Writing Center has office space on both the Crete and Lincoln campuses. On Crete, you can find us in the Learning Commons (library) within the Communications Building, room 144. On the Lincoln campus, we are in room 204 of the Fred Brown Building. 

For writing questions or concerns, please contact the Writing Center at [email protected]

Mission Statement

The Writing Center serves all members of the Doane community by creating and supporting a culture of writing.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Doane University celebrates diversity and inclusion by acknowledging the humanity in others and navigating difference as a necessary process for all communities. We welcome writers of all identities, including but not limited to sex, gender identity, religious beliefs or lack thereof, sexual orientation, political persuasion, race, ethnicity, cultural background, ability state (including writing ability), immigration status, national origin, language, socioeconomic status, body type, and personal history. We are committed to rejecting the rhetoric of bigotry and hate, and we are committed to resisting individual and structural oppression to create a safer, more inclusive, and more just university for all. We seek to create multiple and carried channels of access to our services; and to respect and affirm difference as it manifests, whether through linguistic, identity, interpersonal, or other markers.

Hours of Operation

Crete Campus
Monday - Friday, 10:00-4:00pm
Limited weekend hours. Please view WCOnline for availability.

Lincoln Campus
By appointment. Please contact [email protected] to request a consultation.

*Please note The Writing Center does not provide in-person or virtual writing services during official holiday breaks. 

Services

Writing Consultations

Consultations can be scheduled for either 30 or 50-minute blocks. As a center, we value a writer’s agency and ownership of their text, and as such you will lead and create the agenda for each session. Consultants can address and help with any stage of the writing process, from conception to final draft. 

Consultations are available in person or online. On the Crete campus, drop-in appointments are available every day during our hours of operation, though preference will be given to those who schedule ahead of time. To schedule a writing consultation, please reserve a day and time by creating an account with our online scheduling service: WCOnline

For consultation expectations, please click on the “Expectations” button below.

Online Writing Guidance

In addition to consultations, the Writing Center offers other avenues for writing assistance and help. Writers may upload a paper to WCOnline and a consultant will respond within two business hours of submission. A consultant will offer suggestions, support, and guided questions for your written work. Please note, this is not to be used as an editing service. We will not directly edit your writing, but will rather help you develop strategies for better clarity through comments, feedback, and questions. 

Submission Instructions:

  • Written work may be submitted 24/7
  • Fifteen-page limit
  • Must be submitted as either a Microsoft Word or Google document. No PDF’s please.
  • Please include your name, campus, course name/number, and brief instructions for the paper.
  • Please allow up to 48 hours (business days) for the Writing Center to supply feedback and return your paper. For example, if you submit a paper on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, that means the Writing Center has until Tuesday to return your paper. 
  • Any papers not following the above instructions will be returned to the student.

Graduate Level Work

If you are a graduate student looking for assistance for graduate level work, please contact the writing center at [email protected], or the Director, Jeremy Caldwell, at [email protected].