Writing Center

Location

Online & In-Person(GSSC 112)

The TLS Writing Center exists to provide TAMU-CC community members with the support they need to become confident and independent as writers. We do this in several ways.

One-on-One Consultations: Q&A

Will you edit my paper?

Our goal is to help you become a better writer. Editing works against that goal because it allows somebody else to control your words. We want your voice to be heard. It’s important to us that you own your writing, so we are not allowed to edit.

We do help you learn how to edit. We can find patterns of errors in your writing and teach you how to identify and correct those errors on your own. More importantly, we ask questions about content, organization, and other high-level concerns. When you learn how to ask those questions about your own writing (which you can begin to do after just one session), you will be a better writer; you won’t need us to edit your paper.

So, how does a one-on-one consultation work? 

When you visit the Writing Center, our staff will greet you and ask you to sign in on our sign-in computer. If you’re early, we have a waiting area with comfy couches and plenty of magazines. When it’s time, your consultant will invite you to sit down next to them at a table.

Consultations last for 45 minutes, and you’re in charge the whole time. The consultant will ask what you’re working on and may ask to see your assignment. Then, you and the consultant will talk about your goals for the session. For example, you can say that you’d like to work on organization or that you want a stronger thesis. If you don’t know what you need to work on, that’s fine too!

The consultant will then ask you to begin reading your paper aloud (or offer to do it for you). This may seem strange at first, but reading out loud is one of the best ways to double-check your writing. Writers often improve their papers without our help because it’s easier for them to hear and see problems when they read out loud.

 Again, you decide where the session goes.

 For example, we CAN help you:

• brainstorm ideas
• outline your paper
• organize your argument
• use the clearest language possible
• check your technical style (APA/MLA/Chicago)
• identify and correct grammatical errors and look for patterns
• revise your own paper
• edit, format, and proofread your own paper

 But for various reasons, we CANNOT:

• edit or proofread for you
• write on your paper (especially not with a big red pen)
• tell you what to write
• find all of your mistakes for you
• interpret assignments
• predict your grade

At the end of your session, you and the consultant will summarize what you’ve covered and then plan the next steps of your writing process. Feel free to stay in the Writing Center and work. When you leave, don’t forget to sign out!

What do I need to bring?

If you have an assignment or a prompt, bring it. If you have a draft — even a partial draft — bring it. Otherwise, just bring your ideas for what you want to write, and your consultant can help you plan the next step. 

Is a digital copy okay?

Yes! In fact, many students like to make changes to their paper during their consultations. If you can pull it up online, you can use one of our computers. We have both Macs and PCs. You’re also welcome to bring your own laptop.

What about other types of writing? Résumés? Applications? Short stories?

Yes! The Writing Center helps writers with ANY type of writing of ANY length, from a sentence to a dissertation.

How do I cancel an appointment?

Login to the appointment system and click on the orange square that corresponds with your appointment. You will see a form. At the bottom of the form, click “Cancel This Appointment.”

Do you accept walk-ins?

No. All services are offered to our students through appointments. If you walk into the Writing Center seeking help, you will be asked whether you have an appointment or not. If you do, you will see the consultant at your appointed time. If you do not have an appointment, the Office Assistant will help you in setting appointment with our consultants.

How often can I use the Writing Center’s services?

You are allowed to make three appointments per week, one appointment per consultant per day. 

These limits are intended to ensure that you maintain ownership of your work and that everyone has equal access to our services.

Will you guarantee an error-free paper?

Writing is a process, and as such, we work with writers at their point of need to help address error patterns.  We can go through and look for patterns of error and teach /model how to correct these errors. We will then ask the writer to go through the next section of the paper and make revisions to these patterns along with us. From there, we will move on to the next issue of concern once the writer has demonstrated understanding. There may be more text to address, and most writers will self-correct as we go through the remainder of the text; this, though, does not guarantee an error-free paper.  Writers may choose to not make revisions to the remainder of the text or they may decide not to take our suggestions.  Ultimately, this is the choice of the writer. We will make suggestions, work with error patterns, have the writer demonstrate revision to those error patterns to check for understanding, and move on to the next issue of concern, asking the writer to finish making those changes to the remainder of the text. 

Can you help with group projects?

Group projects are wonderful learning experiences and are welcomed! As it is the mission of the Writing Center to teach the writer how to revise and edit their own paper, it is important that all members of the group attend a group session so we can work with each writer.  If all members are not able to make it to a session, then we will be more than happy to work with the portion of writing of the members who are present. Another option is to have each group member make an appointment for their section of the project (their writing). Groups who come in together have found sessions more helpful because each writer is present and is able to explain rhetorical choices, meaning, and sources.  If you have questions regarding group projects, please give us a call!

Can I just use your computers, reference books, etc.?

Absolutely! Just sign in when you arrive and make yourself at home.

Informative and Interactive Writing Workshops

The TLS Writing Center offers informative and interactive workshops for classes on a variety of writing topics. These workshops can be facilitated in the Writing Center (GSSC 112) for up to 50 students, or Writing Consultants can facilitate the workshop in your classroom.

Please contact WritingCenter@tamucc.edu to request a workshop.

Orientation to Writing Center Services 10 minutes
This brief workshop introduces students to the services and resources offered by the TLS Writing Center. We recommend this introductory workshop to all classes as a simple way to introduce students to the services we offer as well as the Writing Consultants who staff our center. This workshop is most effectively delivered in your classroom. 

Introduction to APA 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the basics of APA style, formatting, and documentation. It focuses on the most basic elements of APA style: formatting a document, writing an abstract, organizing with headings, creating references, and citing sources within the text. The workshop is both informative and interactive, as it invites students to apply what they are learning about APA through guided practice with Writing Consultants. 

Introduction to MLA 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the basics of MLA style, formatting, and documentation. It focuses on the most basic elements of MLA style: formatting a document, creating a list of works cited, and citing sources within the text. The workshop is both informative and interactive, as it invites students to apply what they are learning about MLA through guided practice with Writing Consultants. 

Strategies for Effective Revision and Peer Review 50 minutes
This workshop introduces students to the concepts of revision and peer review by defining these terms, emphasizing their value in the writing process, and offering suggestions for providing and receiving effective feedback. Following the workshop, students are asked to switch papers with a peer and engage in the peer review process. 

Integrating Sources/Evidence (APA or MLA) 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce students to the importance of using sources effectively and correctly within their writing. The workshop introduces students to the purpose of using sources in academic writing as well as how to use credible sources within their own writing. It explains the difference between integrating a paraphrase and a quotation, and it additionally offers students strategies for effectively integrating sources in their own writing. At the conclusion of the workshop, students are asked to apply what they have learned in their own writing. 

Introduction to Scientific Writing 30 minutes
This workshop is designed to introduce students to the purpose and general conventions of scientific writing. It focuses on the use of concise language, active vs. passive voice, verb tense, and the general structure (IMRAD) of a scientific paper. The workshop can also include a section on a specific documentation style (i.e. APA, JEB, IEEE). 

Writing an Abstract and a Conclusion/Discussion 30 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to discuss requirements and provide strategies for composing an abstract and a conclusion/discussion in scientific writing. Following the workshop, students are encouraged to switch drafts with a peer and offer feedback on their abstract and conclusion/discussion. 

Plagiarism and the Misuse of Sources 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to define what plagiarism is and provide examples of different types of plagiarism. The workshop provides strategies for effectively quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material as well as correctly citing material in a required documentation style. 

Strategies for Successful College-Level Writing 50 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce first-year students to the resources available to them at the CASA Writing Center. The workshop briefly discusses the expectations of college-level writing, offers tips for approaching and managing writing projects, and explores elements of the writing process. 

Strategies for Research Writing 50 minutes
As a general introduction to the research process, this workshop focuses on finding a topic, conducting research, documenting source information, annotating sources, and beginning the writing process. This workshop is most effectively facilitated in the classroom or computer lab to allow computer-access for each student. 

Annotated Bibliography (APA or MLA) 30 minutes
The purpose of this workshop is to provide strategies for composing and formatting an annotated bibliography. It emphasizes the importance of drafting and revising annotations and encourages students to compose their annotated bibliography according to instructor expectations. This workshop is available in APA or MLA. 

Composing a Literature Review 30 minutes
This workshop emphasizes the importance of the literature review, reveals its purpose as a piece of writing or as a section of larger work, and offers strategies for researching, organizing, and discussing sources. During the workshop, students are provided with a research matrix template and given the opportunity to apply their own research. 

Strategies for Extended Writing Projects 50 minutes
This workshop is designed for students who are working on an extended writing project, such as a thesis, dissertation, and/or published article or chapter. It offers suggestions for planning, composing, revising, and staying motivated. 

Conducting Ethnographic Research 50 minutes
Designed to introduce students to ethnographic research methods, this workshop breaks these methods down to their most basic elements: selecting a location, fieldwork – observation and data collection, data analysis, and report writing. The workshop also offers various models and examples to help students understand how ethnographic research methods are incorporated into popular representations of communities. 

Multimodal Projects 30 minutes
This workshop introduces students to what a multimodal presentation is and shows them some available software options. The workshop focuses on elements of visual rhetoric and emphasizes the importance of professionalism and style in creating a multimodal presentation. 

Poster Presentations 30 minutes
This workshop shows students how to transfer their research into a professional poster presentation. It introduces students to the general expectations of professional posters, such as font, images, layout, and citing sources. Following the workshop, students are provided with a template to design and draft their own poster. 

Composing Your Résumé 30 minutes
This workshop introduces students to the options available to them when composing their résumé. Writing Consultants guide students through formatting options and provide strategies for composing sections of a résumé. The workshop includes various samples of résumés as well as general guidelines for students. Following the workshop, students are encouraged to work on drafts of their résumés while Writing Consultants answer questions and offer feedback. 

Composing Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) 30 minutes
This workshop introduces students to the major elements of a curriculum vitae (CV). Although there is not a universal CV format, we offer students general guidelines to follow when composing this document. The workshop focuses on the most common categories listed in a CV and includes samples of CVs from different disciplines. Following the informative workshop, students will be given the opportunity to work on their own CV as Writing Consultants answer questions and offer feedback.

Dr. Rita Sperry - Director of College Readiness and Academic Support

Andres L. Garcia - Assistant Director, Tutoring & Learning Services

Sarah Pons - Writing Center Coordinator

B.A. in Studio Art; M.A.. in Art History

Sarah has a B.A. in Studio Art and an M.A.. in Art History. She has partaken in several major writing projects in both her undergrad and grad years with an emphasis in research, interpretation and argumentative theory. Sarah is a two-time published writer under the McNair Scholar’s Program, where she conducted research in her field of art history. Her favorite genre in which to write is creative non-fiction and has applied such a style to much of her academic writing. In her free time, Sarah loves to write poetry, paint with acrylics and oils, and spend quality time with her cat-child. 

Emily (Lead Consultant)

B.A in Psychology (May 2024)

M.S in Professional Counseling (EGD: December 2026)

Emily graduated from TAMU-CC with her B.A in psychology and a minor in sociology. Now she is pursuing a M.S in professional counseling with an emphasis in clinical mental health. As a lead consultant, Emily supports the Writing Center's clients and consultants. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and gaming. She also likes getting fancy teas and window shopping on the weekends.

Adrian

B.A in English (in progress)

Adrian is working towards his bachelor’s in English in hopes of becoming a technical writer to collaborate with other occupations, creating user manuals for products set to release into the market. He is also interested in being an independent grant writer to support small businesses.

Adrian’s specialties include brainstorming, researching, grammar, layout organization, and efficiency with the APA citation format. He is most familiar with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, research papers and resumes, but is more than happy to help with anything that might raise questions.

When he’s not assisting with papers, Adrian enjoys reading a variety of genres, writing in his journal, playing games, watching movies, and playing with his pet cats.

Caleb

BBA with a major in Marketing and a minor in Communications Studies (Expected Spring
2027)

Specialties: Research, business, and other analytical papers; Brainstorming; M.A. and APA
formatting

Caleb is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing. After graduation, Caleb plans to pursue a post graduate degree in marketing with the goal of working in energy or manufacturing in a full-time capacity. In his consultations, He hopes that students receive the knowledge that they need to succeed in developing their skills so that a promising academic and professional future is within reach. In Caleb’s free time, he enjoys attending music concerts, finding or listening to new music, and going on sunset or sunrise hikes.

Chloe

A.A and B.A in English, M.A. in English (in progress)

Chloe (she/they) is currently pursuing an M.A.. in English with the hopes of becoming a published writer of fantasy and thriller novels someday. She is still exploring other career options, such as being an ESL instructor abroad or adjunct professor. Currently, Chloe has a couple of novels in the works and has had poetry published in the Switchgrass Review and Nzuri. They have also presented creative and academic works at conferences, such as SCMLA and CCTE. Her areas of interest include interdisciplinary research, such as gender studies, disability studies, and pop culture as well as linguistics (more specifically, sociolinguistics). However, she ultimately loves learning about any subject when she can. As a writing consultant, Chloe specializes in composition, M.A. formatting, creative writing (prose and poetry), technical writing, and grammar. As a student, she is part of Islander Creative Writers, Islander DnD, Islander Feminists, and more. When she’s not doing classwork, Chloe enjoys playing games (board/table-top and video) and watching fantasy and horror movies. They also like learning other languages; at the moment, they are learning Spanish and French. Fun fact: she has been to both Spain and France! Additionally, she enjoys writing and reading fantasy and horror. Chloe is a proud owner of three little fur gremlins (cats) named Jimmy, Bowie, and Frodo.

Emily

B.S. in Marine Biology with an Environmental Science Minor (expected Spring 2027)

Specialties: Literature reviews, scientific writing, APA formatting, research, and flow
Emily is a senior at TAMU-CC pursuing a degree in marine biology with environmental
science while also working towards an associate’s degree in political science through Lone
Star College. After graduation, she hopes to go on to obtain her PhD from the University of
Hawai’i at Mānoa with a future goal of working as a policy analyst for marine ecosystems.

Outside of the writing center, Emily is involved in a few organizations around campus
including NSLS, the SCUBA & Snorkel Club, and Anchor Camp. During her free time, Emily
enjoys going to the beach, hanging out with her friends, dancing, and watching movies.

Isabella

B.A in Psychology with a minor in Creative Writing (EGD: May 2027)

Specialties: APA formatting, essays of any kind, brainstorming, personal writing.

Isabella is a junior currently working on a Psychology degree. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education here at TAMUCC and pursue an MS in Professional Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In addition to her Psychology major, Isabella is working on a Creative Writing minor because of her passion for writing stories. She hopes to write her own book one and incorporate creative writing into future therapy sessions.

On her free time, Isabella enjoys playing relaxing video games like Minecraft, reading, and hanging out with her dog.

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn is a graduate student studying English. During her undergrad, she got her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Business Administration. After getting her master’s degree, Kaitlyn wants to pursue a career as an editor, taking particular interest in working with academic journals. Her academic interests include feminism, queer theory, and fandom studies, which all currently play a part in her thesis.

When she is not preoccupied with her grad work, Kaitlyn spends her free time spending quality time with her many cats and indulging in her many personal interests. These interests include, but are definitely not limited to: metal music, the horror genre in general, gothic literature, anime and manga, and video games. Two of her favorite movies include The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice, and her favorite game series of all time is The Legend of Zelda. She is also a fan of Edgar Allan Poe as well as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Besides her academic and personal interests, Kaitlyn has also published many pieces of her poetry and prose through various creative writing journals and magazines. Some of these publications include TAMUCC’s own Windward Review, The Page Gallery Journal, and Overgrowth Press. Kaitlyn hopes to publish many more pieces in the near future, creative or otherwise.

Makenzi

Specialties: APSA formatting, brainstorming, research, adding commentary, and organization.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to move to Colorado and continue her education with either law school or a master’s program for journalism.

Outside of the Writing Center, she is the Chief Justice of the Student Government Association (SGA) and the president of the Political Science Club. She enjoys reading and all things related to arts and crafts and has two cats and a dog.

Sam

B.S. in Environmental Science (in progress)

Specialties: natural science papers (especially biology and environmental science), science communication, presentation/public speaking preparation, and grammar/punctuation

Sam is a senior pursuing a B.S. in environmental science with a concentration in marine and coastal systems and a minor in biology, and they spent the fall 2024 semester completing a minor in maritime studies through the Williams-Mystic program in Connecticut. Their favorite part of their job at the writing center is learning what subjects their clients are most interested in and helping them find the best ways to communicate their knowledge and passions.

Sam cycles through hobbies like they're browsing TV channels, but they always enjoy making things, playing their bass guitar, going to local music gigs, and hanging out with as many dogs as possible.

Trisha

B.A. in English, pursuing M.A.. in English

Specialties: Technical writing; history and literature papers; Chicago style; scripts; presentations

Trisha is currently pursuing an M.A.. in English and plans on becoming a literature professor in the future. In addition to the specialties listed above, she enjoys helping in documentation and formatting; particularly M.A., APA, and Chicago (notes and bibliography). In her free time, she enjoys playing video games (especially strategy, RPGs, and mystery ones), reading, and running.

Venus

B.S In Computer Science (in progress)

Specialties: Brainstorming, APA formatting, science papers

Venus is currently a senior attending Texas A&M-University Corpus Christi where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in systems programming. She plans to become a software developer or software engineer in the future.

She currently holds a position as a writing consultant at the Tutoring and Learning Services. As a writing consultant, she specializes in documentation and style formatting, such as citations and formatting, and grammar errors, such as run on sentences and the likes.

Venus loves to be active and keeps herself busy with hobbies like going to the gym, rock climbing, and skating. When she is not out and about, she is usually playing video games, playing guitar, hanging out with friends, or watching a tv show or movies (I love letterbox). Ultimately, Venus thinks writing can be fun and looks forward to helping her clients grow as writers! 

Victor

B.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Professional Counseling (in progress)

Victor (he/him) received his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M in College Station, where he also spent a year working for the University Writing Center. He is still learning what his strengths are as a writing consultant, but he enjoys helping clients with brainstorming and creative writing. He is also familiar with APA format, research, and presentations. Victor is also a visual learner, so he loves using the large white boards during consultations! 

Victor also spent four years volunteering for the Texas A&M HelpLine, where he dedicated countless graveyard shifts to callers who needed a listening ear. He is now pursuing his counseling master’s and is seeing clients in a private practice setting. He primarily works with adults but is excited to start seeing adolescent clients as well!

In his free time, Victor enjoys spending time with friends, going out on the weekend, and playing League of Legends. When he gets a chance, he loves visiting friends around Texas, especially in Dallas and Austin. In fact, Victor would like to move to Austin soon after graduation, where he would like to continue working in private practice and enjoy the city’s youth and vibrancy!

Favorite movie: Everything Everywhere All at Once

Favorite shows: Avatar the Last Airbender (original), Agatha All Along, Danganronpa 3

Favorite music genre: Pop

Favorite music artist: Doja Cat

Victoria

B.A. in English (in progress), Minor in Spanish (in progress), TESOL Certificate (in progress)

Vicky is a junior working towards a B.A. in English with an emphasis on Writing Studies as well as a minor in Spanish and a TESOL Certificate. Growing up bilingual, Vicky has always had a deep admiration for language and hopes to connect people through and across languages. After she graduates, Vicky has three possible career outcomes that she’s still considering: a private language tutor, a translator/interpreter, and/or a freelance creative writer. So long as it combines language and travel, she’ll be happy!

Her strengths include grammar, creative writing, and formatting (APA, M.A., etc.), though she’s happy to help wherever needed. Outside of work and school, Vicky enjoys arts and crafts, window-shopping with friends, reading and writing (fantasy in particular), checking out new cafes, loitering in bookstores, and visiting the First Friday Art Walks. Vicky’s favorite authors include Lemony Snicket (who inspired her to become a writer), Oscar Wilde, and C.S. Lewis for their witty yet profound prose, but if she could spend the day with any author dead or alive, it would be Jane Austen to discuss her experiences as a female writer and gush over her writing. Vicky is also highly inspired by the poetic lyricism of Natalia Lafourcade, Bastille, and BTS.

Ylianna

B.F.A. in Media Production & Music Industry & Theater (EGD: May 2026)

Ylianna is a senior at TAMU-CC who is pursuing a degree in Media Production, Music Industry, and Theater. She plans on using her experience as a Director, Art Director, Screenwriter, Publicist’s Assistant, and Producer to help her navigate the wide array of career paths that fall under the “Media Production/Music Industry” umbrella. Whether it’s a job as a Production Assistant or writing the greatest TV show the world has ever seen, she will utilize these skills. Along with this, she hopes to use these same skills to make an impact regarding human rights.

When she’s not working, you can find her playing with her cat, Murphy Lou.

Zoe

B.S. Chemistry (May 2018); M.A.. English (Spring 2025)

Specialties: Thesis statements, Research (steps, timelines, goals, & scope), Time management, Humanities writing, Scientific writing, Theses/ Dissertations, Web Design/ Writing & UI/UX, Grant writing, Creative writing, Scholarly presentations

Zoe has been a TLS Writing Consultant for 6 years and a TAMU-CC student for 12 years. They are also the Creative Director and Senior Editor of Windward Review creative journal, based out of the TAMU-CC English Dept. With Windward Review, they developed a “Compassionate Editing” model which they currently use as a freelance researcher, writer, and editor.

Zoe’s personal writing interests include creative writing, large-scale interdisciplinary research, genre-fluid visual poetry, scholarly blogging, and innovative scholarly presentations. They have publications in the fields of creative writing, scientific writing, and news writing. Zoe is also a regular at local open mics as a spoken word poet—stage names “ZERO” or “Tara Incognita”.

Beyond the Writing Center, they have nurtured writers from every level (elementary through adult beginners, as well as professional writers). They regularly provide writing instruction and advocacy through local writing camps, non-profits and clubs: Young Authors’ Camp, Peoples’ Literary Festival, Reading Rec Camp, and Islander Creative Writers.