Writing Center

Valencia Writes Together

The Lake Nona Campus Writing Center is dedicated to making writing a more comfortable learning experience for Valencia students.

Writing assistants are available on a walk-in basis in room 230 for many types of writing, such as an analytical paper for an English class, an argumentative essay for a political science class, a resume, a scholarship essay, and more. Whatever you bring, you may use the Writing Center as a resource while you brainstorm, outline, draft, revise, or research and cite; or while you polish grammar, punctuation, style, and formatting.

We also provide assistance preparing for the PERT's Reading and Writing subtests.

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Our Philosophy

On Writing

1. Writing is a process. Successful writers go back and forth between stages of outlining, drafting, revising, and polishing.

   The writing assistant's role is to guide students through that process and to help students identify learning goals and strategies so that they are strengthening their skills as they work.

2. There are no writing rules that are always true. The rules for what makes writing "good" or successful change based on the paper's purpose and audience.

   The writing assistant's role is to guide students through interpreting the purpose and audience and through making choices best suited to that particular paper.

3. Learning the above skills are the ingredients for a successful, confident writer. And it takes practice to learn those skills.

On Students

1. Students are writers. Yes, we mean that! In today's world, we are all writers who are constantly composing documents for personal and professional reasons.

2. Students are not "bad" writers. There is always more to learn and even the best writers gain from seeking feedback.

3. Students have important knowledge and skill to contribute. Students will know more than the writing assistant on certain subjects, such as the professor's expectations, their ideas for the paper, the subject matter of the course, and more.
   
   

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Services

Writing Sessions

Meet with one of our writing assistants in the center. They will greet you as you come in and ask some questions to understand what you want to work on and where to start. You may come for assistance on any type of writing, such as an analytical paper for an English class, an argumentative essay for a political science class, a resume, a scholarship essay, and more. The writing assistant will then guide you while you brainstorm, outline, draft, revise, or research and cite; or while you polish grammar, punctuation, style, and formatting.

If, for example, you haven't started your paper yet, the assistant will help you interpret the assignment instructions and brainstorm your topic. Each session will adapt according to what you need that day.

The timing of your session is flexible, but is usually longer than 20 minutes and shorter than 45 minutes.

Grammar and Citation Coaching

If you come for help on grammar or citation, you may bring your own writing with which to practice, or the writing assistant will provide resources for practice. If you know of a specific grammar-, punctuation-, or citation-related area on which you want to improve, tell your writing assistant and they will conduct a coaching where you learn about that specific rule and practice using it. You can also bring a paper you've written and ask the writing assistant to help you identify what you need to practice.

Writing Space

You may also use the center to work on your paper independently, with writing assistants around to answer your questions.

PERT Prep

We help students prepare for the PERT's Reading and Writing subtests. Students should come prepared to use study guides while writing assistants are available to answer questions and explain content in more detail.

Fall 2020 Hours

• Please visit https://valenciacollege.edu/tutoring for tutoring hours and support.

***Note: TUTOR AVAILABILITY IS NOT GUARANTEED. If we receive advance notice of tutor absence, we will post the notice on the appropriate webpage. We encourage you to call if you need last minute details (407-582-7106).

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