COVID-19 RESPONSE Until the end of spring semester 2020, all Writing Center operations will occur online using our online-by-email and online-by-chat options. Our hours of operation have changed due to changes in staffing as we work from home. We apologize for the inconvenience! Please email us at writingcenter@pittstate.edu or contact us from the Pitt State Chat page if you have a question or need special assistance.
You can find more information about coronavirus precautions and PSU's response to COVID-19 here.
For more information about the Writing Center's schedule or for help rescheduling a missed or cancelled appointment, contact Dr. Janet Zepernick at jzepernick@pittstate.edu.
Connect with the Writing Center
620-235-4694
112 A Axe Library
Monday - Thursday
9 AM - 5 PM by appointment
5 PM - 9 PM drop-in
Friday
9 AM - 1 PM by appointment and drop-in
- Mission Statement
- Make An Appointment
- Chicago Manual of Style
- APA Resources
- MLA 8th Edition Resources
- Faculty Links
- Resources For Writers
- Writing Center FAQ
- ESL Resources
- Writing in the Disciplines
- Graduate Writing Studios
- Rubric
- In The Media
- Consultant Resources
- Employment
Chicago Style Citation Quick Guide: The official online home of the Chicago Manual of Style
Chicago Manual of Style 16th Edition Guide: The Purdue Online Writing Lab's guide to Chicago Manual of Style
Chicago Notes and Bibliography Style Sample Paper: From the Purdue Online Writing Lab's guide to Chicago Manual of Style
Chicago Author Date Style Sample Paper: From the Purdue Online Writing Lab's guide to Chicago Manual of Style
CMS Workshop Presentation: The PowerPoint presentation we use to present CMS workshops in classes. If we came to your class, this is a good way to refresh your memory.
APA Style Central: The official online style center of the American Psychological Association
APA Style Guide: Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL)
APA Formatting Checklist: Check your paper against this handy list to make sure you're hitting the high points of APA format
APA References Page: A sample References page for an APA paper
APA Formatting Sample: An example paper formatted and cited using APA style, plus helpful hints from Director Janet Zepernick
APA Workshop Presentation: The PowerPoint presentation we use to present APA workshops in classes. If we came to your class, this is a good way to refresh your memory.
Should I make an appointment?
Yes. Our daytime hours are appointment only, so a consultant will not be available if you walk into the Writing Center at this time. Appointments must be made beforehand, and our schedule fills up quickly, so plan ahead. It's a good idea to make your Writing Center appointment as soon as your writing task has been assigned; even if you haven't finished (or started) by the appointment time, your consultant will be able to help you at any stage of the writing process.
How can I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment online at http://pittstate.mywconline.com. If you need help making an appointment, please drop by in person. We will be happy to help.
What if I can’t get an appointment when I need one?
If you can’t find an open appointment on the day you need one, add yourself to the waiting list by clicking on the clock icon at the top lefthand corner of the day’s schedule. You may receive notification by text or email if an appointment in your timeslot opens up.
How long does a face-to-face consultation take?
The default appointment time length is 50 minutes, although not all appointments will require all of the allotted time.
What should I bring to my face-to-face consultation?
The Writing Center encourages bringing the instructions for the assignment and a paper or electronic copy of your current draft, if any.
What is an on-line consultation by chat?
An on-line consultation by chat is a real-time conversation with a Writing Center consultant using the Writing Center’s private chat feature. During a chat consultation, you can share documents with your consultant, ask questions and get feedback about your draft, and even work collaboratively on revision. To make a real-time chat appointment, go to http://pittstate.mywconline.com, pick an open appointment time that works for you, and fill out the reservation form. When you get to “Meet Online?” choose “Yes - Meet Online.” When asked to confirm the appointment type, choose “Online by chat.” After filling out the rest of the appointment form, click “Save Appointment.”
You can submit your draft and the instructions for the assignment from the confirmation screen immediately after scheduling your appointment by clicking on “click here” in the Success! box. Or you can import your draft into the text area of the Writing Center chat when you log in to start your appointment.
What is an on-line consultation by e-mail?
An on-line consultation by e-mail is a chance for you to get personalized feedback on your writing at a time that works for you. To use this service, go to the on-line appointment schedule at http://pittstate.mywconline.com and select any available appointment. When you get to “Meet Online?” choose “Yes - Schedule eTutoring Appointment.” When asked to confirm the appointment type, choose “Online by email (eTutoring).” After filling out the rest of the appointment form, click “Save Appointment.” You can submit your draft and the instructions for the assignment from the confirmation screen immediately after scheduling your appointment by clicking on “click here” in the Success! box. That’s it. That’s all you have to do. A consultant will respond to the issues you’ve identified, and you will have the consultant’s feedback within 60 minutes of the scheduled appointment time.
Is there a charge for using the Writing Center?
No. The Writing Center @ PSU provides all services free of charge to students, staff, and faculty.
How many assignments can I bring to my consultation?
We find that writers get best results by working with one assignment per visit. Please make a separate appointment for each document.
What kinds of assignments can the Writing Center help with?
The Writing Center @ PSU works with any writing project at any stage in the writing process. We welcome any kind of writing.
Will the Writing Center edit my paper for me?
Our consultants will work with you as you revise and edit your paper, but we do not offer an editing service. Our goal is to help you become a better writer, and that won't happen if we "fix" your paper for you!
Will my teacher know that I went to the Writing Center?
We provide proof of your appointment in the form of a date-stamped form describing what happened in the appointment, which you can also use as a reminder of your revision plan. If you would like an email notification to be sent to your teacher, let us know and we can do that too!
English
Writing a Synthesis Essay
Writing a Review of Literature
- Writing a Lit Review
- Learn How to Write a Literature Review
- Six Steps to Writing a Literature Review
Science
- How to Format a Scientific Report
- Writing the Scientific Paper
- Passive Voice
- Scientific Writing Resource
- The Basics of Scientific Writing in APA Style
History
- How to Format History Papers
- Writing Historical Essays: A Guide for Undergraduates
- Reading, Writing, and Researching for History: A Guide for College Students
- Chicago Manual Citation Style
Business
- Writing a Business Paper
- Writing a Business Letter
- Writing a Business Memo
- Writing a Business Report
Psychology
- A Brief Guide to Writing a Psychology Paper
- Writing in Psychology Overview
- Psychology Writing
- Writing for Psychology: A Guide for Psychology Concentrations
- Psychology Writing Resources
Nursing
Education
Art
The Graduate Writing Studio (GWS) is designed to offer personal support to graduate students writing the thesis or similar capstone writing project. All GWS consulting is done by a director or assistant director of the Writing Center @ PSU, all of whom hold a master’s degree or PhD.
Participants in the GWS will email a draft of their thesis or capstone writing project to writingcenter@pittstate.edu. GWS consultant will provide feedback directly on the draft, which will be emailed back to the email address you provide.Students interested in participating in the Graduate Writing Studio for fall semester should fill out the Graduate Writing Studio Application and send it to writingcenter@pittstate.edu or bring it to the Writing Center in 112 Axe Library. Once we receive your form, we will schedule time to work with your draft and let you know when you can expect feedback. The Graduate Writing Studio operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, and slots are limited, so please take your deadlines into account when applying!
Video
Student Success Center Walkthrough, Pittsburg State University
Writing Center PSA, PSU Student Alexander Sheppard
Writing Center PSAs
Consulting with International Students
Praxis: A Writing Center Journal
After completing the application, either print it out and drop it off at the writing center or e-mail it to jzepernick@pittstate.edu. Remember to attach a writing sample.