FAQ - Graduate Writing Center
GWC FAQ
Our Clients
We work with all students throughout their time at NPS, whether they are in certificate or degree-granting programs, in residence or distance learners, and native English speakers or speakers of English as a second language.
Yes, international students are welcome. Our writing instructors have experience working with multiple language learners.
Faculty and staff affiliated with NPS are welcome to use our online resources and attend workshops, although students are given priority in workshops when space is limited.
Faculty play a pivotal role in student learning; we offer many resources for faculty toward the shared goal of student support, such as student referrals and customized workshops or writing resources.
1-to-1 Writing Instruction
Our contracted writing instructors predominantly hold postsecondary or culminating degrees in English or adjacent writing-intensive fields, and have experience teaching or working in professional fields such as composition, publishing, communication, and public policy. See their bios.
To make a live or asynchronous appointment, use our online scheduling system, WCONLINE.
For a thorough review, we recommend sending your paper 24 hours in advance for a live appointment and 48 hours in advance for an asynchronous appointment. Read about the writing center process.
Students can sign up for 30- to 60-minute sessions. Typically, instructors are not able to review an entire thesis in 30 or 60 minutes; for longer or more complex projects, book multiple appointments.
For live appointments, the instructor's prep time is roughly equal to the length of the appointment; 30 minutes of prep for a 30-minute appointment, or 60 for 60. For long papers, schedule 60-minute appointments.
For asynchronous appointments, review time varies depending on the length and complexity of the document.
Our writing instructors support distance learners through the same services offered to resident students. Instructors can meet for appointments via phone or MS Teams, or by email for asynchronous sessions. Schedule a live or asynchronous appointment in WCONLINE.
Editing, Proofreading, and Formatting
No. Instead, we can teach you how to revise and proofread your own work. Unlike editors, proofreaders, or formatters, writing instructors help you learn to write better and have a clearer understanding of writing. They do so by talking with you about your topic and paper strategy, listening as you read your work or discuss your prose, providing reader feedback, asking questions, explaining norms, sharing tips, and pointing you to writing resources.
Skill Building
We recommend that students who are seeking to substantively improve their writing, develop their critical thinking, or publish their work meet with writing center instructors iteratively during their time at NPS
While "come early, come often" is one of our mottos, we meet students where they are. Some students use the center's resources only occasionally, while others work regularly with a writing instructor throughout their time at NPS.
Attitude and motivation are key. As with learning a foreign language or mastering a musical instrument, learning to write well takes experimentation, willingness to make mistakes, accurate and regular feedback, and frequent practice.
You are welcome to use a writing center appointment to review any current writing sample. We can advise you on how to practice and develop your skills. Additionally, the GWC has numerous resources on writing and critical thinking.
Citations
The Dudley Knox Library has an excellent Citation Guide that gives examples for most commonly cited types of sources, for major citation styles such as APA, Chicago Notes & Bibliography, Chicago Author-Date, IEEE, and INFORMS.
The GWC also offers comprehensive resources to help students with documentation and avoiding plagiarism.
CUI and Classified Documents
Yes. Let your instructor know that your document contains Controlled Unclassified Information CUI and use SharePoint or encrypted email to exchange files.
Yes, sessions can be held for Secret-level documents. Contact the GWC to make arrangements with an instructor who has clearance.