I feel so fortunate to work with writers at the CEW. I get to meet so many new people every day. I have the opportunity learn about writers’ lives, cultures, interests, and disciplines, which can be so different from my own. One of my favorite aspects of working with a writer is watching them develop over time. Often, writers will come in before beginning their papers, and we discuss some of their preliminary ideas. After a few appointments writers leave with an essay they are proud of, and I am so proud of writers who gain confidence in their work and ideas. I am so grateful that I can be a part of this process.
Who do we help?
Any UB writer -- undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff.
What do we do?
We can help with course essays, independent projects, personal statements and other application materials, theses and dissertations, articles for publication, emails…anything! If you compose it, we want to talk with you about it.
We also present topical workshops, visit classrooms, and host dissertation retreats and writing groups.
What should I do?
Make an appointment and try it out! Our appointments start at the top of the hour and each appointment lasts up to 45 minutes. If you have one, bring your assignment sheet. If you have a draft already, it is best to bring a hard copy. (We can work from laptops if need be, though.) If you don't already have a draft, that's fine too. We love to help with strategizing and brainstorming. When you come in, let us know how we can help. This is your paper, it's your process.
Here's a tip:
Come in early in your process! You might get some great revision ideas. Make sure you have time to enact them so you can submit your most developed work. Sometimes it's smart to come in during the brainstorming, planning stages to talk out your game plan for the project.
The CEW is a very welcoming resource on campus. As a transfer student in my second semester, I am very appreciative of their welcoming environment since it makes me feel like I fit in on campus.
Community News
Meet Yukako Otsuki, our latest Featured Writer! Yukako, a self-described heavy user of the writing center, attributes part of her success in her studies to working with writing center consultants. "I enjoy talking with consultants about my papers. It’s dialogical work, so when they ask me, 'Yukako, what do you mean?,' that enables me to think deeply about what I mean. Through talking with consultants, I can more easily finish my work!" Yukako, in turn, is an inspiration to many other writers and the consultants themselves with the positivity she brings to her work. [Read more here ►]
Eftekhari’s story about dissertation writing reminds us that passion and discipline can be combined and balanced. Eftekhari emphasizes that a “dissertation topic should come from your heart so you should be emotionally connected to it," but stresses how she carefully manages her writing. Her passion and planning were rewarded when she won the Three-Minute Thesis Peaople's Choice Award in 2017. "Writing a dissertation is about asking yourself the right questions" ... Read the full story here.
The CEW is hosting two dissertation retreats this summer! Co-sponsored by the Graduate School, dissertation retreats are five-day, focused writing events providing a quiet writing space with peer accountability and support. These retreats are great ways to get lots done in a short time. Past attendees have found the intense and extended focus on their writing to help them tackle particularly difficult problems and set themselves up for award winning work. For more details or to register, email writing@buffalo.edu.