I joined the CEW a little over a year ago, and I have found it to be one of the greatest places on campus. In my field of archaeology, I work with students in a variety of environments, from one hundred person lectures to groups of five or more, in faraway places. But, the CEW is the only place I know I can go to and have a one on one interaction that cradles a relationship with students in which there is more involvement in their work. This style of communication allows me to work with students in whatever way they need. I enjoy having students that come back, time after time. I know what their class schedules are or what project they are working on, and we can have a conversation that transcends what they have written on a page. This type of interaction is hard to have in any other learning environment.
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 ►]
Irene Holohan-Moyer recently finished her PhD program in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy in the Graduate School of Education. Her dissertation explored the important vantage point of students in “finish in four” programs. Holohan-Moyer’s dissertation story is notable for how she was able to complete a PhD program while simultaneously steering significant developments in her career. ... Read the full story here.
Time to register for upcoming dissertation retreats! We have one during finals week, December 9 - 13 and one the week prior to the Spring semester January 21 - 24. Both are 10am - 4pm daily. Co-sponsored by the Graduate School, dissertation retreats are 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 and break through obstacles. For more details or to register, email writing@buffalo.edu.