Sometimes, the major aspects of our writing need to be adjusted (content, connections between ideas, coherence, organization, etc.). At other times, the minor things need further polishing (grammar, word choice, phrasing, punctuation, etc.). Whenever graduate students bring their papers to the Graduate Writing Center, we always give students some constructive feedback addressing these sorts of...
When they begin graduate school, some folks already know what their dissertation will be about. When you ask them that common question that we are all regularly asked – “What is your research about?” – they can spew out a fine and sophisticated response. For others of us, the dissertation topic is a gradual process–...
When was the last time you considered why you teach the way you do? A teaching philosophy statement (TPS) is more than an academic exercise—it reflects your goals, values, and priorities as an educator. Whether preparing for the academic job market or just starting as a TA, crafting your TPS can help clarify your approach...
Our writing process impacts the rest of our lives, and our daily lives similarly transform how we write. At one point, while stuck in the writing process, I considered all the things outside of academia that I found lifegiving and how they could inform my writing. What hobbies and activities inspire my writing? A few...
Welcome back, Highlanders! After a cozy winter break, you may be itching to return to where you left off before the break. Or, maybe you are running far from where you left off before your joyous, restful holiday. I am somewhere between the two. Either way, now is the time to face the new quarter...
This blog will introduce four writing and organization apps you need to hear about. I hope you’ll have at least two of these apps on your computer by the end of this entry! Notion Notion absolutely tops the list for me. It leans more toward organization and note-taking than writing, but it can do it...
All academics have been here before in their writing process: staring at a blank page or screen and wondering how they will get from point A to point B before ripping their hair out. Endurance has been the name of the game for academics and students alike in higher education. In moments of frustration and...
Welcome back, Highlanders! The Graduate Writing Center would like to welcome all our incoming graduate students! At the writing center, we provide graduate students with assistance, feedback, and practical help in improving their writing on multiple levels. Please schedule an appointment and come by if you need any help with the writing process. On another...
Summarizing a great deal of books and articles is a task many of us in graduate school learn how to do. There are several ways to start summarizing. In the long run, our notes can store some important ideas for us to draw from later, especially when we need to write new essays or take...
It is amazing how many documents we need to learn how to write and submit as we begin applying for potential teaching positions. When you apply, one document you will likely submit (along with a long resume) is called a teaching philosophy statement (TPS). This piece of writing should not necessarily talk about your immense...
Summer is meant for beaches, long naps, sitting in a hammock reading a book, and ice cream that melts too quickly. In addition to our favorite summer activities, this break can be the perfect time to develop your writing skills! Summer activities at the Graduate Writing Center are a perfect opportunity for accountability in the...
The weather is warming up, and the beach is starting to sound more and more tempting. As someone eager for summer vacation, I find it hard not to look ahead and put school in the rearview mirror. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of a grad student is that the grind truly never stops. Here are five...
Staying productive in your writing during the summer can be challenging. This week’s blog has advice on how to enjoy your summer and make progress on your research and writing.
The Graduate Writing Center’s Lead Consultant reflects on why she enjoys working in the writing center and how it has helped her prepare for her professional future
If you are on the job hunt for faculty or other academic positions, it is never too early to start preparing your written materials. However, applying for jobs can be a tedious and daunting task. To help you in this process, here's a checklist of materials you may be required to submit: Curriculum Vitae Cover...
As you settle into the rhythm of the new academic year, you may find yourself receiving requests for letters of recommendation from former students, research assistants, or others who have worked under your purview. Especially if you have never written one before, you may find yourself looking for some tips and tricks. Here is a...
Summer is finally here, and it’s a great opportunity to recharge and refocus your goals. While it’s tempting to make very ambitious plans, it can be easy for time to slip away without the structure of the regular academic year. Luckily, there are ways you can organize your summer break to meet your writing goals...
Let’s face it, writer’s block is that office creep always lurking and never welcome. So, how do we evade writer’s block without a personal HR department? Well, we don’t. So, let’s talk about how to deal with our dreaded companion…writer’s block. [ Image Description: Michael Scott, a character from The Office, looking at the camera...
