Writing+Center+Policies+and+Guidelines

= Philosophy of the Missouri State Writing Center =

Goals and Objectives
//“To enable academic and professional success through improved writing skills.”// The Missouri State University Writing Center is a friendly and comfortable place where students, faculty, and staff can come for free help on any writing project. Trained undergraduate and graduate students assist with any aspect of the writing process: interpreting assignments, brainstorming for ideas, organizing drafts, developing concepts, interpreting audience feedback, refining editing skills, and proper source citation.
 * Mission** **Statement**

 The Missouri State University Writing Center operates on the principle that learning is a social, collaborative act in which the consultant’s role is to read the writer’s work and to respond with objectivity and support. “What peer tutor and tutee do together is not write or edit, or least of all proofread. What they do together is converse” (Bruffee 10). Instead of telling the writer what to do or actually making changes for the writer, the consultant asks questions that guide the writer into making independent changes. Lyn Michele Lansdown notes significant similarities between counseling and consulting. Compare the goals of counseling to those of the Writing Center: o Change in Behavior: Consultants hope to influence writers’ writing processes in order to help them become better writers. o Change in Beliefs: Consultants hope to play a part in writers’ views of and approaches to writing, as well as each writer’s view of “self” as a writer. o Change in Ability to Cope: Consultants hope to provide ways for writers to approach time management, deadlines, “writer’s block,” as well as the means with which to handle busy academic schedules. o Change in Decision-Making: Consultants hope to help writers explore and evaluate options in writing and academics. o Change in Level of Emotional Distress: Consultants hope to alleviate anxiety and stress by providing a supportive environment for writers through listening, sharing, and encouraging.
 * Philosophy**

Policies
The professional viability of the Missouri State University Writing Center depends on each consultant’s cooperation in adhering strictly to the following policies: 1. Maintain integrity by refusing to discuss possible grades and by refusing to criticize an instructor’s grading policies, teaching methods, and assignments. 2. Be academically honest by not going beyond the scope of consulting, such as rewriting or editing papers or doing homework. 3. Honor the confidentiality in the consultant/writer relationship. 4. Abide by the university’s affirmative action policy, which states that the university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or political affiliation in employment or any of its programs or activities.
 * Code of Ethics**

 Resist the temptation to simply turn away students who ask only for proofreading. It is true that the Center is not a proofreading service, but often students may not have the vocabulary to ask for help. Explain that we are here to work with writers, to talk with them about their writing, and to help them learn to find their own patterns of errors so that they can do their own editing and proofreading. Many students may be expecting something totally different from what we offer. Explain our methodology: the Missouri State University Writing Center uses nondirective conferencing. Instead of telling the students what to do or actually making the changes for them, consultants try to ask questions that guide writers into making independent changes.
 * Policy on Proofreading**

If you suspect that a student has plagiarized a paper (intentionally or unintentionally), refer the student to the Writing Center handout on Plagiarism. The handout explains the appropriate way to paraphrase material. You also might make the student aware of the possible consequences of plagiarism, such as failing the paper, failing the course, the XF grade placed on the student’s transcript, or being suspended from the university. Many international students may be unaware that in North American academic culture, written words or ideas are considered to be the property of the person who created them: “In some cultures, using the words and ideas of another person honors that person. Students show respect for teachers and masters by copying their words. Changing anything would be insulting, a sign that the master’s work could be improved…if you think part or all of a paper has been copied, ask the student where the suspect parts came from. If the student does not realize there is a taboo, he or she will probably admit very openly that certain parts came from a book or article. You then need to explain why that is wrong in U.S. culture…Paraphrase practice can help” (Plagiarism 1).
 * Plagiarism**

Writing Center Goals and Objectives **Goal 1**

 * To promote the public affairs mission of through student success**
 * //Objectives//**
 * Writing Center personnel will understand the public affairs mission and how it can be incorporated into the services offered in the Writing Center as well as in content of students’ papers.
 * Writing Center personnel will weigh each endeavor against the Writing Center mission of enabling student success through improved writing skills.
 * The Writing Center will provide equitable support service to all Missouri State University students, faculty, and staff regardless of department or college.
 * Goal 2**
 * To meet the writing needs of each student**
 * //Objectives//**
 * Writing Center methods and materials will be chosen upon the premise of individual instruction.
 * The Writing Center will encourage usage by all students regardless of their levels of preparation or physical abilities.
 * The Writing Center procedures will allow for continuity of individual instruction.
 * Goal 3**
 * To develop ethical, responsible and competent tutors**
 * //Objectives//**
 * The Writing Center will be a hallmark of professionalism.
 * The Writing Center will provide professional training and continued professional development for its consultants.
 * The Writing Center will have instructional goals that are clearly understood by consultants and students.
 * The Writing Center will have clearly stated, consistent and ethical principles to guide its consultants.