Writing Lab

General

• Assistance is available to all FGCU students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Writing consultants will work only with the writer - no exceptions. To do a session for a group paper, all members of the group must be present.
• The Writing Lab staff does not assist students with exams, take-home or otherwise.
• We can best assist you if you bring both your assignment and assignment guidelines. You can bring these in any format (printed, on your own computer, on a flash drive, saved online, etc.), whatever works best for you!
   

Appointments

• Appointments can be scheduled online at fgcu.accudemia.net. Appointments begin at their scheduled start time and last for 30 minutes. We ask that you arrive no more than 30 minutes before you scheduled start time.
• Back-to-back sessions are not permitted. We recommend that you take time between sessions to revise your work. If you have a lengthier assignment and would like to request extra time, contact the Writing Lab at writing@fgcu.edu.  Back-to-back drop-in sessions may be considered if no other students are waiting for assistance. If you would like to wait for another session, you are welcome to work in The Swamp, our workspace for students.  
• Final appointments begin 30 minutes before closing. If you arrive 30 minutes before closing and all consultants are assisting other students, you will need to schedule an appointment for another day and time.
• Students who miss 2 appointments without canceling will be blocked from making additional appointments for the remainder of the semester. Please make every effort to cancel an appointment ahead of time by emailing us promptly. 

During a session

• Our consultants provide strategies and guidance to help students become more effective writers. Our goal is to help you improve your overall skills rather than only “fix” one specific paper. 
• We are not a proofreading or editing service. However, we can assist with proofreading and editing strategies that help you learn to recognize and correct grammatical errors independently.
• While we are happy to help with brainstorming and idea development, we recommend that students who have questions about their assignment guidelines speak with their professor directly. 
• Writing consultants can offer suggestions for revision based on a professor's comments; however, they will not predict, explain, or assess the validity of a grade on an assignment. We encourage students to take questions regarding grades directly to their professors.
   

Behavior in the Writing Lab

• During sessions, students are asked to refrain from using their cellphones.
• Students are expected to respect others at the Writing Lab.  Individuals who fail to follow the directions of the staff or who engage in behavior such as academic dishonesty or disruptive conduct may be asked to leave and/or be subject to disciplinary action by the University.
• All visitors to the Writing Lab are expected to follow the FGCU Student Code of Conduct, which can be found here.
• While working in The Swamp, please work quietly so as not to disturb other students, and be mindful and respectful of the space.

Mission

It is the mission of the FGCU Writing Lab to encourage and support campus writers and writing communities through individual writing consultations, group workshops, presentations, discussions, and events that celebrate and foster writing. 

Vision

The Writing Lab will act as a campus writing hub while embracing innovation and education to assist members of the FGCU community in becoming stronger writers and thinkers.

Values

1. Accompany FGCU students in the pursuit of academic expression through writing.
2. Promote critical thinking, foster skills development, and encourage collaboration in an open, supportive environment.
3. Help writers have confidence in themselves and in their writing.
4. Validate the power of the student's own voice.
5. Acknowledge that writing is a skill that students can improve on through guidance, practice, and perseverance.
6. Use our sessions with students to motivate, inspire, and encourage.