FAQs

Where is the Writing Center?
The Writing Center is located in L106 (first floor of the library building).

Will someone in the Writing Center help me with an essay?
Writing coaches staff the front desk of the Writing Center and are available on a drop-in basis most times the Center is open. They offer students up to thirty minutes of help with any part of the writing process (students with accommodations may have up to an hour session with a writing coach). Writing coaches ask clarifying questions and avoid marking papers so that students are active learners as they revise and edit their own writing.

What kind of software is available in the Writing Center?

Microsoft Office 2000 is available on all Writing Center computers. Other specialized software includes: ALLWrite (instructions and exercises on all aspects of the writing process), Glencoe Grammar (grammar instruction and exercises), Inspiration (to help develop and organize topics), Texthelp (reads papers aloud to assist with catching errors), Acereader (improves reading speed by retraining the eyes), APA Formatting (after data entry, it formats a bibliography page), and FasType (improves typing speed).

What else does the Writing Center offer?

  • Ask Online: Online tutoring for writing is available to all FCC students. To log into this site request a username and password through Tutorial Services (301-846-2619) or the Writing Center (301-846-2619 or fmonticelli@frederick.edu).
  • Online Writing Center: FCC's website includes writing resources such as printer-friendly handouts and links to other college writing centers. Go to www. frederick.edu and click on current students. Click on Writing Center in the left column. A list of resource links should appear below the Writing Center in this column.
  • Creative Writing Club: This club is sponsored through Student Life and is open to all FCC students. Members meet bi-monthly to discuss their writing, try new approaches to strengthen their work, and share writing resources.
  • Open Lab: The open lab includes nine computers and a laser printer and is available to all students, faculty, and staff on a drop-in basis.
  • Classroom Area: The Writing Center includes a classroom area where both developmental and ESL English courses meet for labs. Seventeen computers and a laser printer are available in this area.
  • Handouts: Handouts are available in paper form, or are available in electronic file form on both the student H drive and the Online Writing Center. Handout topics include: commas, essay organization, signal words, business letters, resume writing, summarizing, citing sources, research papers, and more.
  • Workshops & Quickshops: The Writing Center offers a variety of workshops each semester. Some are thirty-minute, intense Quickshops. Topics often include: organizing an essay, punctuation (commas, run-ons), found poetry, how to avoid plagiarism, and MLA /APA formatting.
  • Videos and DVDs: Visual learners can borrow the Writing Center's videos and DVDs to learn about essay writing, grammar, punctuation and more. ID and phone number required for checkout.
  • Reference Books: The Writing Center's reference shelf offers these titles and more: Action Grammar, The World's Easiest Guide to Using the APA, The Bedford Guide to the Research Process, Help Yourself: How to Take Advantage of Your Learning Styles, and the APA and MLA Handbooks. An ID is required to check out books.
  • Conference Rooms: When not in use by classes, a small conference room can be reserved for tutoring sessions or meetings.
  • Faculty Workroom: The faculty workroom has a large table and a collection of textbooks and resources on writing, reading, and study skills. A microwave and coffee pot are available in this area.
  • Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)& Writing To Learn: The Faculty Writing Toolbox, an intranet site available through Communication Central, offers resources to help instructors in all disciplines include writing in their courses. There are also workshops, discussion groups, and consulting appointments available to faculty on all aspects of assigned writing. Writing coaches/liaisons are available to do projects for faculty that will improve student writing. Faculty members are also welcome to add writing support resources such as handouts to our collection. Faculty should contact the Writing Center Manager for more information.
  • Turnitin.com Plagiarism Detection Service: Faculty members who believe a student assignment has been plagiarized can check it through Turnitin.com. This online service compares a digital copy of the work with papers available on the Internet and papers previously scanned by Turnitin.com. A report with the percentage of plagiarized words and the sources for those words is available within 24 hours. Contact the Writing Center Manager for more information on submitting an individual paper or obtaining an account.

Working in writing center!

  • Professional Writing Consultants: Must have a MA in English or related field. The PWC is hired through Tutorial services (301-846-2523).
  • Assistant Lab Managers: Hourly position. Candidates must have at least an AA in English or a related field and are responsible for Writing Center operations in the evenings. Duties include assisting the Manager with projects and running one workshop each semester.
  • Writing Coaches: Most front desk staff members serve as writing coaches on an hourly basis. Contact the Writing Center Manager for more information.
  • Internships: Learn both the administrative and academic sides of the operation of the Writing Center and offer creative input into the process. This position earns college credit and is unpaid.
  • Work/Study Lab Assistants:Students interested in writing, English, or education should contact the Financial Aid office for eligibility to work in the Writing Center.

Contact Information

Betsey Zwing
Writing Center Manager
Phone: 301-846-2520