Writing Center

How can the Writing Center help me?

The Writing Center can advise on issues of grammar, clarity, argument structure and rhetorical strategies. Students should note that the Writing Center emphasizes ways in which writers learn to help themselves. Thus, students learn techniques for self-editing and revision, as well as how to create and complete work in which they can take pride. The Writing Center is staffed by Professor Tommy Sangchompuphen and Writing Consultant Saundra Latham.

What will the Writing Center not do for me?

The Writing Center will not edit or proofread texts for writers. The Writing Center also will not address questions about legal analysis, citation or research. Students should address questions of this nature to the professor with whom the question arises. The Writing Center cannot guarantee better grades, help you contest a grade, or assist with your understanding of legal issues.

How are the sessions structured?

Your meeting at the Writing Center begins with the WritingConsultant@asl.edu and involves a two-step process. First, you will forward your latest working draft to the Writing Consultant. The Writing Consultant will provide you with written feedback. Based on this review, the Writing Consultant will then meet with you—either in person or via email, IM or telephone—and review the comments and address the problem areas in your draft.

What should I do to prepare for the session?

Students may seek assistance on any type of document, including legal memoranda, briefs, client letters, and journal articles. To optimize your time with the WritingConsultant@asl.edu, please email the Writing Consultant and include:

1. A brief description of the assignment;
2. Your latest working draft (attached as a Word file); and
3. Any particular concerns you have about the draft.

Can I still contact the Writing Center even though I don’t have a draft written?

Yes. The Writing Center can assist you during any stage of your writing process, even if you don’t yet have a draft. The Writing Center can help you devise a plan for your writing assignment, talk with you about problems like writer’s block, and provide you with useful handouts and resources.

What is the OWL?

The OWL—the Online Writing Lab—at ASL houses free writing resources and instructional material on such issues as syntax, paragraphing, organization, mechanics and clarity. In addition, students are encouraged to use the OWL to submit brief, writing related questions to our WritingConsultant@asl.edu.

Who is the Writing Consultant?

Saundra Latham is an editor at The Columbus Dispatch in Columbus, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in mass communication theory from The Ohio State University, where she was a university fellow and helped teach journalism classes. She graduated summa cum laude from American University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor’s in journalism and minors in literature and political science. Before joining the Dispatch, she completed the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund residency and worked at The Akron Beacon Journal in Akron, Ohio. She has worked as an editor and writer for educational publishers, magazines and a national public health campaign.

Who will know about my writing consultation?

Your visit to the Writing Center is completely confidential. Only the Writing Consultant and Director of the Writing Center will have information about your writing consultation. However, many faculty members encourage students to utilize the Writing Center’s services. If you would like your professor to know that you visited the Writing Center, the Writing Consultant and/or Director can send your professor a notification. Students are free to discuss their Writing Center work with their professors at any time.

How do I get more information?

Email Professor Tommy Sangchompuphen at tsangchompuphen@asl.edu. Be sure to include your name and a contact phone number in your message. Alternatively, you may drop by Professor Sangchompuphen’s office.