White Paper Series

White papers explore the relationship between existing writing center theory and our practices, as well as provide professional development opportunities for our graduate and undergraduate consultants. In the process, they help to document how the resources of the UWC are being used. These informal papers offer a wide range of perspectives and do not necessarily represent the institutional views of Undergraduate Writing Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

Title: The Spiral in the Writing Center: The Coping Systems of Student Writers

Abstract: In Writing Center work, we deal with a wide range of students and we can probably be much more effective in meeting the needs of student writers with some understanding of the typical coping system each student tends to use. Read more...

Title: Promoting Productivity through Table Side Manner

Abstract: This paper aims to raise awareness of the importance of table side manner and strategies that we as consultants at UT Austin's Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC) can use to minimize anxiety during consultations. Read more...

Title: Strategies for Editing and Sentence-Level Consulting

Abstract: This white paper discusses strategies that consultants can use to balance non-directive consulting methods with addressing sentence-level concerns. It explores the idea of editing within the writing center and the student population as well as the role of editing within consultations. Read more...

Title: Balancing the Dual Roles of Consultant and Instructor

Abstract: This white paper explores the similarities and differences between the roles of consultant and instructor and considers the challenge and benefits for individuals occupying both roles in the university. It argues that consultant-instructors who are sensitive to these similarities and differences can benefit from balancing their dual roles.

Title: Consulting with Students on Computers

Abstract: This paper discusses the history of the Undergraduate Writing Center’s (UWC) policy of consulting with students on laptops and desktop computers. We explore the reason for implementing this policy, the anticipated benefits, and some challenges that our consultants have encountered. We also offer some techniques that can help consultants engage in successful computer consultations.

Title: Praxis: Online Publishing and Writing Center Pedagogy

Abstract: This paper considers how the Undergraduate Writing Center’s (UWC) online journal, Praxis, supplements the UWC’s work by applying writing center philosophy to the process of online publishing, offering a valuable professional development opportunity for consultants, and providing resources for authors and consultants beyond the UWC. The paper also suggests possibilities for expanding Praxis’s role (and the role of online publishing in general) in the writing center.

Title: Strategies for Professional Writing

Abstract: This white paper provides strategies for professional writing consultations. It establishes how sessions with documents such as resumes, personal statements, and cover letters can serve as opportunities to teach and apply a rhetorical writing process approach and suggests specific strategies for consultants. Read more...

Title: Preparing White Papers in the UWC

Abstract: This white paper launches the UWC White Paper Series. It establishes a rationale, principles, and guidelines for structuring white papers and suggests how they might be distributed and archived for future use. Read more...