The University Writing Center supports writers at George Mason University through one-to-one consultations at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to the final phases of polishing. In these consultations, writers can try out ideas and approaches with a well-trained student staff comprised of attentive readers and listeners from a variety of disciplines. We help writers develop strategies and knowledge that make them stronger writers in the long term. We believe that achieving a strong piece of writing takes time, multiple drafts, and revision, and that the best feedback comes from consultants who listen and ask questions in order to foster a writer’s own curiosity. Writers can expect to leave a consultation with thoughtful feedback to consider, an array of writing strategies to use, and a plan for further developing or revising their project.
We encourage students to take ownership of their writing and to think critically and analytically about their ideas and assumptions. We recognize that systemic racism and linguistic discrimination persist within and beyond the university, and that as a result, many students may feel compelled to make choices about their writing that require them to suppress important aspects of their voice or identity. We support students’ right to their own language(s), and we freely discuss issues of language, race, and power with writers so that they can make informed rhetorical choices that align with their values and fulfill their needs, goals, and intentions.
We believe that all writers at Mason, students and professionals alike, should have access to this support. As such, we work with writers from all backgrounds: experienced and beginning writers; undergraduate and graduate students; native English speakers and multilingual writers; and writers from all disciplines, departments, and professions. We strive to create a space where writers of all genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexualities, ages, abilities, and religions feel welcome.
In service of these ideals we offer the Mason community the following: