The writing center, is a free service available to all students. Student Colleagues are available to assist students with specific writing assignments as well as general writing problems at any point in the process. Although ACE provides walk-in assistance, the objective is long term writing success.
You are encouraged to set up an appointment to meet in person with a Student Colleague who will help you with a specific writing assignment. Appointments are approximately 20 to 50 minutes long. During the appointment, you'll engage in a constructive discussion with the Student Colleague regarding the writing assignment. While you will be ultimately responsible for your work, your Student Colleague will help you develop your ideas and give you constructive feedback to help you improve your writing skills.
Please bring to your appointment:
- The course assignment
- Notes and grading criteria
- Your files, if you have begun your paper
Students can expect assistance with:
- Brainstorming
- Organizing and structuring your paper
- Documentation and sources
- Tips to avoid plagiarism
- Revision and editing suggestions
- Resources and exercises to help overcome grammatical and mechanical problems
What ACE does not do:
- Proofread and/or edit papers
- Write or “fix” your paper
- Replace needed prerequisite work
- Replace course attendance
“The Student Colleagues are an excellent resource. Students enjoy the atmosphere of ACE – it’s challenging with high expectations, respectful, and supportive. What a positive environment.” -Jim Grove, English Faculty
“Working as a Student Colleague at the ACE center gave me valuable practice for my future career as
a teacher and helped me become a better writer in my own classes. I enjoyed working with a variety of students and getting to know more members of the Mount Mercy community.–” Kathryn Eggerman, ’08
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle
“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” - Pat Riley