Welcome to the University Writing Center!

Mission

The University Writing Center (UWC) promotes excellence in writing. Its mission is to provide high-quality writing service to all N.C. A&T State University undergraduate and graduate students. The UWC is dedicated to supporting writers in their efforts to become confident, proficient academic and professional writers and to fostering a community of critical writers and critical thinkers in accordance with the University’s mission to engage "high-achieving scholars” in life-changing pedagogical practices. Hence, our motto is "Writers Transform Writers!" as coined by the UWC's director Dr. Shirley E. Faulkner-Springfield.

Goals 

Through in-person and online strategies such as consultations, presentations, workshops, and panel discussions, the UWC

• develops students' ability to make effective rhetorical decisions,
• develops students' ability to produce effective academic and professional writing, and
• develops students' generative artificial intelligence literacies. 

We assist writers with any writing and speaking assignment such as essays, research papers, theses, dissertations, manuscripts, and conference presentations, and with extracurricular projects such as application essays, cover letters, and resumes. 

Evidence-Based Practices

We believe writing is a way of learning, so we promote writing as a recursive process and a product. We assist writers at any stage of their writing process (reading, prewriting, drafting, researching, revising, and publishing). 

Equally important, we apply evidence-based practices such as

• reading (read-aloud protocol),
• thinking (Socratic questioning),
• writing instruction (note-taking),
• teaching technology literacy (functional, critical, and rhetorical), and
• providing immediate, effective feedback (verbal comments and written conference reports).  

Writing Consultant Development and Philosophy

The UWC is staffed by professional writing consultants (professors) and writing consultants (graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students). The staff participates in ongoing training and professional development. Consultants possess a deep commitment to help students learn how to improve their writing and critical thinking skills.  

Generative Artificial Intelligence and Gen AI Literacies

The UWC centers the writer as a human being, writer, critical thinker, analytical thinker, change agent, and producer of knowledge. Our work supports writers in developing their ideas, engaging critically with information, making intentional decisions about their writing, and using writing to participate in and influence the world around them. While we believe that generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) might serve as a tool within this process, we also recognize that it must not replace the thinking that writing requires. Based on our own engagement with the tools and on research, we have learned that when efficiency becomes the primary purpose for its use, AI can displace the cognitive process through which students develop as writers, thinkers, and agents.

Consultants work with writers who use generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) and consider its use within the policies and expectations of the writer’s particular course, discipline, or professional context. Writers are responsible for understanding and following those expectations. Consultants may address questions about gen AI when they are relevant to a writer’s needs, but consultants are not expected to incorporate gen AI into consultations.

Writers are encouraged to share information about their use of gen AI because doing so would help the consultant better understand their writing process or provide more effective support. Information shared during consultations is treated as confidential and is not disclosed outside the consultation without the writer’s permission.

Finally, consultants and students will collaborate to help writers develop the Gen AI competencies employers value across industries.

Hours of Operation

Visit and Contact Us

A309 General Classroom Building (adjacent to Crosby Hall and Craig Hall)
336-285-3531 (phone) | www.uwc@ncat.edu (email)
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Dr. Shirley E. Faulkner-Springfield

Director, University Writing Center
University Student Success Office
Division of Academic Affairs
A308 General Classroom Building
sespringfield@ncat.edu (email) | 336-285-3523 (phone)

We'd love your feedback! Your success matters, and your voices help us understand what we are doing well and what we can improve. Please complete a Student Satisfaction Survey.