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Transcript: "If Writing Center Myths Were True"

Myth 1: Students who go to the Writing Center submit perfect papers.

Scene 1

Student walks up to bulletin board just outside writing center. A sign says, "WIU Writing Center Guaranteed A+ Papers".

Student: "Guaranteed A Papers. Perfect.

Scene 2

Tutor and student sitting at table.

Student: Can you help me? I have this five page paper due tomorrow and I'm having a lot of trouble getting it all to come together.

Tutor: Sure, we should be able to finish in a 50-minute session.

Student: OK.

Tutor: Do you need any references?

Student: Yeah, like five.

Tutor: OK.

Student: In APA.

Tutor: Oh, that shouldn't be a problem.

Student: Ok, thank you.

Scene 3

Tutor and student standing by the table

Tutor: Ok, we're all finished here.

Student: Ok, great!

Tutor: There you go. (Tutor hands paper back to student)

Student: Thanks Andy. Bye (Student picks up purse and starts to leave)

Tutor: Yeah, no problem.

Scene 4:

Student and a friend in hallway. Student has paper in hand with a huge visible A+ on it.

Student: Brett, A+, Writing Center

Friend: Awesome!

Student: I'm so hungry.

Friend: Let's go grab a bite.

Myth 2: Everyone should go to the writing center.

Scene 1:

At front of classroom, professor announces:

Professor: Now students remember, every time you go to the Writing Center you will receive extra credit.

Scene 2:

At front of classroom, professor announces:

Professor: Now remember, anyone who goes to the Writing Center will have an extended deadline with an additional weekend before turning in your paper.

Scene 3:

At front of classroom, professor announces:

Professor: Ok class, you have your assignment on the board. I want every one of you to go to the writing center BEFORE you turn the paper in. If you don't, automatically I will deduct five points from your paper. GO THERE.

Scene 4:

Stairway outside Writing Center- a line of students down the steps with student paraphernalia, some eating, pop cans and other debris on the floor. There's a lot of chatting and complaining. A professor trips over a student while trying to get through hall doors to the stairwell. First student in line checks the time on her cell phone, looks toward the writing center door impatiently, shakes head, and flips her phone shut. Finally she turns to the male student standing next to her in line.

Female student: Can you please save my spot in line? I really have to go to class. PROMISE?

Male student: (Nods head yes)

Female student: Thank you. (She leaves and male student moves to her spot)

Scene 5:

Receptionist desk inside the Writing Center. A line of students are waiting to make an appointment.

Receptionist: OK, let's see what I can find . . . Well, I've got one Tuesday morning, 10:00 o'clock next semester. Could I have a local phone number?

Female student: But my paper's due tomorrow!

Thank you for reading!

Students: Visit our policies page for more help using the writing center.

Teachers: Visit our FAQs page for more information on how to assist students.