1.1  Sessions commonly address the following:

• clarification – guiding students to understand assignment instructions;
• planning and organisation – guiding students in planning out the writing task and writing process, dividing the writing task into manageable chunks, ordering ideas, and building arguments;
• revision – guiding students to reconsider main arguments and ideas where and if necessary and as appropriate; and
• source integration – guiding students on how to properly use in-text referencing, and create reference lists and bibliographies, using the appropriate referencing style.

1.2  We do not:

• proofread and edit – consultants do not proofread, correct any mistakes, or edit any students’ writing;
• make any recommendations with regard to subject content of students’ writing;
• translate texts or write texts on behalf of students;
• read multiple texts or particularly long texts in one consultation (we suggest scheduling follow-up consultations in these situations); or
• use the consultation as a teaching opportunity.

1.3  Why do we not offer proofreading or editing services?

Students need to take ownership of their own writing. It is difficult for students to learn and develop as writers from having their writing edited by someone else. However, consultants may guide and support students in proofreading and editing strategies that will help them to identify and correct their own mistakes or improve their own writing.

1.4  How to make a booking:

1. Register on the NWU Writing Centre’s booking website (nwu.mywconline.com) from any computer or mobile device. Please note that there is no “www” in front of the website address.
2. Log in with your email and newly-created password.
3. Choose the relevant campus (e.g. Vanderbijlpark Campus).
4. White blocks are available sessions. Click on a white block to book a session. Each session will last an hour.
5. Specify your question(s).
6. Remember to attach your file, if you choose to give consent to the writing lab, that your work may be used for research purposes.
7. Bring a hard copy of your writing to the consultation.
8. See the specific consultant with whom you made your appointment at the writing laboratory in the library (Building 13, Split level 3).

Make a booking

1.5  Expectations for a consultation session:

• Arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment.
• Bring your notes or a draft of your writing along.
• Also bring along the instructions from your lecturer (e.g. guidelines and due dates) and/or any other relevant documents.
• For longer documents, identify particular sections that you would like to review with the consultant or come with specific questions. You can always schedule a follow-up consultation for other parts of the document.
• Prepare yourself to discuss your writing with your consultant for best results.
• Take notes during your consultation.
• Follow-up consultations are highly recommended.

Please honour your appointment and if, for any reason, you cannot honour the appointment, please cancel your appointment at least an hour or two beforehand (using the booking system) or send a message to the writing laboratory coordinator.