THE WRITING CENTER MISSION
We strive to create better writers. Rather than offering editing services, we work with students to strengthen all aspects of their writing process to help them gain confidence in writing and in the texts that they produce. With that in mind, we begin where they do: from the beginning stages of writing to final polishing.
Through collaborative dialogue, we aim to help students gain necessary writing skills that they can utilize in the classroom and beyond. Writing is a part of our daily lives, and we believe that writing, combined with critical thinking, is an essential skill in all professional fields as well as in personal interactions. Effective writing fosters clarity of thought, strength of conviction, and engaged citizenship. Therefore, we work with writers at all levels to increase their access and ability to contribute to the larger global community.
For academic writing, a session will be beneficial to you when you are:
· choosing and narrowing a topic · developing a thesis · generating ideas for support and development · organizing ideas · researching and documenting sources · drafting · revising and editing
In addition to academic essays, papers, and speeches, we offer guidance for resumes, application letters, and personal statements. Consultants can also help with review and tutoring for the writing portion of the Rising Junior Exam, the Informational Literacy Exam, and the writing portion of pre-professional tests such as the GRE, PRAXIS, and LSAT.
We can also help you and your group members with group writing projects; please be sure to indicate the number of writers in the group when scheduling a session.
The Writing Center is here for your writing needs. Our goals are to enable you to compose more fluently and with less apprehension and fear; to provide support when you are struggling with a writing project; to assist you with the further development of your critical thinking skills; and to acquaint you with the conventions and expectations of different genres and disciplines of writing. We can help you become a stronger and more diverse writer. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!
How To Prepare:
- Schedule a session with the Writing Center here. Walk-ins are always welcome, but you may have to wait until a consultant is available.
- Bring your assignment sheet, class notes, and any other materials that will help you and the consultant better understand your assignment.
- Take a moment to compose “writer’s questions” before you arrive; these are specific questions or issues you would like to discuss with the consultant regarding your paper. They will give you a foundation to work from during the session and will also help you prioritize subjects or issues for discussion.
- Arrive on time and ready to work.
What To Expect:
At the Writing Center, we work to create better writers. Rather than offering editing services, we work with you to strengthen all aspects of your writing process to help you gain confidence in writing and in the texts that you produce. With this in mind, you can expect:
- To take the lead in the session. While the consultant will ask you questions to help draw out your ideas and develop your writing more fully, you should not expect the consultant to tell you what to write or what and where to revise; the paper should always remain your property.
- To read the paper in full and sometimes out loud. It helps to have the paper or project fresh in your mind. You can expect to read through the draft in full at least once; sometimes your consultant will ask you to read it out loud so that you can better identify the passages that you feel need revision and development.
- To write. Be prepared to take notes and write on your draft. Your consultant may ask you to use highlighters or different colored pens to mark sections of your draft or to make notes in the margins. You may also wish to record revision ideas for later writing sessions. The more you physically engage with your paper and the writing process, the better writing you will produce.
- To try new writing techniques and invention strategies. If you are stuck on a particular part of the paper or are not quite sure where to go, you can expect the consultant to walk you through writing exercises and invention strategies to generate ideas. This might mean trying a new outline, annotating the draft, listing, or questioning, while other times it might mean dialoguing about the topic.
If looking for assistance with a draft or partial draft, please bring two copies with you to the session.
Meet Our Consultants!
Matt Bauman: Director
Hi, I’m the director of the Writing Assistance Center. My professional specialties include creative nonfiction and professional writing. I believe everyone has a rich and worthy story to tell about themselves and that we can enhance our own lives by learning how others see and experience theirs.
I grew up in the Black Hills and like to write about place, the environment, and…me! I love watching my daughter learn and grow. I also enjoy cooking and baking, watching spy thrillers, and DIY. In summers, I relish the spirit and thrill of playing competitive golf.
To me, good writing is like solving a puzzle. Sometimes you have to try out a lot of solutions until the right one emerges.
Sarah Lopez Strongheart
Hey guys! My name is Sarah Lopez Strongheart and I’m a sophomore from Mobridge, South Dakota. I’m an English and American Indian Studies major with a minor in creative writing. You’ll find me cheerleading at games, working the BHSU clinic’s receptionist desk, and tinkering in the practice rooms of Meier Hall. In my free time, I love hiking around Spearfish, going out with new friends, and indulging in another one of too many hobbies. If you need help with research papers or creative writing, I’m here for you!
Emma Meeks
Hey guys! My name is Emma, and this is my second year here at the WAC. It’s my senior year at BH, and I plan to milk it for all its worth. I mostly specialize in MLA formatting, literary analysis, and creative nonfiction, but I’m glad to discuss any kind of writing with you! When I’m not in the WAC, you’ll probably find me reading for one of my many literature classes, brainstorming for the Three Peaks Review literary journal, or making coffee at Blackbird Espresso. Last year, I won first place in the Literature category of the Bellman Awards. Some more fun things about me: I love to travel—my favorite city (thus far) is London. My favorite author is David Foster Wallace, and my favorite movie is either Good Will Hunting, Two Weeks’ Notice, or When Harry Met Sally. (If you ever want to talk ‘90s rom-coms, I’m your go-to!)
Megan Koftinow
Hi friends! My name is Megan Koftinow and I’m a senior here at BHSU. I’m majoring in English Education with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. My post-graduation plan is to travel overseas and teach English to aspiring students! When I’m not being studious, I love spending time with my lovely friends, reading, and solving puzzles. I specialize in MLA style papers, and I’m best at helping with academic/professional writing. I look forward to working with you!
Annalina Scalise
Hi there! My name is Annalina, and this is my fourth year at the writing center! I specialize in creative writing, composition essays, and artist statements. I am a studio art major with a double minor in photography and creative writing. Not only do I work here at the WAC, but I’m also the station manager of our on-campus radio station- The Buzz FM. In my free time I enjoy reading books in one sitting, making origami cranes, and playing vinyl records for my plants so that they can learn to appreciate the joys of physical media.
Kate Kenton
Hey everybody! My name is Kate Kenton, and it’s my junior year. I have an English major, and a double-minor in creative writing and psychology. I’m from Madison, South Dakota, and I grew up with five siblings. The most important thing to me is my family and my friends. I have an undying dedication to sitcoms like Community and New Girl. Come in and I can help you with MLA formatting, AP Style, creative writing, or anything else you may need!
Josie Downing
Hi, my name is Josie Downing, and I am a double major in psychology and human services! I am from Chadron, Nebraska, and will always be a loyal cornhusker! I enjoy hanging out with friends and being outdoors in my free time. I love to hike, backpack, and camp. When I am not exploring the great outdoors, I’ll probably be watching a murder documentary! I’m best at APA papers and citations. I look forward to writing with you!
Emma Golinvaux
Hello! My name is Emma, and I grew up in Gillette, Wyoming. I am a junior double majoring in Music Education and Social Sciences Education. After I graduate, I aspire to become a high school teacher.
I enjoy baking, playing the violin, singing, and hosting Bible Studies. My favorite clubs on campus are Campus Ventures, the Dakota Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir, and the BHSU Chamber Singers. I love getting ice cream at Leones’ Creamery here in Spearfish, and my favorite flavor is Mountain Huckleberry.
My strongest areas of writing are Chicago style and MLA format. I have always enjoyed helping others to organize their thoughts and improve their writing skills, and I’m excited to assist you too!
Ellen Sheehy
Hi, my name is Ellen. I'm a junior at BHSU majoring in Communication and Media and minoring in Creative and Professional Writing. I was born and raised in Rapid City, SD, so I love to hike and can’t swim. Last year I wrote a children’s book called Snuggles the Rat Goes to Town, but I also know MLA formatting and how to make tofu lasagna. I’ve helped my younger siblings with their writing assignments for years and can’t wait to assist you as well.
Bailey Durham
Hello! My name is Bailey. I’m originally from Vermillion, South Dakota, and I’m a senior here at BHSU. I’m majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing. I specialize in MLA formatting and am well versed with both academic and creative projects. When I’m not at the WAC, I enjoy spending my free time with family, playing D&D with friends, writing, playing video games, or just reading a good mystery book. If you ever need help brainstorming ideas for your essay, incorporating evidence, or constructing an outline, don’t hesitant to stop in. I can’t wait to work with you!
Anna Mueller
Hello everyone! My name is Anna, and I’m a sophomore, majoring in English and minoring in Creative Writing. I grew up in Rapid City and avidly enjoy being surrounded by the Hills, reading a good book, having a cup of tea, and going on long walks. After I graduate, I plan to get my master’s degree and to teach high school English (and coach tennis). In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, play with my dogs, scrapbook, write, and play tennis. I would love to help you with MLA formatting, how to structure your paper, formatting quotes, or generate topics with you!
