Resources for Faculty
FAQS
- Who can use the UM Writing Center?
- How can I help my students use The Writing Center?
- What should I do if I suspect a student of plagiarism?
- What is my role in the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Assessment?
- Who do I contact to arrange for Writing Center services for my course(s)?
- Who do I contact with questions about the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Assessment?
- Who do I contact with questions about writing programs and initiatives at UM?
Who can use the UM Writing Center? Students use the tutoring, workshops, handouts, and exam support we provide. Faculty refer students to us; request in-class workshops that introduce students to our services or focus on a single writing topic; use our writing assistants to give their students more feedback on their papers; arrange for assignment-specific tutoring for an entire class; consult with us on assignment and course design. Deans, directors, and chairs request workshops, reports, or special programs that support writing instruction on campus. All services are free to UM students and faculty.
How can I help my students use The Writing Center? When explaining a writing assignment in class, encourage all students to consult with The Writing Center as they work through the assignment. Emphasize that The Writing Center does not edit or correct papers, but helps students plan and execute papers in one or more tutoring sessions. Let students know that you understand and support the mission of The Writing Center.
What should I do if I suspect a student of plagiarism? First, decide whether the plagiarism is a matter of the student's failure to understand and observe academic conventions OR a deliberate attempt to pass off someone else's work as his own. Either misstep requires a measured response from the instructor that need not result in a formal complaint. For details on how to handle plagiarism in its various forms and circumstances, please read 'The Writing Center Statement on Plagiarism' in Handouts.
What is my role in the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Assessment? The UDWPA exam was created by the UM Faculty Senate. While faculty are not expected to prepare students for the exam or score it, you can support the exam by advising students to take and pass the exam before their senior year. The exam is a diagnostic that can help students measure their progress and choose their courses more wisely. When in doubt, refer students to The Writing Center at 243-2266 or growl@mso.umt.edu so that we can address their concerns thoroughly.
Who do I contact to arrange for Writing Center services for my course(s)? To request a writing assistant or a customized workshop in your class, call 243-2266 or email growl@umontana.edu. To request a course-specific tutoring arrangement for a class, call 243-2266 or 243-2470.
Who do I contact with questions about the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Assessment? If your question is not answered in the UDWPA FAQs, contact the Writing Center at 243-2266.
Who do I contact with questions about writing programs and initiatives at UM? Faculty Senate's ASCRC has a Subcommittee on Writing that reviews writing course proposals and makes recommendations to the Senate concerning student writing proficiency. Contact the Subcommittee on Writing through the Faculty Senate office at 243-5553.
Handouts
|
Quick Prints for Faculty (Updated 8/06) |
||
ASCRC Writing Course Guidelines and Expectations |
||
Writing-Across-the-Curriculum Philosophy in Your Classroom |
||
UDWPA Facts for Advisors |
||
UDWPA Scoring Criteria |
||
| The Writing Center Statement on Plagiarism | ||
| The Writing Center Flyer for Autumn 2006 | Flash Paper | |
Selected Sites and Articles
These sites allow you to download handouts and exercises for use in your classes. Please check each site for fair-use provisions if you wish to distribute materials in hard-copy to students. Instructional handouts created by the UM Writing Center are available at Handouts & Links.
-
Purdue University Online Writing Lab
owl.english.purdue.edu
This is an excellent all-purpose site with concise, abundant materials for teachers and students. For information on making writing assignments go to
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/WAC.
- Guide to Plagiarism and Cyber-Plagiarism http://www.library.ualberta.ca/guides/plagiarism/
This site gives a comprehensive overview of plagiarism by students and what to do about it.
-
Dartmouth College Sources
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sources
A concise guide to when and how to cite sources in each of the disciplines, with links to all the major online style guides.Back to top
- Responding to student papers: Responses to avoid and productive advice to give. http://www.idbsu.edu/wcenter/ww9091.htm
- An effective approach to grading: Primary Trait Analysis. http://www.idbsu.edu/wcenter/ww102.htm
- Making faculty commentary on student papers meaningful for students: Follow-up activities for the days after students get graded papers back.
http://webpub.allegheny.edu/dept/writingcenter/comments.htm
- Montana University System Writing Proficiency Admissions Scoring Scale http://www.montana.edu/mus/Writing%20Proficiency/rubric.htm
- The University of Montana Upper Division Writing Proficiency Assessment Scoring Criteria
Back to top
Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)
The Writing Center encourages faculty to enhance student learning and engagement in all UM courses through formal and informal writing assignments. To assist you in developing new courses and assignments, the following website offers a complete overview of Writing Across the Curriculum philosophy and practice:
http://wac.colostate.edu/intro/
Please take a moment to browse the site for suggestions that pertain to your discipline. The Writing Center is happy to provide staff and logistical support for writing-across-the-curriculum initiatives in your courses. Contact the director at 243-2470 for further details.
Writing Center Bulletin
- Fall 2003 PDF Flash Paper
- Spring 2004 PDF Flash Paper
- Fall 2004 PDF Flash Paper
- Spring 2005 PDF Flash Paper
- Fall 2005 PDF Flash Paper
- Spring 2006 PDF Flash Paper
- Fall 2006 PDF Flash Paper
Revising Courses with Writing in Mind
