Mission/Guidelines/Hours of Operation

Our Mission

Our consultants will work with you to help you become a better writer, thinker, and reader. Our approach is to attend to both the short-term goal of improved papers and the long-term goal of improved writing, critical thinking, and reading skills. To that end, we expect you to be actively involved in your session. Consider your consultation an opportunity to have an in-depth discussion about your work with an experienced reader.  For that discussion to go well, please bring the materials you are working on and a printed copy of your writing.

Click here to make an appointment. 

What we will work on: We will work on any piece of writing, including academic essays, senior papers, cover letters, and applications at any stage of development. We are happy to help you brainstorm, create outlines, complete drafts, or revise full drafts. While we do not proofread, copyedit, or discuss grades, we will help you become a better writer. We will not work on take-home exams unless you provide written consent from your instructor.

Who we are: Consultants are graduate students from various departments, who for the most part have taught in the Undergraduate Writing Program.

Who may use the Writing Center: We will work with any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a Columbia University course.

Students at Barnard College working on essays for Barnard courses must use the Barnard Writing Center.

Students at Teachers College working on essays for TC courses must use the Teachers College Writing Center.

Students enrolled in Columbia University's School of Social Work must use the School of Social Work's Writing Center.

Days & Hours for Fall 2009: 

Monday - Thursday, 10 - 8

Friday, 10-5

Writing Center at Butler Library

We have a limited number of hours available.  As they vary, please see the on-line schedule.

Now you can get help on your writing and your research in one spot! Writing Center appointments are available at the reference desk, 301 Butler, for all Columbia students. Writing Center consultants will help you conceptualize your research project or revise drafts. Research librarians will help you find the sources you need.

Click here to see the Butler schedule or to make an appointment.  After you log in, click on the menu prompt under the line "For appointments in BUTLER LIBRARY, change the schedule here"