Located within the Learning Commons on the second floor of the X-wing, the writing lab is more than just a room filled with tables and computers– it is an invaluable space for students striving to sharpen their writing skills. Whether you are tackling a difficult essay, strengthening a transfer application or polishing a cover letter, the writing lab offers personalized guidance to students to help them succeed.
The writing lab offers free, walk-in services where students receive one-on-one guidance from experienced writing faculty. The faculty consists of English professors at Parkland, where they rotate every 50 minutes, ensuring professors can leave for their class without leaving a student who is seeking help alone. If students cannot visit in person, the lab does offer online writing assistance through Pear Deck Tutoring, where they can either engage in a live session with a tutor or you can drop off a document and get feedback within 12 hours.
“Every format of writing is specialized,” says Steve Rutledge, one of the writing lab faculty. “You get to see the full gamut from someone working on an honors project to someone working on their job application.” But feedback on close-to-finished papers is not all they offer, the lab also provides help from beginning to end. Students can come in to brainstorm ideas, bring in drafts for the faculty to read or even work on citations.
The writing lab now also offers assistance with job applications. Brennan Hightower’s departure from Career Services has marked this shift. This assistance makes it so that students get the support they need to stand out in their jobs and careers.
Despite its expanded role, the writing lab stays true to its mission, which is to help students strengthen their writing skills. Now they hope that students are set up not only for academic success, but life beyond the classroom.
To learn more about the writing lab and what services they offer, visit https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Learning-Commons/Writing-Lab.
