Request a Consultation
Ready to make an appointment? You must use the online appointment system. Follow these instructions for using the system.
Please review our consultation policies
The Center for Writing & Oral Communication offers multiple types of consultations for both written and oral communication. Consultations are scheduled for 60 minutes (in-person or virtual) and must be reserved in advance through the online scheduling system. During consultations, you can expect to engage in attentive conversation about your writing or presentations with a peer. You can work with a fellow to. . .
- Brainstorm a project, paper, section of a paper, or presentation.
- Talk through, develop, and organize ideas into clear, coherent prose.
- Develop skills in revising and editing.
- Practice and get feedback on oral presentations.
- Learn more about the structure, style, and requirements of various graduate level communications (including research papers, literature reviews, dissertation chapters, conference presentations, and thesis/proposal/dissertation defenses).
- Get constructive feedback from a thoughtful reader or listener.
Fellows do not edit a student’s composition; instead, students can expect to work collaboratively with the fellows to develop as writers and speakers.
Read-ahead consultations require students to submit writing or presentations at least 24 hours in advance. Fellows read, review, and comment on the submissions in preparation for the hour-long consultation.
Brainstorming consultations are ideal for students who are in the planning and development stage of their writing project. These appointments do not require students to submit writing in advance and offer an opportunity to meet with a fellow and brainstorm about a project, review shorter documents (such as cover letters, personal statements, or other documents shorter than three pages), or discuss questions and concerns about style or usage.
Drop-in consultations are best for last-minute requests and for reviewing shorter documents. For Fall 2024, Drop-in hours will be virtual on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-2pm. No advance registration is required. Join Drop-In Hours here. Trouble connecting? Call or email (gradwritingfellows@umd.edu) the Center for help!