Expository writing at Sarah Lawrence is seen as a way of understanding any discipline rather than as a discrete and separate skill. It is an integral part of every academic course at SLC, as well as performing and creative arts classes. The College encourages students to work closely on writing with their faculty in their biweekly or weekly conferences. Students can also discuss writing concerns with their dons.
Students who may need or desire additional support and practice can schedule one-on-one appointments with faculty members Kevin Pilkington and Carol Zoref. They can also meet with graduate students who work evening hours or with an ESL/EAL instructor.
Students typically schedule one 30-45 minute appointment per week. Students writing in English as a second or additional language (ESL/EAL) can make two appointments per week. Students seeking academic accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services.
Appointments
Undergraduate and graduate students currently matriculated in degree-granting programs can make, cancel, and change appointments using the online scheduler (see below under Faculty & Staff). You must send an email to the appropriate faculty member or writing mentor in order to cancel on the day of your appointment. Repeatedly missing appointments can result in a temporary halt to your ability to schedule a meeting.
Appointment Information
What to Bring
Bring either a hardcopy or digital version of the project on which you are working. If you are just getting started, bring the assignment description if you received one. If you are working on applications for competitive scholarships or study abroad programs, bring those instructions along. If you have nothing in hand, arrive prepared to start writing.
What Not To Bring
Do not bring papers that you want us to proofread for spelling or grammar errors. Every word processing program includes some sort of Spell Check or Grammar Check function that you should always use before submitting any written work. Some of these perform better than others. Use the best word processing program that you can on your personal computer or run your paper through the word processing program loaded onto all of the College computers. If you chronically have troubles with spelling and/or grammar, you should make an appointment with one of the Writing Mentors or the EAL/EAS Instructor.
Faculty & Staff
The Writing Center is staffed by two faculty members, one instructor, and three graduate students.
To schedule an appointment with a member of the Writing Center staff, please click on the booking link below their name to get started.
Carol Zoref, Director/Faculty
Office: Bates 100
Email: czoref@sarahlawrence.edu
To schedule an appointment with Carol please click here
Kevin Pilkington, Coordinator/Faculty
Office: Swinford 201
Email: kpilking@sarahlawrence.edu
To schedule an appointment with Kevin please click here
Diana Wallerstein, ESL/EAL Instructor/ Grammarian
Instruction for international students as well as U.S. students whose first language is not English. Diana also works with all other students who are looking to improve English-language grammar and punctuation.
Diana is available to meet with students on Tuesdays, from 3:30-8:30 pm in the Learning Commons by appointment (see appointment link below.) Diana is also available to meet with students on other days via zoom.
Email: dwallerstein@sarahlawrence.edu
To schedule an appointment with Diana please click here
Writing Mentors/Grammarians
Writing mentors are selected from among current students in the Sarah Lawrence College MFA Program in Creative Writing, and trained by our writing center faculty.
The Writing Mentors and their hours for the fall 2024 term are:
Iffah Kitchlew ikitchlew@gm.slc.edu
Mondays 4:30pm–9:30pm
Wednesdays 4:00-9:00pm
Johnny Parry jparry@gm.slc.edu
Thursdays 4:00pm-9:00pm
Sundays 11:15am-4:15pm
For more online learning resources, check out our Additional Resources Page.