Writing & Speaking

Writing & Speaking Consultations at Allegheny:

Become a Stronger Writer

Schedule an appointment

As a student at Allegheny, you will be expected to write at every stage of your career. From your FS seminars to your Junior Seminar and Senior Project, you will be challenged to produce writing that effectively communicates complex ideas and arguments to a variety of audiences. The Maytum Center for Student Success offers free writing consultations for any Allegheny student who would like to work on their writing with a trained peer consultant. Peer consultants represent a wide variety of majors and are trained to assist writers from any discipline. Expository writing, persuasive writing, lab reports, personal statements, and creative pieces are just a few of the many types of writing with which our consultants are trained to assist you.

Schedule a Writing Consultation Here.

NOTE: Please use the “Where” field in the Google calendar appointment to indicate whether you want to have your appointment “In Person” or “Remote.” Thank you!

Whether held in person or remotely, a writing consultation is an active, collaborative process shared by the writer and the consultant. The writing consultants don’t “correct” or “proofread” papers; rather, through engaged conversations, they share strategies and provide feedback to writers on their work in progress.

For any questions, please email ACWritingConsultant1@allegheny.edu.

Learn more about the writing consultants here. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@ac_writingcenter).

Remote Writing Assistance:

Remote writing consultations will be conducted online using the Google Suite; you must be logged on during the consultation to collaborate with the consultant. Remote consultations are NOT a drop-off service. Please have a copy of your assignment and any writing you’ve completed available to share with the consultant in the form of Google documents.

During remote consultations, the consultant will guide you through a facilitated process of revision and brainstorming. Regardless of the stage you are at in the writing process–brainstorming, drafting, revision, polishing–the consultant can help you determine and practice the writing strategies that will help you achieve your individual goals for that project. For more specific details about what you can expect during your writing consultation, click here.

Matched Consultations:

If you would like to focus on improving your writing for an entire semester, matched consultants are available on a first-come, first-served basis to student writers who have participated in at least two (2) drop-in consultations.  Student writers and matched consultants meet one hour/week to help strengthen writing over the course of the semester and to address any general areas in which the writer would like to improve. A match is a semester-long commitment, and works best for students serious about meeting regularly with a consultant to work intensively on their writing.

To request a matched consultant for Fall 2023, please email Professor Alexis Hart, Director of Writing (ahart@allegheny.edu)

Speaking and Success at Allegheny!

Schedule an appointment

 Speaking consultations will be held Sunday 3 – 5 pm and 7 – 11 pm and Monday through Thursday,  7pm – 11pm.

Schedule a Speaking Consultation Here.

Allegheny’s FS program asks you to speak and write effectively from your first semester on campus, and speaking well is going to be essential to your success here and after you leave Allegheny.  From FS courses to your Senior Project, public speaking will be a big part of your time at Allegheny.

The speaking skills you develop here will be incredibly important in the professional world! According a 2010 study by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, 89% of employers want colleges to place more emphasis on helping students to develop their abilities to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

The emphasis on speech throughout the curriculum at Allegheny puts you ahead of your peers at other colleges, and the Speech Consultants in the Center for Student Success are here to help you make the most of the speaking opportunities on campus.  Whether you are new to writing and presenting effective speeches or are an experienced public speaker, the Speech Consultants in the Center for Student Success offer services and resources that can help you to achieve greater success.

At the Center for Student Success you can practice your speech with a trained, supportive, student consultant who can help you:

  • Work on basic speech construction including issues of organization, transitions, introductions/conclusions
  • Develop a strong thesis and supporting evidence to make your speech more effective
  • Become more skilled in vocal and physical delivery to help you present your speech powerfully
  • Help you learn to use notes effectively
  • Use visual aids in compelling and creative ways to enhance your presentation

Learn more about What to Expect in Your Speech Consultation.