About Us
What We Do
The Writing Center provides BHSU students the following services:
- One-on-one consultations for any kind of writing assignment and at any stage of the writing process, including understanding an assignment, taking notes, developing a thesis, organizing the first draft, or revising and editing a final draft
- Assistance in researching, documenting sources, and avoiding plagiarism.
- Assistance in group writing projects
- Reviews of grammar and punctuation rules
- Advice on writing a résumé, application letter, or professional portfolio
- Feedback for prepared speeches and presentations
Students do not necessarily need an appointment to visit the center. The Writing Center is designed as an Open Writing Lab, a place and space for student writers to work on their essays, papers, and speeches with the added advantage of consultants on hand to offer feedback and answer questions. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows, and students are welcome to work independently and seek feedback from consultants when they are available. We have workstations and reference materials available, as well as drafting computers and access to wireless printing.
Go to https://bhsu.mywconline.com/ to schedule an appointment today! If you have questions about the registration process, please call 605.642.6922 or stop by the WAC for assistance.
THE WRITING CENTER MISSION
We strive to create better writers. Rather than offering editing services, we work with students to strengthen all aspects of their writing process to help them gain confidence in writing and in the texts that they produce. With that in mind, we begin where they do: from the beginning stages of writing to final polishing.
Through collaborative dialogue, we aim to help students gain necessary writing skills that they can utilize in the classroom and beyond. Writing is a part of our daily lives, and we believe that writing, combined with critical thinking, is an essential skill in all professional fields as well as in personal interactions. Effective writing fosters clarity of thought, strength of conviction, and engaged citizenship. Therefore, we work with writers at all levels to increase their access and ability to contribute to the larger global community.
For academic writing, a session will be beneficial to you when you are:
· choosing and narrowing a topic · developing a thesis · generating ideas for support and development · organizing ideas · researching and documenting sources · drafting · revising and editing
In addition to academic essays, papers, and speeches, we offer guidance for resumes, application letters, and personal statements. Consultants can also help with review and tutoring for the writing portion of the Rising Junior Exam, the Informational Literacy Exam, and the writing portion of pre-professional tests such as the GRE, PRAXIS, and LSAT.
We can also help you and your group members with group writing projects; please be sure to indicate the number of writers in the group when scheduling a session.
The Writing Center is here for your writing needs. Our goals are to enable you to compose more fluently and with less apprehension and fear; to provide support when you are struggling with a writing project; to assist you with the further development of your critical thinking skills; and to acquaint you with the conventions and expectations of different genres and disciplines of writing. We can help you become a stronger and more diverse writer. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!
How To Prepare:
- Schedule a session with the Writing Center here. Walk-ins are always welcome, but you may have to wait until a consultant is available.
- Bring your assignment sheet, class notes, and any other materials that will help you and the consultant better understand your assignment.
- Take a moment to compose “writer’s questions” before you arrive; these are specific questions or issues you would like to discuss with the consultant regarding your paper. They will give you a foundation to work from during the session and will also help you prioritize subjects or issues for discussion.
- Arrive on time and ready to work.
What To Expect:
At the Writing Center, we work to create better writers. Rather than offering editing services, we work with you to strengthen all aspects of your writing process to help you gain confidence in writing and in the texts that you produce. With this in mind, you can expect:
- To take the lead in the session. While the consultant will ask you questions to help draw out your ideas and develop your writing more fully, you should not expect the consultant to tell you what to write or what and where to revise; the paper should always remain your property.
- To read the paper in full and sometimes out loud. It helps to have the paper or project fresh in your mind. You can expect to read through the draft in full at least once; sometimes your consultant will ask you to read it out loud so that you can better identify the passages that you feel need revision and development.
- To write. Be prepared to take notes and write on your draft. Your consultant may ask you to use highlighters or different colored pens to mark sections of your draft or to make notes in the margins. You may also wish to record revision ideas for later writing sessions. The more you physically engage with your paper and the writing process, the better writing you will produce.
- To try new writing techniques and invention strategies. If you are stuck on a particular part of the paper or are not quite sure where to go, you can expect the consultant to walk you through writing exercises and invention strategies to generate ideas. This might mean trying a new outline, annotating the draft, listing, or questioning, while other times it might mean dialoguing about the topic.
If looking for assistance with a draft or partial draft, please bring two copies with you to the session.
Emily WenningHi friends! My name is Emily Wenning and I am from Beulah, ND. I am a Human Services Major here at BHSU, with a minor in Political Science. I am a junior(ish) and I am also an RA in the Wenona Cook residence hall. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, road trips, watching sitcoms ( New Girl is the best), and eating sushi. Here at the WAC, I specialize in research papers and academic/professional writing. Need help with MLA, APA, or Chicago citations? Make an appointment with me!
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Sydnee KjellsenHi, I’m Sydnee, and I’m from Newell, South Dakota. This is my first year at BHSU, but with the help of dual enrollment classes I am almost a junior. I am majoring in Elementary Education, with minors in reading and early childhood education. I have always been a high achieving student, and one of my biggest goals is to keep up that status throughout college. Yet, my biggest goal is to be fully prepared to become the best teacher I can. I am a member of the Future Teacher’s Association, and I love reading, watching and playing sports, watching movies, and most of all spending time with my friends and family. My favorite show is One Tree Hill, my favorite book is anything by Nicholas Sparks, and my favorite color is red.
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Megan KoftinowHello, I’m Megan, and I’m in my sophomore year here at BHSU. I’m native to Rapid City, South Dakota where I live with an audacious, overly needy dog named Honey and too many books. I’m pursuing my BA in English Education with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language, and my goal after graduating is to travel overseas and teach English to aspiring students. Last year, I placed in the Bellman Awards, and I’m thrilled to enter again this year. My free time is usually spent reading, writing short stories, reading, bothering my sister, reading, looking at pictures of hairless guinea pigs in sweaters, and reading. My favorite authors include Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, and Abbi Waxman. I’m a horrible cook and I’m terrified of cats, but I love tea, dogs, and laying down as much as possible.
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McKenzie DurandHi! I’m McKenzie Durand, but I also go by Kenzi. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin but am most recently from Rapid City, South Dakota. I am a junior with an English Major and a Minor in Creative Writing. I hope to be an editor someday. I also would like to get my MFA in English. I love reading and writing, but I also enjoy gaming and basically any outdoor activity. My favorite game of all time would probably have to be Red Dead Redemption 2. Highly recommend checking it out! I love animals, dogs especially, so you are always welcome to show me any pictures of your pets.
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Sierra HuntleyHello! My name is Sierra Huntley, and I am currently a senior here at BHSU. I am an English major with a minor in music. I specialize in academic writing, particularly MLA formatting. Last year, I received first place in the general writing category of the Bellman Awards. I enjoy reading, writing, singing, and creating miniatures.
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Matt BaumanHi, I’m the director of the Writing Assistance Center since 2017, though I’ve been teaching at BHSU since 2010. I earned my MA in English - Literature from the University of South Dakota and an MFA in Creative Writing – Creative Nonfiction from the University of Idaho. I grew up in the Black Hills and have written extensively about the environment, wildlife, climate change, and the relationship between man and nature. In the summers, I thrive when I’m playing golf. I also enjoy bicycling up Spearfish Canyon as well as hiking, camping, and hanging out with my wife and daughter. Something most people don’t know about me: I love to cook— salt, fat, acid, heat!—especially ethnic food, such as from East Asia, India, Central America, Africa, and more. To me, writing is like solving a jigsaw puzzle—trying different pieces until the right one fits. I love my job, cool autumn air, and the Oxford comma!
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Lorraine CoronatoHello! I am Lorraine and this will be my second year at the WAC. I am majoring in Sociology with a minor in History. I specifically work with APA and love writing research papers and helping others with theirs! A little about me: I am from Sidney, Montana. Some of my hobbies include hiking, biking, painting, reading, and baking. I currently have one little fur baby named Pickles, who's the most adorable bunny. I also have two fish, Batman and Robin. Another weird fact about me is that I love socks! I even have my own sock business, Activist Sock Crew LLC. I look forward to working with you!
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Emma SiewertHello—I’m Emma! My family has lived in the Black Hills my whole life, and after high school I decided to stick around and get my undergraduate degree at BHSU. I’m a senior this year, and a history major, so research papers are kind of my thing. But I’ve used MLA and APA citation styles in addition to Chicago because I’ve taken classes from a variety of disciplines. My minor is in creative writing, so I love writing more creative pieces as well. In my free time I like to play board games with my younger siblings, read, and bake. I love talking with people and learning about anything and everything, and I want to be a teacher someday, so I have absolutely loved working at the WAC for the past year and a half and am excited to be here for another year!
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Logan BullardHi, my name is Logan. I'm from Gillette WY, raised but not born. I'm an English Education major with a minor in TESOL, and I'm in my third year here at BHSU. I plan on finding a teaching job somewhere impossibly idyllic and making the majority of my income off of writing the great American novel. Aim high. I'm a TRIO student and a non traditional--I have a 6-year-old son, turning 7 in April. I enjoy writing, I play only the best videogames, and I'm proud of my cooking skills. My favorite show is definitely Hannibal. I'm about as interesting as anyone else in the Midwest, partner. |
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Emma LehmanHi! I'm Emma, and I grew up in Gillette, Wyoming. I'm currently a sophomore here at BHSU and am double majoring in Social Sciences Education and Music Education. After I graduate, I plan to be a high school music or social studies teacher. Some of my favorite activities include playing the violin, painting, playing tennis, and baking. My favorite clubs and organizations on campus are the Chamber Orchestra, the BHSU Chamber Singers, and Campus Ventures. My favorite comfort food is SpaghettiOs, and The Princess Bride is my #1 favorite movie. My strongest area of writing expertise is academic papers and MLA format. I've always enjoyed helping others to brainstorm paper ideas and organize their thoughts and I'm excited to assist you too! |
Blake GutierrezHello! My name is Blake, and I am an English major with a minor in Creative Writing and Psychology. I am currently a Junior, but this is my first semester working in the writing center. I am originally from Lodi, California. I was active duty in the Air Force for six years and after my contract was fulfilled, I decided to stay here and go to school. As an English major, I obviously love reading and writing on my own time, but I also just love experiencing all forms of fiction whether it be movies, tv shows, or video games. |
Bailey DurhamI am originally from Vermillion, South Dakota. I'm a sophomore here at BHSU and am an English Major with a Creative Writing Minor. This will be my first semester at the WAC, but I'm no stranger to helping others as I've always loved to help my friends and classmates improve their writing for as long as I can remember. I specialize in MLA style writing and am well versed in both academic papers and creative works. My favorite activities and hobbies include reading, writing, playing D&D, drawing (even though I'm terrible at it), and playing cozy games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. I'm looking forward to working with you!
|
Emily Wenning
Hi friends! My name is Emily Wenning and I am from Beulah, ND. I am a Human Services Major here at BHSU, with a minor in Political Science. I am a junior(ish) and I am also an RA in the Wenona Cook residence hall. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, road trips, watching sitcoms ( New Girl is the best), and eating sushi. Here at the WAC, I specialize in research papers and academic/professional writing. Need help with MLA, APA, or Chicago citations? Make an appointment with me!
Sydnee Kjellsen
Hi, I'm Sydnee, and I'm from Newell, South Dakota. This is my first year at BHSU, but with the help of dual enrollment classes I am almost a junior. I am majoring in Elementary Education, with minors in reading and early childhood education. I have always been a high achieving student, and one of my biggest goals is to keep up that status throughout college. Yet, My biggest goal is to be fully prepared to become the best teacher I can. I am a member of the Future Teacher's Association, and I love reading, watching and playing sports, watching movies, and most of all spending time with my friends and family. My favorite show is One Tree Hill, my favorite book is anything by Nicholas Sparks, and my favorite color is red.
Megan Koftinow
Hello, I'm Megan, and I'm in my sophomore year here at BHSU. I'm native to Rapid City, South Dakota where I live with an audacious, overly needy dog named Honey and too many books. I'm pursuing my BA in English Education with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language, and my goal after graduating is to travel overseas and teach English to aspiring students. Last year, I placed in the Bellman Awards, and I'm thrilled to enter again this year. My free time is usually spent reading, writing short stories, reading, bothering my sister, reading, looking at pictures of hairless guinea pigs in sweaters, and reading. My favorite authors include Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, and Abbi Waxman. I'm a horrible cook and I'm terrified of cats, but I love tea, dogs, and laying down as much as possible.
McKenzie Durand
Hi! I’m McKenzie Durand, but I also go by Kenzi. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin but am most recently from Rapid City, South Dakota. I am a junior with an English Major and a Minor in Creative Writing. I hope to be an editor someday. I also would like to get my MFA in English. I love reading and writing, but I also enjoy gaming and basically any outdoor activity. My favorite game of all time would probably have to be Red Dead Redemption 2. Highly recommend checking it out! I love animals, dogs especially, so you are always welcome to show me any pictures of your pets.
Sierra Huntley
Hello! My name is Sierra Huntley, and I am currently a senior here at BHSU. I am an English major with a minor in music. I specialize in academic writing, particularly MLA formatting. Last year, I received first place in the general writing category of the Bellman Awards. I enjoy reading, writing, singing, and creating miniatures.
Matt Bauman
Hi, I’m the director of the Writing Assistance Center since 2017, though I’ve been teaching at BHSU since 2010. I earned my MA in English - Literature from the University of South Dakota and an MFA in Creative Writing – Creative Nonfiction from the University of Idaho. I grew up in the Black Hills and have written extensively about the environment, wildlife, climate change, and the relationship between man and nature. In the summers, I thrive when I’m playing golf. I also enjoy bicycling up Spearfish Canyon as well as hiking, camping, and hanging out with my wife and daughter. Something most people don’t know about me: I love to cook— salt, fat, acid, heat!—especially ethnic food, such as from East Asia, India, Central America, Africa, and more. To me, writing is like solving a jigsaw puzzle—trying different pieces until the right one fits. I love my job, cool autumn air, and the Oxford comma!
Lorraine Coronato
Hello! I am Lorraine and this will be my second year at the WAC. I am majoring in Sociology with a minor in History. I specifically work with APA and love writing research papers and helping others with theirs!
A little about me: I am from Sidney, Montana. Some of my hobbies include hiking, biking, painting, reading, and baking. I currently have one little fur baby named Pickles, who's the most adorable bunny. I also have two fish, Batman and Robin. Another weird fact about me is that I love socks! I even have my own sock business, Activist Sock Crew LLC.
I look forward to working with you!
Emma Siewert
Hello—I’m Emma! My family has lived in the Black Hills my whole life, and after high school I decided to stick around and get my undergraduate degree at BHSU. I’m a senior this year, and a history major, so research papers are kind of my thing. But I’ve used MLA and APA citation styles in addition to Chicago because I’ve taken classes from a variety of disciplines. My minor is in creative writing, so I love writing more creative pieces as well. In my free time I like to play board games with my younger siblings, read, and bake. I love talking with people and learning about anything and everything, and I want to be a teacher someday, so I have absolutely loved working at the WAC for the past year and a half and am excited to be here for another year!
Logan Bullard
Hi, my name is Logan. I'm from Gillette WY, raised but not born. I'm an English Education major with a minor in TESOL, and I'm in my third year here at BHSU. I plan on finding a teaching job somewhere impossibly idyllic and making the majority of my income off of writing the great American novel. Aim high. I'm a TRIO student and a non traditional--I have a 6-year-old son, turning 7 in April. I enjoy writing, I play only the best videogames, and I'm proud of my cooking skills. My favorite show is definitely Hannibal. I'm about as interesting as anyone else in the Midwest, partner.
Emma Lehman
Hi! I'm Emma, and I grew up in Gillette, Wyoming. I'm currently a sophomore here at BHSU and am double majoring in Social Sciences Education and Music Education. After I graduate, I plan to be a high school music or social studies teacher. Some of my favorite activities include playing the violin, painting, playing tennis, and baking. My favorite clubs and organizations on campus are the Chamber Orchestra, the BHSU Chamber Singers, and Campus Ventures. My favorite comfort food is SpaghettiOs, and The Princess Bride is my #1 favorite movie. My strongest area of writing expertise is academic papers and MLA format. I've always enjoyed helping others to brainstorm paper ideas and organize their thoughts and I'm excited to assist you too!
Blake Gutierrez
Hello! My name is Blake, and I am an English major with a minor in Creative Writing and Psychology. I am currently a Junior, but this is my first semester working in the writing center. I am originally from Lodi, California. I was active duty in the Air Force for six years and after my contract was fulfilled, I decided to stay here and go to school. As an English major, I obviously love reading and writing on my own time, but I also just love experiencing all forms of fiction whether it be movies, tv shows, or video games.
Bailey Durham
I am originally from Vermillion, South Dakota. I'm a sophomore here at BHSU and am an English Major with a Creative Writing Minor. This will be my first semester at the WAC, but I'm no stranger to helping others as I've always loved to help my friends and classmates improve their writing for as long as I can remember. I specialize in MLA style writing and am well versed in both academic papers and creative works. My favorite activities and hobbies include reading, writing, playing D&D, drawing (even though I'm terrible at it), and playing cozy games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. I'm looking forward to working with you!
Spearfish
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Phone: 605.642.6131
Fax: 605.642.6254
Admissions@BHSU.edu
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4300 Cheyenne Blvd
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57719-9502
Phone: 605.718.4112
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