FAQ

What can I expect from the Writing Assistance Program?

Advising sessions proceed in very individual ways; no session is like another. The basic principles are that you will find a benevolent listener, and that we will try out different methods with you to discover tools to help yourself. You can get a brief impression from our film, feedback from advisees and our homepage.

I haven’t written anything at all. Is it still worth it to come to an advising session?

Absolutely! Our experience is that talking through the phases of finding a topic and structuring your work is particularly helpful.

At what point in time during my studies can I come to the Writing Assistance Program?

At any time. Regardless of whether you are at the beginning, middle or end of your university career, new writing projects represent new challenges again and again, and fledgling writers can benefit from a meeting just as much as expert writers: “Nearly everyone who writes likes - and needs - to talk about their writing. At best with someone who really listens, who knows how to listen and also knows how to talk about writing.” (Stephen North, The Idea of a Writing Center)

Can I have someone proofread my work?

During an advising session, we can read selected chapters of up to 3 pages and give you information about your strengths and systematic errors. Then we can create a revision plan together.

Who will know that I have been to the Writing Assistance Program?

All information is handled in the strictest confidentiality. Only you and we know that you have been to see us.

Do I receive credit points for participating in the workshops?

At this time, the answer is unfortunately no. In our Moodle course, though, you can find additional services and offers at the University of Potsdam related to academic work and writing. You can earn credit points with some of these.

How do I register for workshops?

Registration takes place at the end the lecture period of each semester via Moodle. Follow us on Facebook and /or become a participant in our Moodle course. We will post the registration links in our Moodle forum, and then you will receive it as an email to your University email address.

When I was registering, my selection was saved, but I didn't receive a confirmation email. Did the registration go through anyway?

Unlike PULS, Moodle doesn't give us the option of confirming your registration. If you were able to pick a date, then you are registered and welcome!

The workshop I wanted to sign up for is already full. What do I do now?

In our Moodle course, we also maintain a Workshop Waiting List along with our regular registration form. Go there to register for your wishlist courses, and we'll contact you shortly before the workshop via email if a seat becomes available at short notice. At the same time, we recommend that you always take a look yourself in the workshop registration records to see if a seat has become available. Sometimes interested students cancel their enrollment at a very early date, which means that you can register for the available seat using the regular procedure.

If this doesn't work, please try again in the next semester break. We also provide information at the end of the semester on our Facebook page and our Moodle course. Or you can take advantage of our advising sessions - you may not get to share experiences with a group, but we can also try out the methods addressed in the workshop in an individual consultation.

I study at another campus. Where exactly do the workshops take place at the Am Neuen Palais campus?

All of the workshops are held in Building 19. Take a look at the map to see how best to get there.

 Can I bring my children to the workshops? I would like to save the time that I do not have the children for actual writing.

Do you know about the children care services offered by the Service for Families? Flexible child care enables students at the University of Potsdam to have their children looked after during courses or workshops, on campus. If you know that your children are in good hands while you're in the workshop, you can have a more productive experience. Participants have this to say about the workshops: "The relaxed atmosphere left a lot of room for ideas, despite snappy inputs in a short amount of time."

Where can I get up-to-date information about Writing Assistance Program services?

Follow us on Facebook and /or become a participant in our Moodle course. We post the latest information in the Moodle forum, and then you receive an email at your university address.

What qualifications do the writing advisers have?

You can see this information at our writing advisers page. In addition to writing experience, our criteria for choosing writing advisers include practical experience. We are also training peer writing advisers.

I would like to become a student writing adviser. How can I do this?

We’re happy to hear that you’re interested in working with the Writing Assistance Program team! Follow us on Facebook and /or become a participant in our  Moodle course. That’s where we post the latest job announcements, including information about peer writing adviser training. In addition to writing experience, our criteria for choosing writing advisers include practical experience, for example as a tutor. It is also helpful for the Writing Assistance Program if you have attended sessions yourself and thought about them. This enables you to better understand our clients.