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GRADUATE WRITING CONSULTATION

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Free Writing Assistance for tamiu master and ph.d. students:

tutoring all majors, assignments, Thesis and dissertation!

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All subjects, topics, and courses 5000 and above welcome! The Advanced Research and Curriculum (ARC) Writing Consultant assists all graduate students develop into more advanced, productive, and professional writers. This is accomplished by providing free individual- and small-group tutoring sessions, online assistance, peer review/writing sessions, writing and professional workshops, and thesis and dissertation (MA, MS, and PhD) formatting and feedback sessions to TAMIU graduate students.

Like traditional undergraduate tutors, the Writing Consultant provides guidance with the writing process (idea development, revision, and editing) as well as refreshers on sentence mechanics and grammar as needed. However, graduate student writers strive to meet the heightened standards of their instructors and the professional world, and the Writing Consultant guides the students through these processes. Because graduate work is mostly writing and research, the Writing Consultant provides these students with opportunities to discuss their research processes, incorporate scholarly sources into their writing, brainstorm research questions, collaborate with experienced writers who share their academic goals, and organize their ongoing thesis writing

 

Services Offered

 

GRADUATE TUTORING SESSIONS

Available both for individual and small groups of graduate students. If discussing specific assignments or essays, you MUST bring any available instructions, materials, or rubrics provided by your instructors about the project. This is NOT a drop-off editing service; this is a topic-focused time for graduate students to receive judgment-free refresher tips for sentences and grammar, troubleshoot problems with research, discuss organization techniques, or get a seasoned, second pair of eyes on some advanced writing. Tutoring is offered in both 45 minute and 1 hour blocks, and late night hours are expected to be especially popular with graduate students who often have day jobs and families.

THESIS AND DISSERTATION SUPPORT SESSIONS

Available for MA, MS, and PhD students who are looking for help with their formatting (APA, MLA, Chicago, and other styles all welcome), their structure and organization, sentences and grammar, or brainstorming or discussion. Our writing consultant can also help facilitate contact between students and thesis-related faculty. If you need the latest TAMIU thesis manual or are just need someone to bounce ideas off of, our writing consultant is available. This is NOT a drop-off editing service. While he can point out errors or necessary corrections, please do not email me your thesis and expect fixed edits. Wait times for thesis and dissertation are expected to be very busy near end of semester, especially in Spring.

online assistance

Above services are available online. Consultations can be made either through video, phone, or chat as needed to give students the full attention their work deserves. Please schedule your session via the link below. For inquiries or other questions, email us at writingconsultant@tamiu.edu. 

Schedule Appointment

writing & professional workshops

The Writing Consultant is working with ARC staff to develop workshops on a variety of professional development and writing-focused topics. If your ambition is to write like a master (or a doctor), click here or social media for updates on when and where these workshops will be held!

 

GRADUATE WRITING REVIEW SERVICE

If you are working on a short piece of writing less than 2 pages long, you can submit it for our Review Service. This service offers feedback on structure, organization, grammar, and other text-based comments. Like tutoring above, this is not a correction service but is instead another way to get writing feedback. Submit your work with the button below. 

 Submit Paper for Review

Rules and Regulations

Email documents such as relevant drafts, assignment instructions, and rubrics to writingconsultant@tamiu.edu ahead of meeting times for best results.

The TAMIU Writing Consultant offers no assistance for take-home or online quizzes, exams, or tests themselves unless given express permission from the instructor of record to do so. We do offer test preparation and study assistance leading up to such an examination. However, any work labeled “quiz,” “exam,” or “test,” will be rejected for consultations, and a warning for clarification will be issued to the student. Further attempts to circumvent this rule will result in denial of services, as well as the reporting of the incident to the Office of Student Conduct.

Works submitted to the Writing Consultant for review and/or consultation are stored for reference by the consultant in accordance with all TAMIU and Department of Education regulations, including Title VIII privacy regulations. The Writing Consultant may contact students for permission to use significant portions of student works as samples for purely academic purposes (for example, as anonymous writing samples in the development of educational resources or publications).

This is a service for TAMIU Graduate Students. By using the ARC Writing Consultation services, you agree to abide by our terms and conditions, which align directly with the TAMIU Honor Code, as well as all agreements for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

 

 

Graduate Student Academic Success Center

Graduate students are also welcome to come to the Graduate Student Academic Success Center in Pellegrino 203 for a supportive space to get advice from staff or to consult one of our formatting and style manuals.

 

OFFICE HOURS: MF 8am-5pm AND TWTH 11AM-8PM

Walk-Ins welcome during regular office hours
This space welcomes all graduates!

FRANCO ZAMORA, THE WRITING CONSULTANT

Pellegrino 203, Graduate Student Success Center
956.326.2477 or writingconsultant@tamiu.edu  

 

 

Writing resources

 


 Links and Slides:

 

Video Guides:

APA 7th Edition Spring '21 Recording

MLA 8th Edition Writing Style and Formatting Guide

 

Chicago Style 17th Edition/Turabian Style 9th Edition - Part 1

 

Chicago Style 17th Edition/Turabian Style 9th Edition - Part 2

 

Use the links below to view and download handouts and activities developed by the TAMIU ARC Writing Consultant that aid in writing graduate-level papers. These activities can be completed individually or with groups, and are all re-writeable Word documents. This set of activities is for any graduate students writing research papers.


 

Graduate Writing Support Activities
Writing Theme
Pre-Writing
Organization
Drafting
Revising
Editing
Handout Name
 A.1 Goalsetting B.1 Prospectus  C.1 Abstract (COMING SOON) D.1 General Tips E.1 General Tips
A.2 Brainstorming B.2 Tracking Sources  C.2 Introduction Section (COMING SOON) D.2 Identifying Gaps in Your Writing E.2 Making Additions & Cuts
A.3 Exploring Topics B.3 Annotated Bibliography C.3 Literature Review D.3 Revising by Sections E.3 Transitions
A.4 Research Questions B.4 Late Outlining C.4 Methods Section D.4 Active Voice vs. Passive Voice E.4 Editing by Sections (COMING SOON)
A.5 Reading Unfamiliar Texts B.5 Writer's Block
(Bingo Cards)		 C.5 Discussion Section D.5 Revising - Undo Jargon E.5 References & Citations (COMING SOON)
     C.6 Results Section (COMING SOON) D.6 Revising - Eliminating Clutter E.6 Mechanics Final Checklist (COMING SOON)
     C.7 Conclusion Section (COMING SOON) D.7 Academic Style Checklist  

Presentations and Slides:

 

Writing Consultant: Catalog of Information Sessions (Slides)

Grammar and Sentences

The Writing Process
Quotes and More Pre-Writing, Organization, and Brainstorming (COMING SOON)
Grammar 1 - Parts of Speech (COMING SOON) Drafting and Literature Review (COMING SOON)
Grammar 2 - Sentences (COMING SOON) Research Methods and Search Engines (COMING SOON)
Grammar 3 - Punctuations (COMING SOON) Revising, Editing, & Proofreading Exercises (COMING SOON)
Grammar 4 - Tenses (COMING SOON)  
Top 6 Grammar Errors (COMING SOON)  
More Grammar Fixes (COMING SOON)  

 

Video Guides: 

Grammar Refreshers (Playlist)

  
 

Links and Slides:


Video Guides: 

Accessing OneDrive and Teams to Write Collaboratively Online

Ref-n-Write Vocabulary Lookup Tool (Playlist)

Format Microsoft Word Page Numbers - Start Page Numbers on Specific Pages

Quick Intro to RefWorks FREE Cloud-Based Reference Management Tool

Advanced RefWorks Reference Management Workshop Recording

  
 

Links and Slides:

 

Video Guides: 

Online Library Tool Tutorial: Searching the Library Catalog

 

 

 

THESIS/Dissertation resources

 

Use the links below to download official documents developed by TAMIU and the Graduate School. These are the manuals and forms that all Thesis and Dissertation students should familiarize themselves with in order to graduate.

 

Document Name
 Thesis/Dissertation Policy Manual Thesis/Dissertation Formatting Manual Request for Services on a Graduate Advisory Committee Thesis or Dissertation Proposal Coversheet Written Thesis (MS-MA) Approval Form Written Dissertation (Ph.D.) Approval Form Copyright and Availability Form
Description

Official manual published by TAMIU, regulating enrollment, committee selection, defense approval, submission and publication.

Official manual published by TAMIU, regulating required manuscript pages, required formats, reference and bibliography requirements, organization requirements, and elements of all thesis/dissertation manuscripts for final approval for all students intending to graduate.

Required form for all M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. students who are beginning their thesis or dissertation. The form must be signed by committee chair and committee members who are approached and selected by the student beginning their Thesis I proposal or Dissertation proposal.

Required form for all M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. students who have successfully defended their thesis or dissertation proposal before moving on to their final writing stage. Required form for all M.A. and M.S. students who have defended their thesis for the final time. This form must be signed by all committee members and the dean of the student's college before being submitted to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Required form for all M.A. and M.S. students who have defended their thesis for the final time. This form must be signed by all committee members and the dean of the student's college before being submitted to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Required form for all Ph.D. students who have defended their dissertation for the final time. This form must be signed by all committee members and the dean of the student's college before being submitted to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Required form for all M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. students which informs the University about the student's decisions to either publish their manuscript in a digital format on the TAMIU Library Thesis/Dissertation Repository immediately or after a specified amount of time has passed. Must be signed by the student and the student's committee chair.

 

 Use these links to download guides on Thesis/Dissertation elements that were developed by the TAMIU ARC Writing Consultant. These guides include visual examples, specific examples, and checklists that act as supplements to the official manuals.

 

Guide Name
Description
 Picture of Guides
Thesis Template A template for Microsoft Word to build your manuscript on top of. Has page numbers built in!
Thesis Formatting Guide - Part I Learn all the required elements of the thesis. With picture guides!
Thesis Formatting Guide - Part 2 Learn about formatting and style in the thesis/dissertation. Journal models, in-text citations, and bibliography!
Thesis Formatting Guide - Part 3 All about Tables and Figures in the manuscript.
Thesis Dissertation Editing Checklist The same checklist that the TAMIU Graduate School uses to see if your manuscript is done!
Thesis Table of Content Guide All about the Table of Contents. Automatic and manual page updating.
Thesis Defense and Presentation Guide Public speaking and defense day tips.
Thesis Submission Format Checklist A list of manuscript elements to show others what to expect in your manuscript.
Thesis/Dissertation Reminder Calendary (Blank, 2022-2023 Deadlines) A calendar that you can print and use to keep track of important deadlines for thesis and dissertations for TAMIU graduations!

 

Use the links below to download handouts and activities developed by the TAMIU ARC Writing Consultant that aid in manuscript development. These activities can be completed week-to-week, individually or with groups, and are all re-writeable Word documents. This set of activities is for students working in the Proposal stage of Thesis I.

 

Thesis Support Activity Name

Description
Activity 0.5A - Prospectus  A short (optional) document delving into Topic, Literature, Research Question, and Organization of a larger manuscript.
Activity 1A - Brainstorming & Goalsetting  Pre-writing, brainstorming topic, and setting research goals before you even start your manuscript.
Activity 2A - Tracking Sources & Examining Model Manuscripts  Take a look at technology and digital resources to help you organize your research. See what other Thesis/Dissertation students have written.
Activity 3A - Reading Unfamiliar Texts & Annotated Bibliographies  A guide for how to read dense academic research and keep notes on your sources as you collect them for later.
Activity 4A - Research Questions & Proposal Log  A closer look at how to develop your Research Question, and questions for exploring your topic further.
Activity 5A - Literature Review  All about the Literature Review: drafting questions, elements of the section, example, and roadmap.
Activity 6A - Writer's Block  Everyone copes with writer's block. Checklist and affirmations for overcoming it.
Activity 7A - Revisions  Transitions, Signposts, Citations, Formatting, Organization, Style, and Content!
Activity 8A - Proposal Defense  Everything to know before you Defend your Proposal, including Forms.
Activity 9A - Final Submission Tips  Closing information and links to other guides.

 

Use the links below to download handouts and activities developed by the TAMIU ARC Writing Consultant that aid in manuscript development. These activities can be completed week-to-week, individually or with groups, and are all re-writeable Word documents. This set of activities is for students working on the final manuscript stage, Thesis II.

 

Thesis Support Activity Name

Description
Activity 1B - Taking Inventory An opportunity to examine your progress post-proposal stage and consider where your manuscript will develop in the next writing stages.
Activity 2B - Methods & Data Collection Tips for writing and organizing the Methods section and collecting data. How to write about your methodology if you have already determined it.
Activity 3B - Advanced Source Tracking This re-writeable, customizable form is meant to help you keep track of all the sources you're using in your document.
Activity 4B - Discussion Section Develop your Discussion section with these guided questions and tips.
Activity 5B - Mapping Your Manuscript As you near completion, map your manuscript's chapters or sections with this activity to make sure you're not missing anything.

Activity 6B - Writer's Block Returns

Activity 6B Annex - Writer's Block Bingo Cards

 This fun activity is here to help overcome writer's block. Great for groups!
Activity 7B - Final Revisions This long handout goes over everything to know about revisions: PREvision, Gaps in Your Research, Topic Sentences, Paragraphs, Sentences, Transitions, Identify Active/Passive Voice, Undo Jargon, & Eliminate Clutter.
Activity 7.5B - Final Edits (COMING SOON!) (COMING SOON) This handout complements revision by looking at editing: Grammar Guides, Re-Reading, Global Additions, Making Cuts, Section by Section, POV, Spelling, Usage, Tense, Punctuation, and References.
Activity 8B - Proposal Defense  Everything to know before you Defend your Thesis for the last time, including Forms.
Activity 9B - Final Submission Tips  Closing information and links to other guides.

 

Use the links below to visit webpages and view resources developed for academic use by other universities and institutions collected by our team from all across the Internet.

 

Resource Name

Description

University of Memphis: Dissertation Writers Resources

  

Distance Learning Research Guide

  

Narrowing A Research Topic Guide

  
   
   

 

  
   
   
   
   

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Thesis Video Guide Playlist:

 

 

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Thesis Learning Community

We are excited to announce the launch our Thesis Learning Community this February 2021. TAMIU Graduate students of all writing stages & subject areas currently working on thesis or dissertation projects are invited to join. Thesis Support Group continues as part of the TLC! Meetings will be held TWICE a week virtually--Thursday evenings and Friday afternoons! With the guidance from ARC Writing Consultant, students will proofread, peer review or simply express their writing frustrations. Sign up to join our digital forum, where you can connect with other TAMIU students working on thesis and dissertation projects and get access to all of our resources, news, and advice tailored to your experience!

Email writingconsultant@tamiu.edu to join! 


Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall

Contact Us

TAMIU Advanced Research & Curriculum

5201 University Boulevard
Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall 203
Laredo, TX 78041
Tel. 956.326.2477
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 AM - 5 PM