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Northwestern Health Sciences University

Writing & Citing

Use this guide to find tools and resources to help you write more clearly, easily and with confidence.

About the Writing Lab

In the Writing Lab, you receive free, one-on-one assistance with term papers, essays and other assignments to help you develop your writing skills. We’ll point out where we see issues with your writing so you’ll learn how to make improvements.

How we will help you:

Our experienced staff will assist you with all aspects of the writing process:

  • Brainstorm ideas and outlining your paper
  • Find resources for your assignment
  • Learn how to proofreading and edit
  • Assist in revising your paper for structure, flow, tense and grammar

Contact Us:

library@nwhealth.edu

Book a Consultation

952-885-5419

FAQ About Your Session

What Does an Appointment Look Like:

  • They last anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes
  • They can be done via TEAMS, in person, phone over exclusively over email.
    • Most appointments actually begin over email.  We like to get a look at your paper in advance and offer notes/comments.
    • Real time (TEAMs or in-person) sessions are largely to answer questions, brainstorm ideas or offer clarity. 
  • There can be multiple meetings on the same paper if a student would like us to look over the paper again once changes have been incorporated or more pages have been written.

What Can The Writing Lab Help With:

  • If you haven't started the paper yet:
    • This works better as a "live" session over TEAMS or in person.
    • We can help you develop an outline
    • We can show you examples of what a research paper looks like.
    • Librarians can guide you to where to find databases, books and articles to help you write your paper.
    • We can remind you what you need to keep track of so you are prepared to cite 
  • If you have written part or all of the paper:
    • This is where we do a lot via email and can set up a "live" appointment to go over the suggestions.
    • We will highlight recurring grammar and spelling issues but will not correct every instance. 
    • We can look at least a few pages but can't guarantee we'll be able to look at the whole paper so if you have a section you'd specifically like looked at, please indicate that in your request. 
    • We will make suggestions on improving the readability of a paper by breaking it up or improving the flow.
    • We can look over in-text citations and full references to make sure they're a) included and b) done properly.  We will point out recurring issues with citations.  

What Should You Do Before Your Appointment:

  • Send or bring the instructions for your assignment
  • Identify the specific areas that you’d like us to focus on
  • Email your draft and let us know if you'd like to talk to someone before we look at your paper.

How Do You Schedule an Appointment:

  • Email library@nwhealth.edu (Best option)
  • Call 952-885-5419
  • You may also contact someone you've worked with before directly; however, if they're on vacation or not working, your email may get lost in limbo. It's why we recommend sending a request to the general account and either requesting a specific person or copying them on the email. 

Writing Lab Staff

Angela Haug, BA

I have a bachelor of arts in English from Augsburg College. In my spare time, I enjoy writing poetry. I can help you with:

  • Proofreading and reading your paper for clarity
  • General grammar advice

Availability:
Sunday afternoons, Tuesday and Thursday evenings


Krista Jacobson, MLIS

I am the public services librarian at Northwestern and hold a master of library information and science. I have taught English as a foreign language, French and math. I can assist you with:

  • Starting your paper – brainstorming, creating an outline and finding resources
  • Basic revision

Availability:
By appointment only – Monday-Friday