The Ashesi Writing Centre
The Ashesi Writing Centre aims to serve the University Community by promoting both print and digital composition as a way of learning, communicating, and thinking clearly for multiple audiences through collaborative learning experiences. It is our hope that we cultivate a space where all members celebrate the diversity of language and prepare students to operate in an array of multi-lingual, multi-literate, and multi-modal environments.
The Writing Centre is willing to help you with any kind of writing at any stage of the writing process. Tutors can help you construct outlines, understand an assignment prompt, or even provide guidance for polishing a draft.
Through discussion-based, peer-tutoring that provides individualised help with writing, tutors provide feedback and strategies on each phase of the writing process, from brainstorming and organising ideas to revising a structured paper. Our goal is to help teach you to identify and understand the strengths and growth areas of your writing, help find solutions, and help you learn how to research, write, revise, and proofread on your own. Through consistent contact, Ashesi students will become empowered to improve the overall quality of their writing practice.
All students are highly encouraged to use the AWC for support irrespective of classification, programme, native language, or pervious experiences with writing. Additionally, Faculty and Staff may also request assistance from the AWC in designing both print and digital composition assignments for students, crafting workshops related to various writing and documentation concerns in a course, or to craft writing and research guides by discipline for instructional use.
We offer three main types of tutoring for an array of composition concerns. Students may select an intensive tutorial service, face-to-face individual sessions, and group sessions. To learn more about each type of session we offer and how tutors can help you with your writing process, kindly read below.
Intensive Tutorial Services
For students who have been referred to the Writing Centre, the Coordinator will be available at an agreed upon time to assist them with creating learning goals and an individualised learning plan.
Face-to-Face Tutoring
For students who have been instructed to visit the Writing Centre or have assignments on which they are working, a tutor will be available during our designated hours. Students are advised to book a time to meet with a tutor in order to guarantee a face-to-face meeting. Alternatively, students may visit the Writing Centre at any time to speak with a tutor if she or he is available.
Specialised Writing
Our Writing Centre tutors bring with them a wealth of expertise in various subjects. Tutors are able to assist with any form of writing including, but not limited to, research papers, essays, resumes, emails, short responses, and websites. Please indicate the type of writing you will bring to the Writing Centre when making the appointment.
Drop-In Writing Space
At the Ashesi Writing Centre, we believe that writing is about collaboration and conversation. If students do not wish to speak with a tutor but need a space for composition, then please feel free to utilize the Writing Centre space during our day time hours. If a tutor becomes available, students may receive immediate assistance during that time. You are welcome.
Study Skills Support
The Writing Centre, in collaboration with the Career Services Centre, helps students with their studies through workshops and individual training in time management, preparing for exams, note taking, facilitating study groups, etc. While we will offer events during the semesters, please feel free to request support as the need arises.
We offer three main types of support for an array of composition concerns encountered by Faculty and Staff. Faculty and Staff may select in-course workshops, composition assignment consultations, and writing and documentation style guides. To learn more about each type of support we offer and how Writing Centre staff can help you and your students with the writing process, kindly read below.
Course Workshops
At times, it may be helpful to have content experts present information to your students regarding the writing process, research, documentation, and more. Currently, the AWC offers in-class workshops on the following topics:
Workshop Topic | Workshop Topic |
Introduction to the Writing Centre | The Writing Process |
Strategies: Brainstorming | Strategies: Outlining |
Strategies: Drafting | Strategies: Revision |
Thesis Statements and Developing a Focus | Structure: Sentences, Paragraphs |
Style and Documentation: APA | Style and Documentation: MLA |
Common Grammar Errors | IMRAD Structure |
Research and Documentation | Business: Emails, CVs, Cover Letters, Memos |
Literature Reviews |
Each workshop lasts a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of one hour although we can adjust the format to meet your instructional needs. Other workshop topics are forthcoming. Should you have a specific request, please submit it to the AWC so that we may collaborate on meeting your course needs. The Writing Centre will not accept workshop request from personal email. Kindly utilize the booking form provided.
Assignment Design
Need help integrating writing tasks into your course assignments? The Writing Centre is here to support all Faculty and Staff in implementing Writing Across the Curriculum. Email writing@ashesi.edu.gh to schedule a time to discuss crafting, planning, implementing, and assessing both digital and print writing tasks in your courses.
Writing and Documentation Resources
Are you students struggling with integrating source material into their own writing? The Writing Centre is here to support all Faculty and Staff with teaching students how to engage in academic conversations without copying them. Feel free to request this workshop and other teaching materials aims at discussing varying forms of plagiarism, such as copying, patchwriting, and non-attribution.
Research and Documentation Resources
As Ashesi seeks to introduce students to academic research and innovation, students must develop both the skills and vocabulary to engage in the research process. Please consult the library for this session. The Writing Centre is more than happy to support Faculty and Staff with reviewing citation practices with students.
Booking a session is the best way to guarantee that a tutor will be available to see you. It is possible to get a walk-in session, but students who book a session in advance will be seen before walk-in students. All our support sessions are scheduled through our online scheduling website.
Note: AWC sessions typically begin on the hour and last up to 45 minutes. If you’re running more than 10 minutes late, your session will be cancelled and may be given to a walk-in who is presently waiting in the Centre.
Cancellation
We understand that scheduling conflicts happen, or that you may not feel ready for your AWC appointment. Should this happen, please use the cancellation link found in your session confirmation email to cancel your session.
All sessions before 5:00pm are held in the T. R. Warren Library in the Catherine and Patrick Awuah, Sr. Seminar Room. Any sessions held after 5:00pm are held in appropriate locations determined by the tutor and students collectively. Locations should not include dormitory rooms, faculty/staff offices, locations in dark corners, and washrooms facilities. Locations should be either in public spaces in view of others or in public spaces that are conducive to learning and conversation.
Hours of Operation
During the first three weeks of the semester, the AWC will have a limited schedule, due to new tutor training and centre updates. Please check our booking website for appointment availability. Should you have any other questions, kindly email writing@ashesi.edu.gh.
Beginning September 10th, the AWC will be open according to the schedule below. The AWC will hold limited hours during revision days and the semester exam periods. Holidays and breaks will impact the schedule as well. Please follow the booking website to view updates session availability.
Day | Times/Hours | Location |
Monday | 9:00am – 3:00pm | Warren Library |
4:00pm – 5:00pm | ||
7:00pm – 10:00pm | Various | |
Tuesday | 9:00am – 5:00pm | Warren Library |
7:00pm – 10:00pm | Various | |
Wednesday | 9:00am – 3:00pm | Warren Library |
7:00pm – 10:00pm | Various | |
Thursday | 9:00am – 5:00pm | Warren Library |
7:00pm – 10:00pm | Various | |
Friday | 9:00am – 11:00am (DROP IN) | Warren Library |
11:00am – 4:00pm (DROP IN) | ||
7:00pm – 9:00pm | Various |
We are available for direct contact during regular operating hours in the form of direct one-on-one or group tutoring and/or drop-in hours. If needed, you may leave a message on the Writing Centre Coordinator’s answering machine or send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Phone: +233 302 610 330 Ext. 2112
Email: writing@ashesi.edu.gh