Writing Center

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Two students are sitting in the Writing Center conference room, working on a tablet computer together.

The BCC Writing Center

The Writing Center is a free resource available to all BCC students. Staffed by trained writing consultants, we provide guidance and feedback for any writing, in any class, for any reason, at any stage of the writing process.

And we really do mean any kind of writing! Come by with your lab reports, English papers, Nursing assignments, business plans, transfer applications, personal statements, short stories, memoirs, poetry, screenplays, etc. From brainstorming and outlining to development and revision, we're here to help you understand the assignment, strengthen the clarity of your ideas, and sharpen the effectiveness of your writing.

You can find us behind the big glass doors in Melville 401. To reach the fourth floor by elevator, use the one located in Melville. The west side of the building also has an accessible entrance to the fourth floor by the special permit parking.

Make an Appointment

  • Book an in-person appointment for Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
  • Submit writing for emailed feedback throughout the week

Our Mission

The Writing Center is a respectful, inclusive space dedicated to supporting student writing across the curriculum. We believe writing facilitates learning and clarifies thinking. We approach writing as a process and encourage students to bring their writing at any stage. We provide appointments and scheduled drop-in hours, and are staffed by peer tutors who have undergone extensive training in writing center methods and practices. We do not edit or rewrite student papers, instead our tutors provide interactive one-on-one sessions in which they help students identify the strengths and weaknesses in their writing and take ownership of their own work.

BCC Writing Center Logo

Appointments

Fall 2024: Sept. 9 – Dec. 12

In-person hours (drop-in and scheduled sessions), Melville 401
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Remote (emailed) feedback: seven days a week

Contact Us

writingcenter@berkshirecc.edu

Welcome to the Writing Center

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to make an appointment?

    Our on-campus location is open for drop-ins (no appointment needed!) or scheduled sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. (please check the schedule).

    You can book in-person sessions and remote appointments and/or submit a paper for emailed feedback through BCC's online Writing Center Schedule.

    For remote feedback, we will provide a personalized, emailed response within 24 to 48 hours.

  • What kind of writing do you consult on?

    Any kind. We consult on everything from creative writing to research papers, cover letters to lab reports, resumes to poetry. We even went over a police report one time.

  • What should I bring?

    In person, it is always helpful to bring a copy of the assignment sheet along with the class syllabus. If you have a working draft, try and bring a printed copy — it is easier to work on a hard copy rather than looking over each-other's shoulders at a computer screen.

    When you book a remote appointment or submit a paper for emailed feedback, BCC's Online Writing Center schedule will prompt you to upload your work. It's also helpful for you to bring or share the assignment guidelines and to describe the kind of feedback you're looking for.

  • How long will this take?

    That depends on what you want to do. It could be as short as five minutes, or as long as an hour. On average, though, expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes for an in-person session.

  • Can I request a specific consultant?

    Of course, depending upon availability. Remember, though, all of our consultants are well-trained and motivated to give you all the input you need.

  • Can you fix my paper for me?

    Depends on what you mean by "fix." We won't re-write your paper for you, but we will guide you and make suggestions for ways in which you can improve your work without us doing it for you.

  • Can you help me with formatting?

    Yes. Whether you need to write your paper in MLA, APA or any other kind of format, we can show you how to set up in-text citations and works cited or bibliography pages.

  • Do you have take-away materials that can help me with my writing?

    Yes. We have a good range of resources available for download (above). If none of them address your specific writing issue, email us and we can suggest many good websites that will.

  • Can I come in to just hang out and work?

    Yes. The Writing Center is located in an open Resource Center, so all students are welcome to use it. If you need a little more quiet, or privacy, we also have two conference rooms that are available.

  • Do you have a computer I could use?

    While we don't have computers on hand, the Digital Commons has computers and printers for student use.

  • Can you print my paper for me?

    A printer is available for use in the Writing Center, but only for the purpose of working on drafts during a consultation. If you just need to print your paper you can do that in Digital Commons located in the Library.