Writing and Communication Consultations

two students working on computers

Applications open to be a Communication Consultant for Spring 2024

Do you have a passion for helping your peers improve their work? Looking for an on-campus job that will improve your leadership and communication skills? Apply now to be a communication consultant for Spring 2024. Applications due November 2, 2023. For more information, see the position description.

  • 99%

    of students plan to return for another appointment

Schedule an Appointment on Navigate

1.Click “Appointments” and then “Schedule an Appointment”.

2. Select "Academic Support" for the Care Unit.

3. Select "Writing and Communication Consultations" for the Service.

4.Select "Academic Success Center OR Virtual" for the Location, then choose from available days/times and schedule your appointment.

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I loved the clear and effective feedback I got and it enhanced the quality of my writing. Thank you for hiring great consultants!

Past communcation client feedback

What it is

  • We do work with graduate students and undergraduate students on any written, oral, visual, or electronic communication project.
  • We do assist with any step of the writing process, from brainstorming to outlining to revising.
  • We do welcome students who write English as a second language (ESL).
  • We do work with graduate and professional students, but also suggest the programming and support offered by the Graduate College's Center for Communication Excellence.
  • We do hire communication consultants from a broad range of majors and communication expertise, but we don't guarantee they will have knowledge of your course or course content.
  • We do review cover letters, resumes, and application materials, but encourage students to visit the Career Services office associated with their college for the best support on those materials.

What it's not

  • We don't proofread or edit your papers for you. We do work with you to understand how to identify changes to improve the clarity, organization, and tone of your writing style. Consider using Iowa State's free subscription offer for Grammarly for more assistance.
  • We don't replace classroom instruction or office hours.
  • We don't just "correct" your Google Docs during a Google Doc appointment. All Google Docs consultations are synchronous, meaning the tutor and student are simultaneously present. We do not line edit your documents but rather, offer individualized assistance and suggestions to help improve your writing. Both the Google chat feature and comments will be used.
  • We don't formulate your thesis or major arguments for you.
  • We don't provide English conversation practice, but we would refer you to more resources provided by the ISSO.
  • We don't always have last-minute appointments available. Try to schedule an appointment a few days ahead to ensure we can assist you before an assignment is due.

Who it is for

  • Any student, at any step in their creation process. Our service is absolutely free!
  • We welcome clients for single sessions or to create recurring appointments for long-term communication projects and papers.
  • You can make up to three appointments per week, either in-person or online. Our appointments are 45 minutes in length.

What type of appointment should I make?

Appointment Options
Type of Appointment In-Person Appointments Google Docs Appointments Zoom Appointments
Location Available in 2261 Hixson Lied Student Success Center Available wherever you have access to the internet Available wherever you have access to the internet
Process Best for working on any stage of the writing process Best for working on middle or late stages of a process Best for the brainstorming or early stages of writing process
Type of Project Appropriate for any kind of written, oral, visual, or electronic project Appropriate for written projects Appropriate for any kind of written, oral, visual, or electronic project
Hours Available Available from 8a-5p, Monday through Friday Available 8a-9p, Monday through Friday; 4p-9p on Sunday Available 8a-9p, Monday through Friday; 4p-9p on Sunday