Student Services Spotlight: The Writing Center is your place for writing support

This article is part of a series highlighting our Student Services offices and what they can do for you. For information about all HFC student services, please visit the Student Services section of our website.

Make an appointment at the Writing Center through WC Online

The Writing Center (Room A-201), located inside the Learning Lab on the second floor of the Learning Success Center (LSC) (Building A on the main campus), offers one-on-one support for writers at any level, at any stage of the writing process, and in all courses. (Please note, the Writing Center and Learning Lab will need to move out of Building A when the building is renovated starting in May 2026. Stay tuned to learn where they will be moved during the renovations.)

Hours vary by semester. HFC English instructor Dr. Chelsea Lonsdale is the director of the Writing Center.

The Writing Center provides experienced Respondents, including ESL specialists, available to meet with you in-person and virtually.

For in-person sessions, you can drop-in during open hours or can schedule a 30-minute appointment in advance using WCOnline (please sign up above).

For virtual sessions, you will need to schedule an appointment in advance using WCOnline. Both synchronous (online) and asynchronous (eTutoring) appointments are available.

When you visit the Writing Center

The Writing Center provides support to writers as you think through your writing goals, approaches, and products. From understanding an assignment prompt, integrating sources, organizing ideas, addressing instructor feedback, developing a strong academic voice, or using APA format, the Writing Center can help.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit:

• Respondents will give individualized attention: We meet with writers one-on-one to provide personalized feedback and instruction.
• Students are expected to interact and participate: We provide guidance, but you do your own work.
• We strive to maintain a welcoming environment: The Writing Center is for writers of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

No writer is an island

Lonsdale wants to dispel the myth that writing is an isolated, individual activity.

“That couldn’t be farther from the truth,” she said. “Writing – whether it’s for a class, a job, or for personal benefit – is a social activity. When we write, we write to connect with an audience (even if that audience is yourself), and it can be incredibly helpful to work with someone who can act as that audience and provide feedback to help you communicate effectively. The Writing Center is not here to judge anyone’s writing abilities, but we can absolutely help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses and can provide strategies, resources, and encouragement to help you grow.”

For questions or more information, contact 313-317-6833 or writingcenter@hfcc.edu.