WHAT IS APA STYLE?

There are many different styles of writing just as there are many fields of study/industry.  Many industries choose to adopt certain styles across the field in order to standardize the way in which articles and research papers are formatted.  This makes it easier to read and understand the structure and flow of a paper.

There are many different style formats that exist.  A few are listed below:
American Psychological Association (APA) Style
Chicago Manual Style
Modern Language Association (MLA) Style
Many institutions adopt one style as a preference over others to standardize the way in which writing is formatted across the institution.  Virginia International University has chosen to follow the American Psychological Association Style (commonly called “APA”).

The current version of APA style is based upon the sixth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.  There are many resources available to learn how to use APA style.  One excellent resources is managed by the American Psychological Association itself.  Therefore, you don’t need to worry if the information is the most accurate, because it comes directly from the APA.  Check out the “APA Style” website: http://apastyle.org/

For help with APA, please come visit us in the WRMC!  We are here to help.  Visit our website for more resources and to schedule an appointment: http://viu.edu/wrmc.

ARE HANDWRITTEN NOTES SOON TO BE EXTINCT?

Think about the last time that you received a handwritten message from someone.  When was it?  It might be hard to actually think of a recent instance when your received one.  We use so many digital tools these days to communicate.  Whether you use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or another resource, you are probably writing less and less than you used to.  Do you think that handwritten letters are soon going to be extinct?  I certainly hope not!

I fondly remember opening the mailbox to find a letter from my grandmother.  No matter how many times we would talk on the phone or see each other in person, she would always send me a monthly update.  There’s something to be said for holding a piece of paper in hand with handwritten messages!  Now that she’s gone, I miss getting these letters.  Sometimes I pick up old letters that she wrote me and it has much more power than reading an email or thinking of a memory.

Tell us your story!  Who do/did you correspond with via written messages (letters, notes, etc.)? 

WHAT IS A COACHING SESSION?

Coaching sessions are designed to provide students with support for their written language and are limited to thirty minutes. The actual coaching sessions vary from session to session based upon need and the assignment. Coaches do not edit or revise your work for you; rather, Coaches will help identify areas to address in your paper and tips for your future writing.

You may email your assignment to a Coach before you come for your session, but the coach will not make any recommendations or changes before the actual coaching session. 

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE WRMC?

To make an appointment, simply email our WRMC Coaches at wrmc@viu.edu. One of our coaches will reach out to you to confirm your session. It is recommended that you provide both a day and two times that would work best for you and a phone number where you can be reached. Coaches will try their best to work around your schedule, but they may suggest other times if the schedule requires it.
It also helps if you specify your program and any major issues or questions that you have about your assignment/paper before coming.  This way, your Coach can try to find you potential resources before your session.

Students are strongly encouraged to make appointments for coaching sessions before the actual due date of the assignment. 

WELCOME TO VIU’S WRITING RESEARCH AND MEDIA CENTER

Welcome to the Writing, Research and Media Center (WRMC) at VIU!  VIU’s commitment to improving the success of its students is evident in the launch of the Writing, Research and Media Center (WRMC).  The goals of the center are to promote and foster professional level communication in support of students’ academic preparation.

The WRMC is located in the Student Affairs Building.  WRMC hours for the Fall 2013 semester will be from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Virtual sessions are available for VIU Online students.  Students can meet with a Writing Center Coach in thirty minute blocks to discuss any problems or questions that they might have.  Students should bring a printed copy of the writing for review and should have reviewed their paper before coming to their coaching session. The WRMC can provide proof that a student has visited the Center if requested.

Students are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance as students who have scheduled appointments will receive priority over walk-ins. Appointments can be scheduled at wrmc@viu.edu.