"Procrastination-Proofing Students"

Understanding procrastination and helping students work through its larger themes is the focus of a recent Inside Higher Ed blog by Steven J. Corbett and Michelle LaFrance. They write:

It seems to us that the more we understand procrastination and think it through with our students, the more we can help them build lifelong habits that allow them to be successful in our writing classes. Indeed, antiprocrastination habits can also help students manage the many competing priorities in their busy schedules as well as help us all remember what’s really important in life.

In the blog, Corbett and LaFrance discuss different causes of procrastination, some potential benefits, how to help students think through their procrastination habits, and the enduring advantages of procrastination awareness.

Click here to read "Procrastination-Proofing Students" now. As the authors say, "We must not wait too long in starting to offer our students some of this potentially lifelong good advice."

Writing Center WQ 2016 hours start Jan. 11!

The University Center for Writing-based Learning (UCWbL) will open its Writing Centers at both the Loop and Lincoln Park campuses beginning Monday, January 11, 2016. Hours for both campuses are below.

Loop Campus Writing Center

(312) 362-6726

25 E. Jackson

Lewis Center 1600

Chicago, IL 60604

Monday: 9am-7pm

Tuesday: 9am-7pm

Wednesday: 9am-7pm

Thursday: 9am-7pm

Friday: 12pm-5pm

Saturday: 12pm-5pm

Sunday: Closed

Lincoln Park Campus Writing Center

(773) 325-4272

2320 N. Kenmore

SAC 212

Chicago, IL 60614

Monday: 9am-7pm

Tuesday: 9am-7pm

Wednesday: 9am-7pm

Thursday: 9am-7pm

Friday: Closed

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 12pm-7pm

Click here for instructions on how to register and make an appointment. Be sure to select the correct campus from the drop-down box at the top of the WCOnline scheduler. Call either Writing Center with questions or concerns.

Climate Talks and the Power of Words

See below for an excerpt from GlobalPost's Morning Chatter by Peter Gelling. His discussion of the recent climate talks in Paris showcases the power of words and the importance of word choice on a global scale.

It’s really hard to get the whole world to agree on anything. But at the Paris version of the climate talks, which have been going on for more than a week, a draft agreement is actually now on the table, which means decisions are being made.

To give you an idea of how complicated this gets, here’s a line from an earlier draft:

"[Each Party][All Parties] [recognizing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities] [shall][should][other] regularly [formulate] [prepare], [communicate] [submit], [maintain] [update] and [shall][should][other] [implement] [fulfil] [intended][nationally determined mitigation [commitments][contributions][actions]] [nationally determined mitigation commitments and/or contributions] [a nationally determined contribution with a mitigation component]," the beginning of one sentence read. 

The difference between words like “communicate” and “submit” or “formulate” and “prepare” are significant to some leaders. Basically, everyone is trying to collectively commit to specific levels of greenhouse gas reductions, while maintaining the most flexibility they can on those reductions.

For another resource regarding word choice, particularly in essays, check out the Purdue Owl.

Wanted: Excellent student work for SNL's Writing Showcase

With Autumn Quarter grades in and Winter Quarter approaching fast, please consider submitting your strong papers, ILPs, and/or APs to SNL’s Writing Showcase! Students may submit up to three pieces of work (including essays, poems, stories, ILPs, APs, Capstone projects, and Digication e-portfolios) before the April 1, 2016 deadline.

Students will be invited to read selections from their submissions at the annual SNL Writing Showcase Live event on April 21, 2016. Outstanding submissions composed during the 2015-2016 year will also be recognized at the Spring Awards Luncheon.

Visit the Writing Showcase page on the Writing Guide for more information and entry form. Students may submit entries to SNLwriting@depaul.edu and email with any questions.