Meet our team series
Welcome to the Writing Centre’s Specialists blog series: Meet YorkU’s Writing Centre Team. Over the next few months, we will be highlighting some of the writing experts and specialists at the Writing Centre so you can get to know them better and see how they support students at the Writing Centre!
As part of the Writing Centre’s Specialists blog series, today’s blog post will be highlighting the Writing Centre’s drop-in specialist, Lori Turner!
Lori Turner is the Writing Centre’s drop-in specialist, a demanding role where she answers precise questions students have at any point in the writing process. Ms. Turner is like the Writing Centre’s emergency support—even on a tight deadline, there is always someone here available to help!
Unlike booked Writing Centre appointments, drop-in sessions allow students to have more scheduling flexibility where they can come by for 15 minutes to discuss their writing questions rather than take on a full 50-minute appointment
In these sessions, Professor Turner is prepared to take on a variety of student requests.
She said:
We are asked generally thesis questions, or to help with decoding questions, or provide suggestions on a paragraph in 15 minutes. We are also sometimes asked by students to check over citations for accuracy.
In this space, students can also ask for research assistance. Additionally, the Writing Centre welcomes students who want to ask questions regarding grad school applications.
At these drop-in sessions, students can expect to be in a judgement-free space that focuses on 1-1 teaching.
As Professor Turner puts it,
there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Ask me anything about your writing.
Every week, dozens of students do just that, coming to visit her for timely advice or a quick read of a paragraph.
Similarly, seeing students’ learning development and writing journey motivates Professor Turner.
She said:
I find teaching 1-1 is the most ideal form of education, and I am motivated to teach in that way… I am inspired by students.
Quick access to remote writing-help has become important during the Pandemic because it is focused and synchronous. However, we hope students will continue to seek consultation even after we return on-campus.
Through our website, drop-in consultations are available each week, every day (but Friday) around lunchtime.
Join our drop-in hours to receive great support and to discuss ways to improve your writing!
Learn More
To learn more about one-to-one appointments, please visit our registration page. The Writing Centre’s online resources will continue to grow all year! You can also visit the Writing Centre’s blog!
Connect with the Writing Centre on social media! You can follow us on Facebook @writyork, Twitter @yorkuwritcentre, and Instagram @yorkuwritcentre.