FAQs

 

Where are we located?

Building L within the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at the Santa Maria campus.

What are the hours of operation?      

Fall/Spring - Santa Maria: 
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Who can I contact if needed?

What services does the Writing Center provide?

The Writing Center supports students at all levels and all stages of their writing process. Some of the services we provide include:

• one-on-one writing support at all stages of the writing process for reading and writing assignments for any class;
• assistance in all steps of the writing process from brainstorming, organizing, thesis development, MLA documentation, and much more;
• assistance for students at all levels of writing;
• workshops focused on writing skills that can be applied to writing assignments in all courses;
• one-on-one instructor feedback on  reading and writing assignments from any course;
• technology, computer, and Internet assistance;
• an open study area (including 1 quiet study room available);
• informational handouts and practice sheets;
• materials for borrowing (markers, pens, pencils, scissors, rulers, etc.);
• required textbooks/novels/workbooks for checkout (​not take-home​); and
• headphones for checkout (​not take-home​).

What are the expectations of a session with a Writing Center instructor?

• Writing Center instructors help students with any stage of the writing process from brainstorming to the final draft.  Sessions are a collaboration between instructor and student, and focus on one or two areas of concern.  Students are expected to actively engage in the session and come prepared to discuss their writing assignment. Sessions typically last 15-20 minutes.
• Writing Center instructors do not proofread or edit student work; instead, students request feedback on specific areas of their writing.
• Consistent attendance at the Writing Center helps students build and strengthen writing skills over time.

What are the general rules of conduct in the Writing Center?

• Please mute cell phones when working in the Writing Center.
• Food and beverages, with the exception of water bottles, are not allowed in the Writing Center. There is a designated table near the entrance where students can temporarily leave items.
• Be respectful of others. The Writing Center is also a study area, so please be considerate of other students by keeping conversation low and to a minimum.
• Children are not ​allowed in the Writing Center per the CA State Education Code and Allan Hancock College Board Policy #3930.

Who can visit the Writing Center?

• All AHC students who can benefit from assistance with  any reading or writing assignment.
• Students who wish to access the Writing Center’s services must enroll in the free, noncredit BASK 7015 Reading and Writing Lab course. Students can enroll during their first visit to the center or in advance through myHancock.
• Students enrolled in a ​course that requires hours​ in the Writing Lab.