Skip to Main Content

UMass Lowell's First Year Writing Program

Student and Instructor Resources. Scheduled to be migrated to Blackboard FA23. (per Ann Dean)

Some instructors require conferences with students while others simply encourage them. Communicating to students that you have an “open door,” encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunities conferencing provides, and prepping them by establishing guidelines, suggestions, or policies for conferences allows for more productive sessions. The following examples offer a variety of approaches to stating your conference policies.

EXAMPLE #1
You are required to meet with me at least twice during the semester. That meeting can be to discuss any number of subjects: the reading and responses, your ideas for a paper, a rough draft, your grade so far in the class, or anything else academic related. Plan on each meeting lasting between 10-20 minutes and come prepared with a specific subject in mind. You must meet with me at least once by October 23rd. Beyond that, I encourage everyone to meet with me as often as you wish. One of the most enjoyable aspects of teaching is meeting with students one-on-one and I always find that students who meet with me more regularly are the ones who perform the best in class. You can even stop by just to chat (beyond your two required meetings). If my office hours don’t work for you, I’m always willing to find a time that will work. Not fulfilling this requirement will result in a reduced participation grade.

EXAMPLE #2
I would be happy to meet with you to discuss any essay at any stage of the writing process, either during my office hours or by appointment. Meeting one-on-one allows us to address your specific writing needs and concerns very effectively, so consider scheduling at least one conference with me during the semester. If you choose to revise an essay, you must schedule a conference with me to discuss your plans for revision within two weeks of receiving the essay back. I will not accept revised essays that we have not discussed in conference. Revised essays are due at the end of the semester in your writing portfolio.

EXAMPLE #3
I will attempt to incorporate individual conferences where I feel that they will constitute a good use of both your time and my time. However, should you at ANY point have questions, need additional help, or want to discuss your work or the course material, I will be more than happy to try to help you. Please make use of my weekly office hours, listed above. I can be available by appointment before most classes. Individual attention will help you focus your efforts and save your time.