There are many writing resources available to support you in developing your skills as a writer. This section features resources for Writing Centers, APA Style, The Writing Process, and UW Writing Courses.
Writing Centers
In addition to the UW School of Social Work writing center, there are several writing centers available to you on campus and online.
- Odegaard Writing & Research Center. Located in Odegaard Undergraduate Library Room 121, the Odegaard Writing & Research Center is open to the entire UW community and features exceptional tutors and convenient hours. Make an appointment online to connect with a peer tutor. Also, check out OWRC's comprehensive writing resources available online.
- CLUE Writing Center. A drop-in resource for students, the CLUE Writing Center is located in Mary Gates Hall and is open from 7pm-midnight Sunday-Thursday autumn, winter, and spring quarters. Though CLUE is focused on undergraduate support, graduate students are welcome. No appointment necessary.
- Instructional Center. The IC is a comprehensive academic support center for Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) students. There are instructors and tutors available for almost every academic discliplne or major.
- Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). A student favorite, the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University provides extensive online reference materials, services and resources. Explore all the great resources the OWL has to offer.
APA Style
Academic papers produced for social work courses should follow the style guidelines adopted by the American Psychological Association (APA).
- APA Style Blog. The APA Style Blog is the official companion to the APA 6th Edition Manual. APA experts answer general topics about APA style.
- APA Style Tutorial. This narrated presentation from APA Style reviews the Basics of APA Style.
- APA Citation Guide. From the UW Libraries, the APA Citation Guide is a one page double-sided handout about the basics of APA citations.
- Sample APA-formatted Paper I. From the OWRC, this Sample APA Formatter Paper shows all of the components necessary in a proper APA style paper.
- Sample APA-formatted Paper II. From Purdue OWL, this APA Sample Paper is a great reference when formatting APA style papers.
- APA Frequently Asked Questions. From Purdue OWL, these APA Frequently Asked Questions answer citation and formatting questions.
Writing Courses
Here's a highlight of a few courses focused on developing writing skills.
- UW Composition and Writing Courses. This detailed document provides information about composition ("C") and writing ("W" and non-"W") courses and other language support resources for UW multilingual students and their teachers.
- Soc WF 250 - Writing for Social Welfare Courses. Offered as a 2-credit elective in winter quarter for BASW students, this courses uses a social work framework to develop, strengthen, and practice undergraduate level writing in critically conscious ways. BASW students will receive more information about this course before winter quarter registration.
Additional Writing Resources
From understanding the prompt to proofreading your final paper, get the support you need through all stages of writing.
- Guidelines for Student Papers. This document was developed by faculty at the UW School of Social Work and focuses on writing guidelines for social work students.
- General Writing Process. OWRC handouts and resources on the writing process, including getting started, researching, brainstorming, outlining, drafting and revising.
- Grammar and Mechanics. OWRC handouts and resources on grammar and mechanics.
- Grammar Girl. Fun and easy to read, the Grammar Girl blog features posts about grammar, punctuation, and English.
- Avoiding Plagiarism. Learn more about academic honesty.
- Developing a Thesis Proposal. If you're completing a social work thesis, be sure to check out Sample Communication Thesis Proposals.
- UW Writes. The UW Writes website offers writing resources for departments, teachers, and students.