About the Writing Center, for Faculty

Workshops for your Students

Writing Center workshops provide practical, hands-on exploration in your classroom. Writing workshops introduce aspects of the writing process, from idea generation to thesis development to revision. Public speaking workshops prepare your students to engage audiences with focus and confidence. Our associates design instruction aimed at meeting your specific pedagogical goals.

Consultations

Our professional associates are available for individual consultations to discuss approaches to assignment design, effective feedback and commenting, or any other aspect of writing and public speaking instruction. Faculty may contact an associate directly or email writing@amherst.edu to schedule an appointment.

Pedagogy Guides

The Writing Center has designed pedagogy guides on facets of effective instruction in writing, reading, and public speaking. The pages introduce basic concepts in the topic, suggest ways of applying them in courses, and point to additional resources for further exploration. 

First-Year Seminar Liaisons

The liaison program offers first-year seminar faculty the support of a dedicated writing associate who can: 
  • introduce your students to the Writing Center, 
  • teach workshops on aspects of the writing process, facilitate peer-review workshops, lead discussions of effective reading practices, or arrange public speaking workshops 
  • serve as a sounding board or advisor to you as you plan your writing instruction, assignments, and approaches.
To have a liaison assigned to your first-year seminar, contact Jessica Kem.

Contact Us

Jessica F. Kem

Jessica F. Kem

Director of the Writing Center

Jessica coordinates the programs and operations of the Writing Center. She also consults with students on writing and reading, teaches workshops on writing and research processes, and supports faculty writing pedagogy. She contributes to campus-wide efforts to cultivate justice and equity in teaching, learning, and collaboration. Pronouns: she/her. Hear my name.