Here to help

Writing Center consultants can work with you on any kind of writing project, from course papers to job application materials and creative writing. We can also help with speeches and presentations. Our services are free and available to all students, staff and faculty at the University of Iowa.

Schedule an appointment

Submit a draft

Standing Weekly Meetings

Writing for all

The Writing Center is hosted by the Department of Rhetoric and is located in room 110 of the English Philosophy Building. Services are free and available to all students, faculty, and staff. Not affiliated with the UI? We also help staff a community writing center at the Iowa City and Coralville Public Library. Walk-in appointments available for Johnson County residents during the fall and spring semesters.

close-up of student writing on paper

Est. 1934

One of the first Writing Centers in the U.S.
students in a rhetoric class

1:1

The Center has a long-standing tradition of one-to-one instruction in rhetorical and communication skills.

5,000

The number of hours of one-on-one writing instruction we provide each year.
students discussing writing

2,000

The number of students, faculty, and staff, we meet with each semester.
student discussing writing

Our Story

The University of Iowa Writing Center was started by Carrie Stanley in 1934, making it one of the first writing centers in the country. The center has a long-standing tradition of one-to-one instruction in rhetorical and communication skills.

News and announcements

Events

Seminar Series: Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Bowen Science Building

Each semester, we are proud to host outstanding seminar speakers. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

On Clowns, Magic, Dirt, Decay: Artist Talk with Alex Tatarsky promotional image

On Clowns, Magic, Dirt, Decay: Artist Talk with Alex Tatarsky

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 5:00pm to 6:15pm
Theatre Building

A “hilarious, finely tuned absurdist” (Theatre Jones), Alex Tatarsky makes performances in the uncomfortable in-between zone of comedy, dance-theater, performance art, and deluded rant--sometimes with songs. Tatarsky experienced fleeting fame as Andy Kaufman’s daughter and used to perform as a mound of dirt. They are currently touring their falling apart bildungsroman about wanting to die, Sad Boys in Harpy Land, and their compost clown lecture-performance Dirt Trip. MATERIAL, an improvisational...

Grant Wood Country Forum: Welcome, "Study for American Gothic at Auction During "We the People: America at 250,'" and "Seeing Wood: Cedar Rapids Community School District Grant Wood Collection" promotional image

Grant Wood Country Forum: Welcome, "Study for American Gothic at Auction During "We the People: America at 250,'" and "Seeing Wood: Cedar Rapids Community School District Grant Wood Collection"

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Virtual

After a welcome from Grant Wood Country Forum director Elaine Mattingly, Grant Wood Art Colony director Maura Pilcher will discuss the new partnership between the Forum and the University of Iowa followed by an update on the Grant Wood Catalogue Raisonné project.

"The Recipe: Introduction to All Things Grant Wood Country Forum," by Elaine Mattingly

Elaine Mattingly’s connection to all things Grant Wood goes back six generations in the Anamosa, Stone City, Viola and Cedar Rapids areas of Iowa. She...

Faith on the Plate promotional image

Faith on the Plate

Thursday, January 22, 2026 6:00pm
Phillips Hall
Explore the intersection of religion and cuisine, guided by Christina Ward's book "Holy Food"
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