Biannual Keynote Lecture Anchor

Biannual Keynote Lecture

The McCourt Policy-Writing Center (MPWC) kicks off each semester with a special keynote lecture on strategic communication from an expert in policy writing. The lecture is open to students, faculty, and staff.

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Workshop Series

Each semester, the MPWC provides workshops on particular policy-writing skill sets. The workshops are on Zoom and are recorded and posted in the MPWC’s Canvas course (PPOL-Writing Center Courses).

Workshop topics include:

  • Memorable Memos
  • Storytelling with Research
  • Writing that Shines: Editing Skills

To suggest a workshop topic, email meri.wimberly@georgetown.edu.

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Peer Review Groups

Each semester, the MPWC facilitates peer review groups. These groups not only help students learn more from and perform better on assignments–they also offer an opportunity to experience the academic publication process and the collaborative nature of much professional and policy writing. The groups meet to workshop particular assignments for specific classes, or to workshop capstone year projects. The MPWC gives guidance on how to make the peer review as helpful as possible, and assists with providing and incorporating feedback.

Peer Review Groups must be formed with enough time to be effective. Our recommendation is that groups targeting a final project for a class form at the beginning of the relevant semester, and that groups targeting capstone year projects form at the beginning of the relevant academic year.

To form a peer review group, recruit other students from your class (for a specific class assignment) or cohort (for capstone year projects)–a minimum of 4 per group. Once your group has committed, sign up by completing the Peer Review Group form. Peer review groups can also be formed by faculty direction.

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Online Modules Anchor

Online Modules

For more independent, self-driven opportunities to work on writing skills, check out the online modules the MPWC has created in the “PPOL-Writing Center Courses” Canvas course.

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Individual Coaching

The MPWC provides individual appointments to students seeking help with their writing. These include evening and weekend hours.

At individual coaching appointments, students will receive one-on-one targeted assistance with specific writing assignments and projects. Assistance begins with understanding the context for communication and follows the policy-writing process. To receive written feedback, writing materials should be sent at least 24 hours in advance for shorter pieces and 48 hours in advance for longer (15+ pages) pieces. The MPWC does not provide line-editing services.

For individual appointments for help with thesis/capstone year projects, email Dr. Jeff Mayer at mayerjl@georgetown.edu.

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