Policy-Writing Center Services

Each semester, the Policy-Writing Center provides workshops on particular policy-writing skillsets both in-person and on Zoom.

Workshop topics include:

• Policy Writing 101
• Crash Course in Memo-Writing
• Storytelling with Research
• Writing that Shines: Editing Skills

To suggest a workshop topic, email Dr. Meri Wimberly.

Each semester, the MPWC facilitates a group of MPWC representatives and McCourt students who read each other’s work and give each other feedback. We welcome all participants who wish to publish their writing at some point.

Contact the Policy-Writing Center to find out more.

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.

The Policy-Writing Center 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.

Director Dr. Meri Wimberly offers faculty fora to discuss pedagogical issues related to policy writing and communications each semester over lunch. Information about each event will be sent to faculty emails.

The MPWC provides workshops during class time as requested by faculty. Usually, workshops cover skills needed to successfully complete a particular assignment. Workshops can range from 30-90 minutes in length. To schedule an in-class workshop, email Dr. Meri Wimberly.

Example topics include:

• The Policy-Writing Process
• Policy Writing Genres (for example, memoranda)
• Research Methods & Citations
• The Craft of Argumentation
• Collaborative Writing
• Editing for Concision

Note: Include the name and syllabus of the course, relevant assignment prompts, the number of students and the date and time you would prefer to host the workshop.

Director Dr. Meri Wimberly provides consultations to faculty to discuss student challenges, classroom assignments and activities, peer review facilitation, and feedback practices to help develop student writing and communication skills. She can provide best practices, guidance, and teaching artifacts and tools as requested. To schedule a consultation, email Meri Wimberly.

Each semester, the Policy-Writing Center provides workshops on particular policy-writing skillsets both in-person and on Zoom.

Workshop topics include:

• Policy Writing 101
• Crash Course in Memo-Writing
• Storytelling with Research
• Writing that Shines: Editing Skills

To suggest a workshop topic, email Dr. Meri Wimberly.

For research assistance, contact our government librarian Kim MacVaugh or our business librarian Jennifer Boettcher.

Information about GU’s Honor Code is available on the Honor Council’s website.

Anne Lamott’s Shitty First Drafts (First Anchor Books, 1995) is an engaging read on why it’s essential to have a writing process.

Purdue University’s The Purdue On-line Writing Lab (OWL) is the go-to free online resource for students and faculty on writing matters, including structure, argumentation, editing and formatting. It includes exhaustive resources such as detailed style guides and example papers.

William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White’s The Elements of Style (Allyn and Bacon, 1979) is a classic collegiate guide to English prose composition.

Lynn Truss’ Eats, Shoots & Leaves (Gotham Books, 2003) is a witty and readable book that makes grammar funny and emphasizes its importance for clear communication.

Chrisinger, D. (2022). Public Policy Writing that Matters. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Kingdon, J. W. (2011). Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies. Longman.

Miller, J. E. (2013). The Chicago Guide to Writing about Multivariate Analysis. The University of Chicago Press.

Pennock, A. (2019). The CQ Press Writing Guide for Public Policy. CQ Press.

Stone, D. (2012). Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making. W. W. Norton & Company.

Wildavsky, A. (2017). Speaking Truth to Power: The Art and Craft of Policy Analysis. Routledge.

Feder Debate Memo Instructions

Feder Strategy Memo Instructions

Headley Case Study Memo Instructions

Headley Semester Project Instructions

Headley Social Equity Impact Assessment & Stakeholder Analysis Instructions

Introduction to the Policy-Writing Center slide deck

Literature Review slide deck

Example Memo Format

David Chrisinger’s “Policy Writing that Matters” is an excellent resource on how to write good policy pieces.

Anne Lamott’s Shitty First Drafts (First Anchor Books, 1995) is an engaging read on why it’s essential to have a writing process.

Purdue University’s The Purdue On-line Writing Lab (OWL) is the go-to free online resource for students and faculty on writing matters, including structure, argumentation, editing and formatting. It includes exhaustive resources such as detailed style guides and example papers.

William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White’s The Elements of Style (Allyn and Bacon, 1979) is a classic collegiate guide to English prose composition.

Lynn Truss’ Eats, Shoots & Leaves (Gotham Books, 2003) is a witty and readable book that makes grammar funny and emphasizes its importance for clear communication.