Frequently Asked Questions
How can I learn what groups on NuWrite are posting material that might be helpful to me, my students, my instructors?
Can I link NuWrite to our department’s home page or my Blackboard site?
Why should I introduce my students to NuWrite when we're already using Blackboard?
Why am I unable to get into some NuWrite communities?
Can I access resources that are in private communities?
How can I learn what groups on NuWrite are posting material that might be helpful to me, my students, my instructors?
One way to find material on NuWrite is to look in a field that might offer that kind of writing advice, such as Social Science Writing or Writing in Psychology. Another way is to enter a term in the search box, such as “sample proposals,” “research papers,” or “lab reports.” [to top]
Can I link NuWrite to our department’s home page or my Blackboard site?
Yes, you can make a link on your department’s home page or in your Blackboard site by simply adding an external link and pasting in the URL of the main site or the community home page that interests you. [to top]
Why should I introduce my students to NuWrite when we're already using Blackboard?
Students will have access to NuWrite when they have completed your class, whereas they can access your Blackboard resources only while they are enrolled in your class.[to top]
What is the difference between the resources available on NuWrite and those that come from The Writing Place?
Resources distributed by The Writing Place reflect the advice and theories about writing advocated by Northwestern's Writing Program. In addition, they focus on what constitutes good writing in general rather than on any particular discpline. In contrast, the resources on NuWrite reflect advice and practices from many different disciplines and sometimes from specific courses or programs. They are a library of resources made available by Northwestern faculty who are willing to share their ideas with others through this site.[to top]
How do I start a NuWrite community?
If you would like to start a NuWrite community, contact Penny Hirsch (phirsch@northwestern.edu) to discuss your idea. [to top]
Why am I unable to get into some NuWrite resources?
Most resources on NuWrite are available to the public, but some are intended to be shared with specific user groups, such as faculty teaching writing in a specific field or course or students enrolled in a specific workshop series, major, or minor. That is why we use Northwestern’s “passport” system to restrict access. Most material, however, is available to everyone (including material that pertains to teaching writing rather than to writing itself).
Faculty can access more resources on NuWrite than students can. If you are a graduate student teaching assistant, you may need special permission to access a faculty area. Contact the NuWrite administrator if you need help with this issue.
Can I access resources that are in private communities?
Some resources in restricted communities are still available to everyone. If you cannot access a specific community for a type of resource, try looking for it in the search box. [to top]
I am an international student; does NuWrite have any resources that can help me with writing in English?
Yes. Much of the general advice about writing should be helpful to you, such as information on avoiding plagiarism or style advice for writing in the sciences or social sciences. In addition, NuWrite posts information for non-native speakers. Use the search box, entering terms such as “non-native” or “ESL” to find material.[to top]
I am a TA, responsible for grading some of the written work in a course, and I have not been trained in writing. Does NuWrite have material that can help me grade papers efficiently?
Yes, NuWrite has a number of resources to help TAs and faculty with grading, but some of it appears in restricted areas. Contact Penny Hirsch (phirsch@northwestern.edu) to discuss the material you would like to find, and she will be able to help you gain access to it. [to top]
