Academic Writing ProgramWaseda University

At the Waseda University Writing Center, our mission is to foster “independent writers.”

Our tutors engage students in a collaborative learning process, rather than merely pointing out or correcting errors. Through dialogue and active engagement, tutors guide students in recognizing issues in their writing and discovering ways to improve their work independently. The tutor and writer work together to explore strategies for enhancing the writing. This process is designed to help students develop the ability to identify problems and revise their work independently, even when writing alone.

The primary goal of the Writing Center is not simply to “improve the paper” but to support “the growth of the writer.”

Writing as a process

At the core of writing development lies the cognitive activity that occurs throughout the writing process. The most active and critical thinking occurs not in the final product, but during the act of writing itself. Writing begins well before the first sentence is composed—starting with brainstorming, planning, and the exploration of ideas. Seeking feedback at these early stages enables students to reflect more deeply and ultimately become stronger writers. The Writing Center provides a supportive environment where students can engage meaningfully with the writing process, accompanied by trained tutors.

Writing across the curriculum

Writing is a fundamental academic practice that extends across disciplinary boundaries. At the Writing Center, tutors may not be experts in the specific academic field of the writer. However, they possess a strong foundation in the principles of academic writing and are equipped to provide valuable guidance regardless of the subject matter. Writers often gain new insights and perspectives by discussing their work with tutors who are trained in writing instruction. Our tutors at the Waseda University Writing Center come from diverse academic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. The opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue with tutors from diverse disciplines is one of the distinctive strengths of our center.