Writing Support
For Students:
For Faculty:
We collaborate with graduate faculty through class visits, consultations, and dissertation/thesis support.
Want us to run a mini-retreat or tailored workshop for your class, department, or small group? E-mail John Hawkins (jchawk2@ilstu.edu) for more information.
Graduate Writing Fellows
The Graduate Writing Fellows can help you move forward in your writing. Students from all programs are welcome!
We offer one-on-one sessions at any stage of the writing process both in person and online. Sign up below!
Ro Echols
Book appointments with me here.
Howdy! My name is Ro Echols; I am a veteran and a doctoral student in the EAF program at ISU. I earned both my BS in Information Science and my MS in Library and Information Science from the University of North Texas.
My academic and professional background focuses on information, research, and student support. Through my experience, I have developed a passion for helping students become confident writers and researchers. I truly enjoy helping students organize their ideas and strengthen their overall writing process.
Skills:
- Research and information literacy
- Organization and structure of academic writing
- Citation and source integration
- Reference management
Dr. John C. Hawkins
Book appointments with me through jchawk2@ilstu.edu.
Background:
I am passionate about making the academic writing process approachable for students from all backgrounds. My areas of expertise include writing anxiety and writer’s block, thesis and dissertation drafting, and the power of self-compassion and resilience in academic writing.
I earned my PhD in English, with a concentration in Women’s and Gender Studies, from Loyola University Chicago. My research focuses on political imagination in human-animal relationships, especially in U.S. fiction and media. I love to hear people’s animal stories!
Skills:
- Navigating the academic writing process
- Helping grad writers when they feel "stuck"
- Providing tools and resources for long-term writing projects
If you are feeling stuck in your writing, are working with a professor on a particular challenge, or want a friendly sounding board for your projects, feel free to contact me for a one-on-one appointment.
I also provide faculty consultations, class visits, and subject-based writing groups as requested.
If you would like to set up a meeting, please send a message to jchawk2@ilstu.edu.
Appointment location: Hovey Hall, 209A
Community Writing Spaces
Community Writing Spaces provide graduate students with quiet, dedicated environments to focus on their writing and graduate work, with Graduate Writing Fellows available for support.
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Monday Graduate Writing Nest (Drop-In): Join us every Monday for a supportive writing group. We will help you move forward in your writing in a cozy, friendly space!
- Mondays throughout the semester from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Fell 202 and Zoom
- To join the Writing Nest Teams chat, e-mail Dr. Hawkins (jchawk2@ilstu.edu).
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Saturday Writing Sprints: Select Saturdays offer structured, focused writing sessions. Graduate Fellows are on hand for guidance and encouragement. Advanced sign-up required.
- Fall '26 Sprints: 9/26, 10/31, 11/14, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Milner 6th Floor
- Register on the Workshop Series page
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Writing Retreats: Extended sessions in a supportive community setting, complete with light meals to keep you fueled and focused. Advanced sign-up required.
- Fall Graduate Writing Retreat: October 16-17, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Milner 6th Floor
Workshops
Our workshops provide targeted support for graduate writers at different stages of the process. Sessions are interactive, practical, and designed to help you strengthen your skills while connecting with peers.
Getting Through Your Lit Review: A Grad Student Workshop
Writing a literature review for a course or dissertation? We are here to help! Come to this session for practical tips on organizing and drafting your lit review AND hands-on help with your writing. Bring questions, ideas, or confusion.
September 29, 4:30 PM, online
https://illinoisstate.zoom.us/j/84467545104
Register for the September 29 session here.
October 1, 6:30 PM, online
https://illinoisstate.zoom.us/j/84969515208
Register for the October 1 session here.
Breaking Through Writer’s Block
Feeling stuck in your writing? Come to this workshop for support, strategies, and next steps.
October 13, 4:30 PM, online
https://illinoisstate.zoom.us/j/85827043924
Register for the October 13 session here.
October 15, 6:30 PM, online
https://illinoisstate.zoom.us/j/82151120344
https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/event/12585218
Additional Resources
Video tutorials on Thesis/Dissertation formatting
Milner Library's Guide to Academic Writing - Resource repository for topics related to academic writing including strategies for writing, grammar, punctuation, and avoiding plagiarism & self-plagiarism as well as information on writing literature reviews and abstracts.
Milner Library's Guide to Citing Sources - Style guides for APA, MLA, Chicago, and other citation methods, as well as source management/citation creation suggestions.
Graduate Student Canvas Site - Collection of resources related to writing support.