Code of Ethics

At the Writing & Speaking Studio, we believe in celebrating diversity and advocating for equity in teaching and learning. We strive to facilitate the evolution of language in tandem with social progress by encouraging writers to draw on their linguistic and cultural backgrounds and make communication choices they believe in and by advocating for advances in language that are inclusive of all gender identities and pronouns.

With this code of ethics, we commit to creating an inclusive and adaptable, collaborative learning environment that is welcoming to people of all genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, beliefs, abilities, and academic backgrounds: 

• The Writing & Speaking Studio is a safe space where students are not pressured to conform to a specific way of expressing themselves, whether related to academic, professional, or personal work. Tutoring sessions are safe learning opportunities that allow for risk-taking and intellectual growth outside of the classroom.
• We are committed to educating ourselves about anti-racism, social justice, and translingual pedagogies so that our practice reflects an appreciation of and respect for different cultures, dialects, accents, and regional colloquialisms and vernaculars in order to help end discrimination in educational spaces and decolonize academia in regards to literacy and speech. 
• Writing and speaking consultants recognize that students have varied and often fluid learning styles and needs. Students should not feel they must disclose any personal information, but should feel free to let the consultant know if there is a certain way they learn best so we can better assist by adapting the session to fit their strengths and needs.
• The Writing & Speaking Studio seeks to build teaching and learning partnerships with faculty that focus on enhancing student learning over time with an emphasis on improving students’ confidence, independence, and critical understanding of language and rhetorical possibility in written and spoken communication.
• We believe faculty can most positively support students' engagement with us by encouraging, not requiring, students to work with us throughout their composing process, including early on when generating ideas and planning their approach to a project. 
• All work at the Writing & Speaking Studio is in progress. We do not guarantee faultless work or work that fully meets faculty guidelines. Students maintain ownership of all work and are ultimately responsible for making decisions throughout the writing and speaking processes.
• Writing & Speaking Studio consultants do not sign student papers or assignment sheets to confirm a visit, nor do they guarantee grades or claim expertise. We encourage students to always refer back to their professor for all questions related to the assignment.
• Writing and speaking consultations are completely confidential. Student records and conversations will not be shared with anyone without the express consent of the student in order to provide a safe and understanding environment to freely talk about emotions, express opinions, and ask questions. That being said, the Writing & Speaking Studio has the responsibility to report any activity that may cause harm to the student, or others, and will work to connect the student with appropriate and helpful resources.

Special thanks to Peer Writing and Speaking Consultants Molly Keane, Avery Novitch, Ashley Vargas, and Kiara Williams who helped revise and draft the Writing and Speaking Studio Code of Ethics during the Spring 2020 semester.