At the WCC, we recognize that that writing, especially in academic settings, can often feel shaped by expectations that don’t always reflect your voice, language, or lived experiences.
Our programs are designed to support your writing in ways that are identity-affirming, culturally responsive, and grounded in community. Whether you're looking for one-on-one support, space to write in community, or programming that centres your experience, there’s a place here for you.
Have questions or want to learn more? We’d love to hear from you—don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sarah Menzies, Writing and Communication Advisor, at s2menzie@uwaterloo.ca.
Here's what's coming up this term:
Writing Café for Black, Indigenous, and racialized students
The Black, Indigenous and Racialized Students' Writing Café is a social writing group. Unlike traditional peer feedback-based writing groups, we don’t read each other’s finished writing: instead, we write together to create a community of writers who can cheer each other on during what is often an isolating, difficult journey!
Just like our Wednesday in-person grad writing cafés, the Black, Indigenous and Racialized Students' Writing Café uses the Pomodoro Method to organize writing sessions into smaller, more manageable chunks of focused writing with frequent breaks. As a participant, then, you’ll still get several 30-minute blocks of writing with short breaks in between to help you re-focus, stretch, get coffee/ tea/water, and chat with the other participants, but this group is designed specifically for Black, Indigenous and racialized students (at any level, grad or undergrad) and postdoctoral scholars.
This group is informed by anti-racist pedagogies and hosted by WCC staff who understand the intimate relationship between writing and identity first-hand. Join to connect to a supportive community of peers, share your challenges and successes, or just to get some focused writing done!
When: Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. from September 15 to December 22
Where: South Campus Hall (SCH) 228F
Write Night: An after-hours writing space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized students
Write Night is an after-hours writing space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized undergraduate and graduate students. Whether you're working on a research paper, prepping a presentation, or catching up on readings, this space is here to help you make progress— with no pressure, no deadlines, and all the support you need.
Come solo or bring a friend. Stay for ten minutes or two hours. And while you’re here, enjoy free pizza, coffee, tea, and snacks to keep you fuelled and focused.
When: 5:00 - 8:00 PM; September 16th, October 21st, and November 18th
Where: EC5, 2nd Floor – EDI-R Office