Online Writing Lab (OWL)

Some users are receiving an error message when trying to submit their work. If you see an error message:

  1. Make sure you Log in first → Go to MyUNM, sign in with your UNM email, then return to our site.

  2. Clear browser data → Delete cache & cookies, close the window, open a new one, and search for “UNM CTL OWL.”

  3. Try another browser → If the issue continues, open the site in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

👉 Make sure the site looks like this when submitting your form:

In the Online Writing Lab (OWL), you can submit pieces of writing to be reviewed by a CTL writing tutor. You will receive a detailed response via e-mail with feedback, suggestions, and resources to help you revise your writing.

What type of writing do we support?

  • Undergraduate course-related writing projects (discussion boards, short essays, term papers, etc.) 
  • Undergraduate application materials (resumes, letters of intent and personal statements for scholarships, grants, study abroad opportunities, etc.)
  • Undergraduate writing in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Navajo, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
  • Graduate writing in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Navajo, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
  • Note: Our writing tutors can provide basic writing and language support for graduate writing projects in the above languages (coursework, discussion posts, short essays, or term papers).

How can OWL tutors help? 

OWL tutors can help you. 

  • decipher writing assignment prompts
  • develop outlines
  • learn best practices for conducting research
  • develop thesis statements and arguments in your paper
  • learn expectations for different genres of writing
  • craft strong sentences and paragraphs
  • create connections across different parts of your paper to produce a coherent narrative
  • learn appropriate formatting and citation styles
  • avoid plagiarism concerns
  • identify issues with writing mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
  • learn proofreading and revision strategies
  • and more!

To get the most out of the OWL, make sure to include in your submission:

  • The specific prompt provided by your instructor for the assignment  
  • Specific concerns you have about the piece of writing you have submitted and requests for any specific type of feedback you may be seeking 
  • Don’t forget to upload your written document in a Microsoft Word (.doc), Text (.txt), or Rich-Text (.rtf) format!

In addition to the OWL, students may receive support in person at our drop-in writing lab on the 3rd floor of Zimmerman Library, via individual appointments with a writing tutor on Zoom, and by attending relevant writing workshops.

Submit Your Materials Here

Turnaround Time

We strive to review and return your paper to you with feedback within 5 business days. The response time may be influenced by the volume of submissions we receive.

The on-time revision of work submitted less than 5 business days ahead of its due date is not guaranteed. Please, do not wait until the last minute to request feedback to ensure that your submission can be processed successfully.

In addition, please check the UNM Calendar for holidays or special occasions that may delay the return of your work.

Note: If you would like to submit papers written in English for graduate courses or materials for graduate school applications, please visit the Graduate Online Writing Lab (GrOWL).