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WRITING CENTER FAQs
What is the Writing Center ?
The Writing Center is a comfortable, friendly place where you can get help with any kind of writing, at any stage of the writing process.
Where is it?
The Writing Center shares a space with the Academic Development Center on the third floor of McKillop Library, Room 308—turn left at the top of the stairs and keep walking!
When is it open?
Our hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 AM — 5:00 PM and 7:00 — 10:00 PM , and Sundays 5:00 — 10:00 PM .
Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
We have tutors on staff during all of the above times, so quite often you can just walk in and see someone, but we can’t guarantee this because sometimes we get really busy. If you have a deadline to meet, we encourage you to stop in or call (341-2226) and make an appointment to be sure there will be someone available to help you.
My paper is due tomorrow—can I get help right now?
You definitely can, but be aware that the earlier you come for help, the better. If you wait until the last minute, you may not have time to get all the help you need, or to make the revisions you would like to afterwards. Try to make an appointment or come in at least a few days before the work is due.
Who does the tutoring?
Writing Tutors are “peer” tutors—that is, they are student writers themselves. Writing Tutors must be second year or above, must submit a writing sample and a faculty recommendation, and must participate in a one-credit training workshop run by the Writing Center Coordinator. Usually they have done some tutoring in the past. They are thoughtful, competent, and non-judgmental, and they who care about what they do.
How long does a tutoring session last?
A session usually lasts half an hour, but sometimes can run longer depending on the work and your needs as a writer. Often a follow-up session will be recommended, but you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in 30 minutes!
What kinds of things can a Writing Tutor help me with?
A Writing Tutor can help you with everything from understanding the assignment to brainstorming; developing a topic or thesis; organizing and structuring your ideas; research tips; paragraph and sentence level structure; grammar, word choice, punctuation; documentation and format requirements; proofreading strategies… just about anything to do with writing!
What if I need help with a paper in a class besides English?
Tutors are trained to be able to help you with work in all disciplines. They do not need to know the content you are working with in order to tell if the paper makes sense or is well-structured. (By the way, if you are having difficulty understanding the material itself in a given subject, you can also request tutoring in subject matter while you are at the ADC!) You may also bring other kinds of writing in for feedback—creative writing, resumes, application letters, etc.
How should I prepare for a tutoring session? What should I bring?
If the paper is for a class, it’s very helpful if you can bring the assignment description with you. Bring a typed draft (or electronic copy, or copy saved to My Data) of whatever work you have done so far. If you are still at an early stage, bring any notes or ideas you may have jotted down, and any specific questions you have about the assignment or about your own writing. Bring an open mind and willingness to do the work—that always helps!
Can’t I just drop my paper off and have someone proofread it for me?
No! Our goal at the Writing Center is to help you become a better writer, and we can’t do that unless you are here! Of course you want to leave here with a “better” paper, or at least some ideas about how to improve your work, but the actual writing is up to you. Writing Tutors will guide you, listen and offer advice, share their skills and knowledge, but they will not do the work for you. Writing Tutors are more like coaches, not proofreaders or editors--they will gladly teach you some skills to effectively proofread your own work, and if you are a non-native English speaker, they will certainly help you with idiomatic and difficult language, but again, the writing is yours, not theirs.
My professor required me to go to the Writing Center ; does that mean I’m not a good writer?
Absolutely not! Many professors require students to come to the Writing Center because they know it is helpful, regardless of how skilled you may be as a writer. In fact, our tutors often sign up for sessions with each other! Writers at all levels can benefit from the feedback of a thoughtful reader. Also, Writing Tutors do not judge or grade your writing—they are students just like you, they understand the demands and stresses you are coping with, and they are here to help you.
What if English is not my native language?
We are happy to help non-native English speakers with their work. Feel free to ask the receptionist or tutor to schedule you for a longer appointment if you feel you will need it, or schedule a series of appointments with the same tutor so that you have some continuity.
Will going to the Writing Center guarantee me a better grade?
Writing Tutors do not give grades and cannot guarantee what grade your instructor will give on a paper. Often grades are improved, but sometimes improving writing is a process that takes longer than one visit to the Center, and sometimes your idea of what’s “better” will not be exactly the same as your professor’s… Usually, however, students leave the Writing Center feeling like they have made progress, or at the very least, have a better idea of what they need to do to make improvements.
What if I make an appointment and can’t keep it?
Please call or e-mail the Writing Center and let them know as soon as possible if you can’t keep your appointment so that the time will be freed up for someone else.
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