FAQs for Students
Frequently asked questions about coming to the Center for Writing
Why should I come to the Center for Writing?
Are student tutors qualified to read my paper?
What happens when I come to the Center for Writing?
How long do sessions usually last?
Do I have to work with the same tutor the second time I bring my paper in?
Will my professor know that I visited the Center?
(Additional questions are answered in our column, Ask the Center Staff.)
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Why should I come to the Center for Writing?
Good writers get feedback. Regardless of where you are in the writing process, no matter your skill level, you can benefit from another set of eyes reviewing what you have written. The tutors at the Center can work with you on brainstorming, organization, developing a thesis, documentation and much more.
Are student tutors qualified to read my paper?
Tutors at the Center for Writing are selected because of the ability they have demonstrated in writing. In addition to ability, tutors attend tutor training sessions throughout the semester to work on skills and strategies for tutoring.
What happens when I come to the Center for Writing?
Each tutor has his or her own style and every session is different, so it is impossible to say exactly what will happen in your session. However, a typical session might go as follows:
You sit down with the tutor and discuss what you’re writing the paper for and what the assignment is. Then either you or the tutor will read the paper out loud. This allows both you and the tutor to hear the flow of the paper and to catch any errors you might miss otherwise. The tutor will then try to address your specific concerns with the paper and give suggestions on how to improve various areas of your paper. So easy, so painless!
No. We are not a proofreading or editing service. All of our appointments involve a face-to-face conference between the student and tutor.
No. We will work with you at any stage, including brainstorming and/or outlining.
How long do sessions usually last?
Sessions are either 30 minutes or 1 hour. If your paper is less than 5 pages, we will usually schedule a 30 minute appointment, unless you feel that you need longer. If your paper is more than 5 pages, we will schedule you for a 1 hour appointment. We do not have any appointments longer than 1 hour. However, you may return as many times as you like, to meet with the same or another tutor.
Do I have to work with the same tutor the second time I bring my paper in?
No. It is your choice whether or not you want to work with the same tutor. It is often easier to work with someone who has seen the original draft, but we understand that personalities, as well as schedules, do not always match. When scheduling your appointment, simply let the person know your wishes and we will accommodate you as best as possible.
Will my professor know that I visited the Center?
Typically we do send feedback forms to professors to let them know who came to see us and what we worked on. However, if you would prefer we not do this, just let us know. In the case of mandatory visits, we will automatically send a feedback form, as this is the only way the professor will know if you have completed that requirement.