FAQ

  Frequently Asked Questions

 Why would anyone want to meet with a writing tutor? 

Writing Center tutors are trained to read academic papers critically and with an eye towards strengthening an argument. They can talk to you about structure, ideas, and clarity of your paper, and suggest strategies for revision. Academic writing can be a solitary pursuit–sharing your ideas with a writing tutor is a way to try them out for an audience.   Can I come to the Writing Center every day? Our online scheduler will allow you to book a maximum of two appointments each week. While we are always happy to see you, visits to the Writing Center become unproductive if you don't take time to think about and revise your own work between visits. Can I email my paper to you and receive written comments from a tutor? Writing Center tutors do not provide written comments on your paper, and we cannot read your paper ahead of time. If you make an appointment for an hour-long conference, your tutor will read your paper and talk to you about it during your conference. Experience suggests that the most productive conferences are those that are truly an exchange of ideas between the tutor and the writer. Will a tutor proofread my paper? We cannot proofread or edit your work, but we will be happy to point out problems with grammar and syntax as we discuss your paper. Will you tell my instructor I visited the Writing Center? Writing Center tutors  will not discuss your conference, or the fact that you came here for a conference, with your course instructor.   Can I bring a take-home exam to the Writing Center?  Tutors can only discuss a take-home exam with you if you bring written permission from your instructor that explicitly states that you are allowed to come to the Writing Center.   Can you tell me what grade I will get on my paper? Writing Center tutors cannot predict what grade your instructor will give you on a particular piece of writing. Tutors can, however, respond as readers to issues of clarity, structure, and argument.   Where is the Writing Center? The Writing Center is located in the basement of the Barker Center in room 19.