Writing Center FAQs

(Click a question below to see the answer)

• Q: How can I make an appointment?

  A: Click on Make an Appointment to go to WC Online. Register for an account following the instructions on the screen. Once you create an account, you can login to see what times are available on the schedule. Click on the time you want and fill in the information form, and then submit. You should then receive an email with the details of the appointment.

• Q: How does a consultation work?

  A: Be sure to arrive on time and to bring your assignment, anything you have worked on so far, and your textbook(s). The more you can bring, the better, but even if you are just starting an assignment and haven't written anything yet, you can benefit from visiting with a consultant. For face-to-face consultations, the consultant will sit down and discuss the assignment with you before beginning. The consultant will go over any problem areas with you during the session and teach you how to revise or to correct those problems. You can schedule an appointment for either 30 minutes or an hour. If you cannot come in for a face-to-face session, you can email your paper and your assignment to the Writing Center. The consultant will read your assignment, comment on areas that you can improve, and then send the markup back to you.

• Q: How much does a consultation or workshop cost?

  A: All of the Writing Center's services are free to students, faculty, and staff.

• Q: Why won't you proofread my paper?

  A: Our goal is to help you become a better writer. Doing the work for you does not accomplish this goal, so instead we teach you how to find and correct errors and how to revise content on your own.

• Q: What is the turnaround time for work submitted by email?

  A: We ask that you give us 48 hours.

• Q: How many times can I bring in the same assignment?

  A: You can bring in as many drafts as you need to. Our goal is to help you improve your writing, so we will work with you throughout the writing process. For long papers, like capstones and theses, you may need multiple sessions so that you and the consultant can cover the whole paper.

• Q: How much time before my assignment's due date should I make an appointment or submit my assignment online?

  A: You can make an appointment or send your assignment at any time before your due date. However, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to incorporate any changes we go over during the consultation.

• Q: Do you accept walk-in consultations?

  A: Yes, if no one else has an appointment at that time, we can work with you on a walk-in basis. However, we cannot guarantee openings, especially at busy times in the semester.

• Q: What happens if I miss my appointment?

  If you are going to miss your appointment, please call 557-5449 or login to WC Online to cancel. Please be considerate of others wanting to use the Center, and cancel an appointment that you can't keep. If you miss an appointment and do not cancel it two times in a row, you will have to wait an additional two weeks before being allowed to schedule another appointment.