Q: Is the Writing Center only for beginning writers?
A: No, far from it. The Writing Center is for all WSU students at all ability levels—from freshmen to graduate students.
Q: Who are the tutors?
A: Most tutors are graduate students in English who hold bachelor’s degrees. Most have considerable teaching and writing experience. All undergo a rigorous training program.
Q: What will the tutors do to help me?
A: Tutors discuss paper topics with writers, offer feedback on developing drafts of papers, suggest writing strategies, diagnose writing problems, ask questions, and review missing or misunderstood information. But most of all, our tutors listen to each writer and customize each tutorial session.
Q: Can I just drop off my paper to be corrected and pick it up when you’re done?
A: Your work and writing are your responsibility, so we won’t proofread or edit for you. But as we discuss your work with you, we’ll teach you the mechanics of the language, including valuable proofreading, editing, and revision strategies.
Q: Can I come just once?
A: Of course—that’s entirely up to you. The Writing Center is free of charge, so most students see us more than once. As with everything else, some tasks take longer than others, so you may want to sign up and schedule additional appointments.
Q: Can you improve my writing?
A: As a result of your work with us, your writing is bound to improve. We won’t improve it for you, but the more you work with us, the better a writer you’re likely to become.
Q: Do you just work with students in English classes?
A: We help anyone in any academic subject or discipline, not just English. When you visit, though, please bring a copy of your syllabus and assignment sheet. That way we’ll know better your professor’s expectations and requirements. We also help writers with a variety of discipline-specific documentation styles, such as MLA, APA, CBE, and Chicago.
Q: Can ESL students use the Writing Center?
A: Yes, they can. ESL students are always welcome in the Writing Center. The tutors are experienced in working with second language learners on the challenges of producing academic English.
Q: Can you help me with writing that is not a term paper?
A: Absolutely. Although we usually help students with essays and term papers, we often assist with resumes, job applications, letters, pamphlets, and any other writing task with which students are involved.
Q: I’m a professor who wants my students to use your Writing Center. What can I do to encourage my students?
A: Check out our Web site. Note us on your syllabus and assignment sheets. Hyperlink from your course website to ours. Or ask us to visit your class to describe our services.
