Consulting Sessions
Because of the nature of the subject area, all of our sessions are on a one-on-one basis. This will help ensure that you and your consultant can focus on just your paper for the 25-minute or 50-minute session. Hence, we strongly suggest that you make an appointment to see a consultant at least two days in advance. Come to the Writing Center with your paper, your assignment sheet, and we'll be ready to get started!
How Does a Consulting Session Work?
1. Sign-up
The desk by the side door of the Writing Center has the writing consultants' schedule for the entire week. Try making an appointment ahead of time using this schedule, or checking it over when you come in so that you'll know when someone is free.
2. Sign-in
When you come in for your appointment, please sign in on the computer. If you don't, we'll have no way of tracking how many students are using our services on a regular basis.
3. Greetings and Introductions
Consultants who are working usually wear nametags and have paper name plates on their tables. Otherwise, the front desk personnel or any available consultant would me more than happy to direct you to your consultant.
4. The Purple Sheet: Oh No, Paperwork!
Yes, paperwork, but it's not as bad as you think! We just need to know a little about you, what your assignment is, and what areas you'd like to focus on during your session.
5. The Assignment
If possible, please bring in a copy of your teacher's instructions for the assignment. It helps the consultant understand what you're doing and gives you the opportunity to double-check your understanding of the assignment as well.
6. Planning the Session: What do you want to accomplish?
The consultant can help you identify priorities, but you decide what's most important to your learning.
7. Read it aloud: Are we kidding?
No, we're quite serious. Reading aloud while the consultant listens and reads along is a fast and powerful way to get both the consultant and you to focus on your writing. You'll be amazed at how many changes you'll think of yourself as you hear your own words being read aloud.
What is the consultant doing while I'm reading?
While you're reading, your consultant would be actively listening and checking for these important criteria:
- Does your paper fit the assignment?
- Is it focused on a central topic and/or thesis?
- Is it clearly and effectively worded?
- Is it well edited for grammar, spelling, and punctuation?
Why doesn't my consultant make corrections and write comments on the paper?
The consultant's job is to help you discover how to make choices about your own writing, so you'll be a better writer after each session. When you make your own changes and take notes on your own paper, you're actively learning how to better your writing.
So the consultant talks with me, and I revise and edit my own writing?
That's right! And when you're done, it's your work and not anyone else's. You have used your resources, learned to write better, and improved your own paper. Congratulations!
How do we end the session?
Discuss what you've done, plan your next steps, and sign up for another appointment!