Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions
How can a consultant help me?
A Writing Consultant can...
- Become the audience for your paper.
- Help you work out an organizational strategy.
- Help you create and focus a thesis or outline.
- Let you know where you might need more development.
- Help you identify specific grammar patterns.
- Show you how to proofread and edit your paper.
- Suggest research resources and techniques.
- Help you answer your own questions.
What can't a consultant help me with?
A Writing Consultant cannot...
- "Fix" a paper for you at the last minute.
- Work on your paper without you present.
- Work with you on your paper outside of the Writing Center.
- Give you answers to homework questions.
- Give you a thesis to fulfill an assignment.
- Discuss the grade you might receive on your paper.
- Write or edit any aspect of your paper for you.
How Do I Sign up for an appointment?
Stop by Bldg. 26, Rm. 319 and see us! One of our front desk assistants or consultants will help you make an appointment for the time you want. You can have 25 minutes or 50 minutes.
When you come in for your appointment, please sign in on one of our sign-in computers. This will help us keep track of who we serve on a daily basis. Wait for your session to start, and you're ready to roll!
What If I Have to Cancel My Appointment?
You can come into the Writing Center or call us at (206) 878-3710 ext. 4364 to let us know that you'd like to cancel your appointment.
Can I use the Computers in the Writing Center?
Yes, you may use the computers to work on your writing before, during, or after a writing consultation session. Any of our consultants can help you log on to a computer. As always, sign in at the entry computer station beforehand. Printing can only be done by consultants as part of the work of a consulting session.
Why do I have to sign in on the entry computer when I come into the Writing Center?
We need to keep a record of who uses the Writing Center for planning and funding purposes. The demand for our services helps ensure that we're here to stay.
Do you offer online consulting?
At this point, we only do online consulting in special cases that we arrange with particular courses or programs. As a general practice, our consulting sessions are on a face-to-face basis, which allows for quicker and more dynamic interactions between you and the consultant.
Will the consultant proofread my paper for me?
The consultant will help you assess the paper and plan ways to address the grammar patterns present in the paper, so that you will be more effective at proofreading and correcting your own errors.
What if I have a long paper that can't be addressed in a 25-minute session?
If your paper is longer than five pages, we strongly suggest that you sign up for a 50-minute session. This would allow your consultant and you to spend more time on the paper.