Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect when I visit the The Writing Studio?
Can I drop my paper off to be corrected?
Will the consultant fix my grammar?
Can I work with one consultant whom I especially like?
Will I get an "A" if I visit The Writing Studio?

What should I expect when I visit the The Writing Studio?

When you come to the Writing Studio, you'll be greeted by a consultant who will ask you if you need help with a paper. You and the consultant will be in a relaxed atmosphere, sitting on couches or at a table. The consultant will not simply read your paper; he or she will ask many questions, talk to you about the assignment, and ask you what you had trouble with or what aspects of the paper you want to specifically work on. Sessions usually last about a half hour, although times can vary.

Can I drop my paper off to be corrected?

No.  The Writing Studio is a place where students collaborate with consultants.  Therefore, both the writer and the consultant are equally important to the session.   Additionally, writing consultants are neither professors nor experts in writing; they do not have the authority to correct papers.

Will the consultant fix my grammar?

Writing Consultants are knowledgeable about grammar; however, it is against university policy  to simply correct students' mistakes while they stand by and watch.   Instead, we help clients to locate patterns of error in their work.  We try to answer questions about sentence-level errors in a friendly way that prompts writers to learn from their mistakes.

Can I work with one consultant whom I especially like?

Yes.  Although we do not lock consultants into appointments, should you really like one specific tutor, you may sign up for a time slot during his/her shift.   However, you should not rely on one consultant -- he or she might call in sick!   Also, it is unethical to collaborate on a long project over time with the same consultant.  Too many of his or her ideas could be incorporated and it ceases to be your paper.>

Will I get an A if I visit The Writing Studio?

Consultants cannot guarantee grades. The Writing Studio is a resource for writers who are already motivated to revise and improve their work.  Writing Consultants are undergraduate students who play the role of coaches, helping  writers to improve their work over time.  Professors who refer students to the center should expect gradual, steady improvement but not instant, miraculous change or flawless papers. 

Last Modified: July 28, 2010