Writing Center - FAQ's

How do I sign up for an appointment?

You may schedule a thirty minute consultation by calling the Writing Center at x2303 or signing up on the schedule posted on the Writing Center door. To sign up on the door, simply write your name and extension next to one of the blue highlighted spots on the schedule. Please do not sign up for a spot that is already taken as we will not be able to accommodate two students in one half hour period. The Writing Center also accepts drop-ins; however, students who have signed up for appointments will receive preference.

What if I have more than one assignment?

If additional time is needed to work on your paper or you have more than one assignment, it is our policy that you must sign up for a second timeslot. However, you cannot sign up for two timeslots in a row. This ensures that we can give as many students as possible an opportunity to utilize the Writing Center.

What if I’m not finished with a draft of my paper?

You can bring a paper to the Writing Center at any stage of the writing process. We can help with prewriting, revising, editing, or polishing any paper in any phase of completion. Competed drafts are not necessary.

Do I need to print my paper?

No. We have computers in the Writing Center that can be used for consultations. If you want to do your consultation on the computer, you may email the paper as an attachment to your email account and access it that way or you may bring it on disk, CD, or jump drive.

Will you rewrite my paper for me?

No. Our tutors will guide you through your paper and work with you, making suggestions about how to revise your paper. We will not, however, rewrite a paper for you. Ultimately you are responsible for your own work and can choose to follow the tutor’s suggestions or not.

Should I have a report form sent to my professor?

Ultimately, the decision about this is yours. We typically encourage students to have these forms sent to their professors because it shows that the student is taking an interest in improving his or her writing. It also allows the professor to see what specific areas of your writing you are working on.

Who are Writing Center tutors?

Writing Center tutors are Mercyhurst students from a variety of disciplines (not just English) who have been trained in the technical and creative aspects of writing and want to help other students with their writing. They have received high marks in writing courses and been nominated by faculty members.

Why should I come to the Writing Center instead of just asking my professor for help?

It is always helpful to have another person read your draft. We do not suggest that you seek our help instead of your professor’s help, but in addition to your professor’s help. Also, our tutors spend thirty minutes helping students with each paper while most professors have too many students to devote this amount of time to one single student and one single assignment. Again, we do not recommend using the Writing Center as a replacement for your professor but in addition to seeking help from your instructor.