At the Writing Center, we view tutoring sessions as equitable interactions between students and tutors, during which students can feel free to ask questions, discuss their ideas, and take ownership of their writing. Tutoring sessions often take the form of an extended conversation, following a loose sequence:
- Discuss student’s assignment, concerns, and writing process.
- Read through the draft or go over materials such as assignment prompts, outlines, etc.
- Respond to materials; this may take the form of verbal feedback from a tutor, a series of questions, or a strategy for students to try.
- Develop revision plan.
- Composition of tracking form, a non-evaluative summary of the session that tutors draft for the Writing Center’s records, which professors utilize to better support their students’ needs. Note: Tracking forms DO NOT evaluate the assignment, the writing, or the student.
Tutors ARE NOT permitted to edit or proofread for students. We want students to feel confident in their writing choices. Therefore, we seek to create an equitable power dynamic in which students have ultimate control and authority over their writing.
What you can expect from us:
- A friendly, welcoming tutor who will be open-minded and nonjudgmental towards your ideas, your writing, and your prior writing experiences.
- An inclusive staff who will do their best to accommodate your learning needs.
- A space where everyone is continually striving to grow, learn, and improve themselves as writers, thinkers, and individuals.
Student Code of Conduct
Writing Center staff members make every effort to create a space and experience that will be comfortable and supportive for students. Tutors, in turn, should be extended the same level of courtesy as they offer their time and expertise to help students grow as writers. In all Writing Center conferences, tutors are entitled to the following:
- A cooperative attitude from students that respectfully engages with and responds to the tutor’s feedback, ideas, and perspective.
- A respectful exchange of ideas and reasonable periods during the exchange to present her, his, or their observations and suggestions without being interrupted.
- The assurance that the session will be focused on helping the student develop their writing, rather than a session devoted to editing or proofreading.
We know that writing can be challenging, and we do not expect students and tutors to always agree. However, we DO expect that both students and tutors conduct themselves thoughtfully and respectfully.
Students are also expected to be courteous in their usage of the Writing Center by canceling appointments they no longer need or are no longer able to attend to allow as many students as possible to be served. Students who are marked as no-shows three times will have their Writing Center account temporarily disabled. Accounts may be reinstated at the discretion of the Writing Center's administrators following a student's request.
Students who do not abide by these policies will, after a warning from their tutor, be referred to the Director of the Writing Center.