Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to schedule an appointment?
We strongly suggest you schedule a standing weekly appointment, which guarantees a tutoring session every week, to provide timely assistance with all assignments. However, if you are unable to make an advanced or weekly appointment, we take walk-ins on a first-come-first-serve basis.
2. What does the Columbia College Chicago Writing Center do?
The WC offers tutorials for all writing endeavors. This means that you can get a tutorial for thesis-driven papers, creative writing projects, interdisciplinary writing projects, reviews, project proposals, application essays, personal essays, resumes, and any writing project in any discipline.
3. Who can visit the WC?
All students, faculty, and staff at Columbia College Chicago can meet with a consultant. Writers at any skill level or at any stage in their writing process can meet with a consultant. Even good writers deserve quality feedback.
4. Who are the consultants?
The consultants are undergraduate peers who have completed a course and continue to learn through staff education, Colloquiums, and Collectives. We also have graduate and instructor consultants. The WC’s qualified consultants are trained to coach and guide you as you talk with them about your writing.
5. Can I meet with a consultant from my major?
Since our consultants are from many disciplines, it is likely that you could schedule regular appointments or have a walk-in session with a consultant from your major.
6. Do you offer ESL and LD tutoring?
Yes. Some of our graduate and instructor consultants are certified in ESL and LD.
7 Will the Writing Center proofread my paper?
Proofreading is only one part of making sure that your paper does what it's supposed to. While it is important to proofread your paper, our goal is to help you learn how to do this yourself.
8 Can I drop off my paper, have someone correct it, and pick it up later?
In order for us to help with your paper, you need to be here in person so that we can talk about your writing. Remember, our goal is to help you become a better writer.
9 Can I take tutoring for credit?
Yes. Call 312.344.8130 and ask for more information about the Tutoring in Writing Skills course.
10. My schedule says I’m taking the Tutoring in Writing Skills course. What do I do?
Beginning with the first week of classes, come to the WC at your scheduled time to meet with your consultant.
11 I haven’t started my paper because I don’t understand the assignment. Can you help me?
Just bring a copy of the assignment and any texts for the class, and we’ll help you identify what your instructor wants you to do.
12.What do I do if I can’t think of anything to write? Do I need to have a first draft to come in for a tutoring session?
We can help you even if you haven’t started your paper. During the session, we can pose questions that will help you generate ideas for your writing assignment.
13. Will the consultant make corrections on my paper?
You are welcome to mark up your paper during the session, however, consultants will not write on your paper. On a separate sheet of paper, consultants can take notes, make observations, or give suggestions.
14. How often can I come into the WC?
You can meet with a consultant up to two times beyond the regularly scheduled weekly session. This means you can have a maximum of three sessions per week.
15. If I come in to the WC for tutoring, will I be guaranteed a good grade?
Consultants are not the graders of your paper. Instead, consultants help you sort through instructor responses and provide you with guidance, support, and encouragement. However, consultants should never evaluate a piece of writing or speculate about what grade the paper might earn.
16. How do I become a WC consultant?
If you have completed your Writing and Rhetoric courses with As, you can register for the Writing Center Theory and Practice course (52-3100). Call 312.344.8130 for information regarding this course.