Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the Columbia College Chicago Writing Center do?
- Who can visit the Writing Center?
- Do I need to make an appointment?
- Can I meet with a consultant from my major?
- Do you offer ESL and LD tutoring?
- Will the Writing Center proofread my paper?
- Can I drop if my paper, have someone correct it, and pick it up later?
- My schedule says I'm taking the Tutoring In Writing Skills course (52-1110). What do I do?
- I haven't started my paper because I don't understand the assignment. Can you help me?
- Will the consultant make corrections on my paper?
- If I come in to the Writing Center for tutoring, will I be guaranteed a good grade?
- How do I become a Writing Center consultant?
1. What does the Columbia College Chicago Writing Center do?
The Writing Center offers one on one tutorials for any writing project.
2. Who can visit the Writing Center?
All students, faculty, staff, and alumni of 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 seek quality feedback.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Do you offer ESL, Reading and LD tutoring?
Yes. When scheduling your appointment, please notify the front desk of your preference.
6. Will the Writing Center proofread my paper?
While it is important to prrofread your paper, our goal is to help you learn how to do it yourself. Proofreading is only one part of writing a paper.
7. Can I drop off my paper, have someone correct it, and pick it up later?
No. 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.
8. 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 Writing Center at your scheduled time to meet with your consultant.
9. 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.
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.
The consultants are undergraduate and graduate peers, specialists, adjuncts, and professionals from various fields who have completed a course and continue to learn through staff education, Colloquiums, and Collectives.
11. 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.
12. 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 312.369.8130 for information regarding this course.