We don’t “fix papers.”
We give you tools to do your own fixing!
Our Promise to You: We don’t judge you or your writing.
Rough drafts are welcomed! (that’s why they’re called “rough” drafts).
Do you speak other languages? We know it’s hard when you “can’t find the words.”
We’ve gotten confused by professors’ assignments too!
We’ve also had life events create barriers to our learning.
Before Your Tutoring Session
- Know Your Deadlines: Bring the due date for your draft and a copy (or a summary) of your assignment to the session. This helps us make the most of your valuable time.
- Set Your Goals: What do you want to do? clarify your thesis, develop ideas, or incorporate citations? Identifying your goals will make the session more effective.
- Bring Your Materials: Don’t forget the assignment instructions and your draft: paper copy, on your laptop, or saved online to open on a lab computer.
During Your Tutoring Session
- Share Your Goals: Your tutor will listen actively and empathetically to how you want to improve and discuss strategies to meet your goals.
- Read your document out loud: You or the tutor can read–it’s a great proofreading strategy and let’s you know if the reader understands your ideas.
- Be Open to Feedback: The tutor will share strengths and growth areas in your writing, but may have different suggestions than you expected. Ex: You’re worried about grammar, but the tutor might focus more on thesis or support details first.
- Ask Questions: Asking questions can help you understand more about writing and are always welcome!
- Respond to Questions: Your tutor may ask you questions for clarity and meaning, and your answers may guide your revisisions.
- Take Notes: You’ll hear helpful suggestions during the session—write them down (preferably by hand) to better remember them.
- Consider a Follow-Up: If you feel you need more help, plan another session before the assignment is due.
After Your Tutoring Session
- Make Time to Revise: Set aside time to make changes before the final draft is due.
- Review and Apply: Go over the notes, take the Next Steps you identified, and review resources/practice skills your tutor recommended.
- Check with Your Professor: If there were any questions about the assignment during your session, follow up with your professor for clarification.
Last Updated October 22, 2024