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Onsite Writing Center FAQs

What can the Writing Center do for me?

At the Bryan Writing Center, we believe that writers need readers.  Why?  Because writers write for readers.  When you write, you participate in a conversation—a conversation between you and your reader.  But unlike other kinds of conversations, your reader usually won’t have the opportunity to ask for more explanation, clarify meanings of words, or point out gaps in your logic.  Talking through your writing with another person helps you identify potential questions about it so you can make it clearer and more convincing—before you present your finished work to your audience.

More specifically, if you’re uncertain about how to begin, we can help you understand your assignment and brainstorm.  If you have ideas but can’t get started, we can help you get some words on paper and make a plan.  If you have a specific question about grammar or punctuation, we can help you find the answer.  If you only want to talk through your ideas and test their logic or clarity, we’re excited about discussing them with you.

What is a Writing Center consultation?

A WC consultation is simply a time for you to sit down and talk about your writing with one of our trained writing consultants.  It’s a chance for you to show your writing to someone else and to get answers to questions that often trouble writers: “Does this idea make sense?” “Does my paper flow alright?” “Do I have enough support for this point?”

What exactly happens during a consultation?

We don’t have a checklist of tasks to accomplish in each consultation; rather, we tailor each meeting to our clients’ individual needs.  Typically, we will ask what concerns you have with your paper and then go from there.  (So if you have questions, bring them!)  If you have a draft, we will usually read some of it aloud together (sometimes the whole paper, sometimes only the introduction and conclusion) and discuss it—strengths, spots that could be improved, problematic habits, grammar, punctuation, tone, etc.

We’re happy to help you however we can, but remember that a WC visit is only one part of the process of writing a good paper.  Since polished papers require much more than 30 minutes of work, you will almost always need to continue working on your draft after your consultation.

Will the Writing Center proofread my paper?

We can’t proofread your paper for you because our goal at the Bryan Writing Center is not simply to help you turn in a better paper; it’s to help you become a better writer.  If we proofread your paper, you won’t learn how to do that job on your own.  Instead, we will help you acquire the skills that you need to proofread your paper for yourself.  We will certainly answer any questions you have; we can help you get started proofreading and guide you through the process.  In the end, though, proofreading is up to you.

When is the Writing Center open?

The WC is open 9am-10pm, Monday-Thursday, during the fall and spring semesters, as our consultants are available.  For specific available appointment times, see our online scheduler.

Do I have to make an appointment to visit the Writing Center?

You don’t have to make an appointment; we welcome walk-in consultations.  However, if you don’t make an appointment, we can’t guarantee that a consultant will be available to meet with you.

How do I make an appointment for a Writing Center consultation?

Go to our online scheduler, and follow the instructions to create an account.  Once you’ve created an account, you will be able to log into the scheduler.  Follow the instructions to reserve a time slot for your appointment

What should I bring to my Writing Center consultation?

  • Your assignment 
  • If you have a draft, 2 copies of it (one for you to read and one for the consultant to read)
  • Anything else that might help us work on your assignment: notes, outline, previous drafts with instructor comments, etc.

Where do I go for my consultation?

Go to the Academic Support Center, located on the 1st floor of the Library, and walk up to the desk in the back left corner of the room.  Your consultant will be able to find you there.

What if I don’t have my paper done in time for my consultation?

No problem!  We’re here to help you at any stage of the writing process, so bring your assignment and whatever work you’ve done so far, and we’ll go from there.

What if I can’t make it to my Writing Center consultation?

If you need to cancel your consultation, please let us know immediately.  To do this, 1) log into the online scheduler, 2) select your appointment, 3) check the “Cancel this appointment” box, 4) click “Save Changes.”  This will free the time slot so someone else can use it.

How many consultations may I have per week?

You may have two 30-minute consultations per day and up to three consultations per week.

Will my professor know that I visited the Writing Center?

Yes.  We will give you the WC form that your consultant will fill in during your consultation and mail a copy of it to your professor.  We will also keep a copy of the form in our files.

Are Writing Center consultations only for class assignments, or may I bring my other writing to the WC also

Sure!  Whether you’re fulfilling a class assignment, writing poetry for the Literary and Visual Arts Contest, or just writing a personal essay for your own enjoyment, we want to discuss your writing with you.  We’re here to serve the Bryan community by encouraging and equipping students, staff, and faculty to write excellently, so we’re interested in talking about any of your writing that you want to bring to us.

How do I contact the Writing Center?

You may contact us by phone or by email.

Pamela Davis, WC Director
423.775.7563
pamela.davis@bryan.edu		 Lorraine Doran, Academic Support Center Director
423.775.7173
lorraine.doran@bryan.edu