Frequently Asked Questions about the Writing Center

Will the Writing Center proofread my paper?
Proofreading is only one part of making sure that what you write is what you mean. While it is important to proofread your paper, our goal is to help you learn how to do this yourself. We will help you learn how to proofread, but we won’t do it for you.

Can I drop off my paper, have someone correct it, and pick it up later?
In order for us to help you improve 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.

What do I need to bring with me to the tutoring session?
Bring the work you’ve done so far, a copy of the assignment or your notes on the assignment, and any instructor or peer comments that you may have. You can now upload your paper and your assignment sheet directly to your appointment! See the appointment page for details.

If I’m in a first-year writing class and I'm required to come to the Writing Center can I just bring my work in and have it signed by a tutor?
If you are required to come in for tutoring, then you need to come in ready to work for the full session. Anything less may not count toward fulfilling the requirement. Your tutor will present you will signed verification of your visit if you request one.

I haven’t started my paper because I don’t understand the assignment. Can you help me?
Bring in a copy of the assignment, and we’ll help you work through the assignment. We can help you at any stage of the writing process, from understanding the assignment to editing and documentation style. Ultimately, however, your teacher knows most about what he or she assigned—if you are concerned about whether you are meeting the requirements of the assignment, check with your teacher.

What do I do if I can’t think of anything to write? Do I need to have the 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 ask you questions that will help you generate ideas.

Will the tutor make corrections on my paper?
Tutors sometimes write on students’ work, but you are encouraged to mark up your paper however you think it will be helpful. When you write out your thoughts and correct your own mistakes, you are likely to remember the changes you made. You’ll have a better chance of reading your own handwriting as well. We can also put notes, observations, or suggestions on a separate sheet of paper for you.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?
In the main Writing Center, located in KHIC 233, all sessions are based on appointments made through the online schedule. You must register to make an appointment. If you walk-in at the last minute, you must still be registered with the online scheduler, but we cannot guarantee you can be seen at that time.

How often can I come into the Writing Center?
The usual limit is two, hour-long appointments per week, but we typically restrict students to one appointment during the final two weeks of each semester. If you feel you need more appointments than what is typically allowed, contact the Director, Danielle Cordaro at cordarda@mountunion.edu.

If I come to the Writing Center for a tutoring session, will I be guaranteed a good grade?
Tutors are not the graders of your paper. Their work is to help writers sort through their writing. They can guide, support, and encourage writers, but they should never evaluate a piece of writing or speculate about what grade the paper might earn. Tutoring and grading are entirely independent processes for a reason.

When I register to use the Writing Center for the first time, why am I asked to provide information about my class standing, gender, race/ethnicity, major, and other things?
The online schedule also serves as the place where the Writing Center gathers data about who uses the services. With incomplete or inaccurate data, our services will not always be tailored to best suit the needs of those students who need/use them most often.

Is every tutor an expert in MLA, APA, Turabian, and AMA documentation style?
Every tutor undergoes a training in each of the major citation and documentation styles most often used in college classes. So, every tutor should be able to assist writers regardless of which style they are required to use. However, because tutors have a wide range of majors and minors, not every tutor is as well-versed in every one of the styles. Tutors are trained to know what disciplines use what styles, how to find the correct manuals and where to go to locate the correct information.

I am a graduate student. Can I use the Writing Center?
The Writing Center is a resource intended to fully service the undergraduate student population at Mount Union. Because graduate students often need a greater level of specialized writing instruction, most of the support needed by graduate students will be facilitated by faculty in their programs. However, you are welcome to use the Writing Center, which is open during the Fall and Spring semesters. Undergraduate tutors are capable of helping graduate students and faculty with general writing tasks (idea gathering, planning, flow, transitions) as well as helping learn editing and proofreading techniques. Understand, however, that undergraduate tutors are not likely to have a sophisticated understanding of graduate-level research in your field or with advanced formatting or style concerns. If you have specific questions about writing in your field, your best resources are always your professors.