Welcome to the USU Writing Center!FAQ

If you have questions about the Writing Center, please check here first. If your questions aren't answered by the FAQ page, please feel free to call us during regular hours at (435) 797-2712.

One of the most often asked questions is, "What kinds or parts of writing do Writing Center consultants help with?" Answer: We help with just about everything--brainstorming for a topic, organizing the research or main points you have already come up with, or strengthening introductions, thesis statements, transitions, etc. English 1010 and 2010 classes (and a few other courses at USU) require their students to visit the Writing Center, but writing from any curriculum is welcome.

You may also bring personal writing such as essays, stories, resumes, or graduate school application materials, such as personal statements. Note that we will not sit down and proofread your paper for you (correcting commas, fragments, and so forth). We may point out consistent problems, but we will not take a red pen and correct them for you; rather, we will discuss solutions and help you recognize those mistakes in the future. You are in control of your paper at all times.

FAQ:

Making Appointments (back to FAQ's)

Can the receptionist or a consultant make an appointment for me?
The receptionist can schedule an appointment for you, but the preferred method is to schedule an appointment through the online sign-up sheet. When you sign up, the site asks for a password so no one can delete your appointment and sign up in your place. It's a quick, easy process!
I clicked a tutor's name on the sign-up sheet, but then the site asked me for a password. What's going on?
The names that appear on the sign-up sheet are people who have already scheduled appointments. Look for a blank square on the grid and click on the corresponding time on the left side of the screen, which should be red. If a single half-hour's appointments are all full, there will be no blank squares, and the time will appear black.
Can I sign up for two appointments in a row?
Yes, especially early in the semester. But sign up for two slots only if you need that much time. Remember there are many other people who need to sign up for appointments throughout the semester. If you cannot keep your appointments, please let us know so we can help walk-ins. [Call (435)797-2712 if you need to cancel an appointment the day of.] Please do not sign up for more than two appointments in a row.
Can I sign up to see a specific tutor?
Yes, you can do so by specifying a tutor's name with your name [for example, "Jane Brown (John S., please)"], entering the tutor's name ("John S.") in the same text field where you enter your own name ("Jane Brown"). We still need your instructor's name in the specified text field. However, first make sure that the tutor is actually working at the time you schedule for. Be aware that students working toward retaking the Education Writing Proficiency Exam take precedence over other students hoping to see a specific consultant, because each Education student has been assigned to a certain consultant by the Director.
I don't have an appointment for a consultation, but every slot is full until after my paper is due. What can I do?
A great option is online tutoring. You can sign up for an online consultation from the same site as the sign up sheet by clicking the link "Online Tutor." Follow the step-by-step instructions, post your paper so the tutor can read it before the live chat session, and then meet the tutor in the chat session at your scheduled time.
Another option is going to the Writing Center and putting your name on the waiting list. If someone with an appointment does not show up after six minutes, consultants will begin taking those on the waiting list.
I signed up for a certain time on the sign-up sheet, but when I went to the Writing Center, my name wasn't on the list. What happened?
We regret that this does happen from time to time. This problem usually occurs when students do not change the date at the top of the sign-up sheet, or they change it but do not click "Submit." After making the appointment, recheck to make sure your name appears on the schedule for the date you intended.
Make sure to write down your appointment, because the day of the appointment, you can't go back and check the time-the website automatically switches the sign-up sheet to the following day at midnight . The day of the appointment, you can call us at (435) 797-2712 to verify your appointment.
I need to cancel my Writing Center appointment for today, but I can't find my name on the sign-up screen. What do I do?
If you don't remember your password, or if it is the same day of the appointment, call the receptionist at (435) 797-2712 to cancel. Anytime before the day of the appointment, you can still go onto the sign-up sheet and cancel your appointment, providing you remember your password. We appreciate your consideration in letting us know!

Face-to-face consultations (back to FAQ's)

I've never been to the Writing Center before. What usually happens in a session?
You and the tutor will probably spend a few minutes getting acquainted and answering your questions about the Writing Center. It helps the tutor to know what your assignment is; bringing your syllabus or assignment sheet can help both of you. The tutor will ask you to read your paper out loud if that is what you brought. The tutor will fill out a form with your class information. This will be sent to your teacher as evidence of your visit and so he/she is aware of how you are working to improve your writing. You will also receive a copy of the form to help you with the revision process.
Why do the tutors ask me to read my paper out loud? What if I'm not comfortable with it?
It tends to improve the quality of the consultation if you read the paper out loud. Reading out loud can help you notice problems that otherwise would be missed and to make sure the writing comes across as you want it to. You as the writer are placed in the reader's position, which helps you take more of an objective stance to your writing. In addition, for ESL students, this is a chance to practice speaking English. However, if you feel uncomfortable reading it out loud, tell the consultant that you prefer he/she do the reading.

Online consultations (back to FAQ's)

Writing Center visits are required for my class. Does an online consultation count?
Yes, it counts as a visit, the same as a face-to-face consultation.
How will my teacher know I participated in an online tutoring session?
The consultant will send your name and class information to the Writing Center, where they are filed and sent to the teachers.
What are the differences between a face-to-face consultation and an online one?
One benefit is that when the appointment begins, the tutor has already read your paper and is ready to discuss your questions. Another is that if you have access to the Internet at home, you don't have to travel to campus for the consultation; you can participate at home in your pajamas!
A drawback is that communication is limited to words only, and the conversation moves only as fast as your fingers. You can't draw on nonverbal communication or tone of voice as you and the tutor interact. We would still recommend you read your paper out loud to yourself at some point during your revisions.
Should people who have never been to the Writing Center before sign up for a face-to-face consultation first or an online one?
There is no rule of thumb here. Some people prefer face-to-face interaction, while others would be embarrassed to do it that way and like to maintain some anonymity. You can try both and see which is more beneficial to you.

Education writing proficiency exam (back to FAQ's)

I have to visit the Writing Center to get ready to retake the Education Writing Exam. What do I do first?
You do not need to schedule a visit on the sign-up sheet yet. Contact our receptionist at (435) 797-2712 to make an appointment with Director Charlene Hirschi (chirschi@english.usu.edu). She will talk to you about the skills development process and assign a consultant to help you through the process. Make sure you know who the advisor is for the program you are trying to enter. When you meet with Charlene, bring your original test, a reflective essay on why you did not pass the test, and the receipt from when you paid $100 to the cashier in the Education department.
What does the skills development process entail?
It involves several steps through which the consultant will help you strengthen the areas you failed. The tutor may assign you exercises to strengthen specific skills, and you will do some practice essay prompts. The consultant and the Director both need to feel confident that you will pass the next exam before signing you off.
How long does the process typically take?
It varies depending on how often you meet with your consultant and how quickly the weak areas are improved. The minimum is usually four to six weeks. Remember, this is a ten-step process, but some steps may take longer than others to complete, depending on the degree of improvement that needs to be made by the student.
The fee is good for 15 weeks, so that is the longest you will stay in the program unless you fail again. If that happens, you must pay another fee and start the process again.
I passed English 1010 and 2010 with good grades. Why did I fail the exam?
The exam is a pass/fail exam. Failing just one area can cause you to fail the exam. In your English classes, for example, punctuation, spelling, and grammar only count for 5-10% of your grade. In this exam, it can cause you to fail the entire exam. Also, the education exam is to test your ability to write extemporaniously-sending notes home to parents and writing on the board-with little opportunity to have others review it. English classes include peer reviews and WC visits for help with revision. The education school wants to make sure you can handle the "on-the-spot" writing you need to do as a teacher.

Miscellaneous (back to FAQ's)

Where can I find an editor/proofreader for my paper?
You can ask specific consultants about helping you outside of the Writing Center for proofreading purposes, but all contracts between you and the consultant are not tied to the Writing Center. The Writing Center holds no responsibility for such arrangements, including compensation. We also have a list of people who have expressed an interest in offering their services. This list is found on the Freelance Editorspage.
How do I get a job at the Writing Center?
We usually hire new consultants the last two weeks of classes every Fall Semester and Spring Semester. Unfortunately, we cannot hire Seniors. If you are interested, check the job board in the Taggart Student Center the last two weeks of classes. You go through Student Employment Services in TSC 106. Basic requirements are a passing grade in English 2010 or an equivalent, and a basic knowledge of how to discuss writing elements. You'll learn a lot as you go along, as well. Good luck!
Are all the consultants English majors?
Some of us are English majors, and others are graduate instructors in English. But we also have a good number of tutors from other departments and colleges around USU.
Do you have a stapler?
There is a stapler on the receptionist's desk that you can use if no others are available (the computer labs next door usually have staplers available).
Can I use your phone?
No - the WC phone is for business only. You can use the phone in Ray B. West 102 for local calls.

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