Writing Center FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Writing Center?
The Writing Center at Lincoln Center is located at Quinn Library, Room 233. The Writing Center at Rose Hill is in the Walsh Library, Reference Area, Room 121.
When does the Writing Center open for the semester?
The Writing Center opens each semester (including summer sessions) on the second day of classes. The Writing Center closes each semester sometime during the Finals week.
Is the Writing Center open during Finals Week?
Yes, the Writing Center remains open during finals in a limited capacity.
How do I get a session at the Writing Center?
You can make an appointment by logging on to our online scheduling system. First-time users need to register (only Fordham email IDs accepted) and create a password. Appointments begin on the hour or half hour.
We don’t usually accept walk ins, but if there is a tutor present, they will certainly help you make an appointment. Sometimes the WC may not have any tutors available, in that case, you’ll have to use the online scheduling system on your own. If you encounter any trouble, please feel free to reach out to our corporate email ID: [email protected].
How long should I expect my tutorial to last?
30 minutes or an hour depending on what length of session you schedule yourself for.
Is there a limit to how often I can have a tutorial?
Yes! Our policy is one and a half hours (i.e., 90 min.) per student per week.
What should I bring to my tutorial?
The most important thing to bring to your tutorial is an openness to work on your writing! Other things that help make a session successful are:
- The assignment sheet
- Any class notes or course texts that pertain to the assignment
- Any written work you have done so far.
- Any secondary sources that might be pertinent.
I don’t have a draft of my paper; can I still come to the Writing Center?
Yes. While a draft is helpful, it is not necessary for a tutorial. You are welcome to use your session to brainstorm ideas to help get you started. But please read (and preferably bring) the prompt before you come in for a session.
I came to the Writing Center last night and worked with a tutor on a paper and I want to come in right before it’s due tomorrow to have a new tutor take a “final look.” Is this okay?
Maybe. If you want a writing consultant to look over the final draft of your paper and teach you how to catch grammatical or copy-editing errors on your own, then we are happy to help. However, a tutor cannot “fix” your paper for you before you turn it in. At the WC we work with the students to improve their writing, we are not copy-editors.
How far in advance do I need to cancel an appointment?
You should log on to our online scheduling system and cancel as soon as you know you cannot make your appointment. If you don’t cancel in advance, you’ll be considered a “no-show.” Three no-shows will result in temporary deactivation of your account. To reactivate, you’ll need to get in touch with the WC Coordinators at [email protected].
What if I’m late to my appointment?
If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment will be canceled (and it will appear as a no-show on your end). Be on time!
Can the tutor read the paper on my laptop?
It’s up to the tutor, but we generally prefer to read a hard copy rather than electronic versions. A Writing Center conference is a chance to slow down and evaluate your paper. We hope you’ll take notes on the issues you discuss with the tutor and reflect on our feedback before decisions about what to change.
Can I talk about more than one assignment in an appointment?
Probably not. It depends on the time limit and the tutor.
I have a research paper due for a non-humanities class. May I still come to the Writing Center?
Yes! We offer tutorials for writing in all disciplines. All staff members are trained to help students in any major and some, because of their major or other experience, specialize in non-humanities tutorials. Take a look at the “Meet the Team” page to find out more about our tutors’ special interests.
My professor says I really need to work on grammar; will the Writing Center help me with this?
Yes! While the Writing Center is not a copyediting service, we are happy to help students who express a desire to learn more about grammar. Often, once a tutorial is underway, the tutor will note issues other than grammar that will also warrant the student’s attention.
Do you help with non-academic writing?
Yes! We help with all the different kinds of writing tasks that students face. This includes personal statements for graduate or professional schools (law school, medical school, etc.), applications for internships, and applications for funding for internships.
Do you help with creative writing?
Yes!
Do you help with foreign language papers; how can I make arrangements for this?
We do not take papers written in another language.
I am a strong writer and am confident about my writing. Is the Writing Center for me?
YES! All writers can benefit from the feedback of an interested reader. In fact, just about all professional writers show their work to others in order to improve it.
Does the Writing Center see students who are not freshmen?
Yes! The Writing Center sees students at all levels and in all classes.
Can I work with the same tutor every time?
Theoretically, yes, but probably not. You are welcome to request the same tutor for each of your visits and make your appointments accordingly. However, our schedule gets filled up quickly and it is unlikely that the tutor you want will always be available. All of our staff members are nominated by faculty on campus for their strong writing skills as well as their ability to work with others. We’re sure you’ll find the help of other writing consultants useful to you as well.
How can I make the most of the Writing Center?
- Don't wait until the last minute. Schedule your appointment so that you have enough time to revise before your paper is due.
- Don’t cancel! No matter where you are in the process, no matter how little you have written—we can help. An hour spent planning and prioritizing will help you work efficiently.
- Relax! Peer writing consultants are also students, and they have felt stressed about writing as well. We’re here to help and are happy to do so.
What if I have a suggestion for the Writing Center?
Tell your tutor, or contact the Writing Center Leadership Team at [email protected]