Writing Support Services F.A.Q.s

Q: Can I drop off my paper, have it checked for errors, and pick it up later?

A: No. Work on your paper is a collaborative process between a Writing Support Services tutor and yourself. The tutor will identify errors, but will also offer you different choices for how you might re-structure sentences, paragraphs, or ideas.

Q: How does a Writing Support Services tutorial work?

A: A Writing Support Services tutor may first spend a few minutes getting to know you and your assignment. You may come to Writing Support Services even if you have not started a paper in order to discuss possible ideas and topics. If you’ve brought a draft of a paper, the tutor may then begin reading the draft, asking you questions, and usually making suggestions for revisions. As the writer, you always have the final say about what changes will be made.

Q: What should I bring with me to Writing Support Services?

A: Bring a draft of your paper if you have one, as well as a copy of the assignment from the professor. You may also want to bring your paper saved to a disk so that you can make changes on the computers in Writing Support Services.

Q: How long does it take?

A: The length of a tutorial varies according to your needs. Some may be very short (10 to 15 minutes) while others may be an hour or more. If you need more than an hour, we recommend you come back for another session later, either later in the day or on another day. You should at least plan on taking a meaningful break after an hour before working in another tutorial.

Q: When is Writing Support Services open?

A:
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 3 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 2:00 - 5:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Q: Can you guarantee a certain grade on my paper?

A: We don’t guarantee a certain grade, but we are convinced that if you come to Writing Support Services, your grade will be better than if you had not come.

Q: Why shouldn’t I just give my paper to my roommate to read?

A: If your roommate is a Writing Support Services tutor, that’s a good idea. Also, if your roommate is a great writer and excellent teacher, go for it. But most roommates are not trained to be able to give you meaningful feedback and constructive ideas about your writing.

Q: I’m a terrible writer. I’m afraid I’ll be embarrassed if I go to Writing Support Services.

A: You’re probably a better writer than you think. Good writers adapt their natural speaking voices to the needs of the page. That’s one of the things that Writing Support Services tutors will help you to do in an encouraging and non-judgmental way. Writing Support Services tutors see the potential in your writing and help you to achieve your goals.

Q: I’ve been to Writing Support Services before and it was so busy no one had time to work with me.

A: There are certain times during the semester when we are very busy. During those times, we do our best to help as many writers as we can. If you call to make an appointment first, tutors will work with you before working with drop-in writers, all other things being equal.

Q: When I’ve been to Writing Support Services before, the tutor didn’t help me re-write my paper the way my teacher wanted. Why should I go back?

A: It’s often difficult to anticipate the expectations of every teacher. Sometimes expectations depend on the type of writing assignment. Try to bring a written copy of the assignment with you and discuss what you think your teacher expects both in terms of content and style. Writing Support Services staff works closely with faculty members in order to determine and meet expectations.

Q: Can I choose a particular tutor?

A: Yes. We encourage you to develop a working relationship with a particular tutor and consult with that tutor on a regular basis.

Q: Can I get help with APA format and style as well as other formats?

A: Yes. We have format manuals for APA, MLA, and AMA. We have handouts that summarize these formats and links to on-line sources that will give you more detail than you probably need. Tutors will work with you to determine the answers to all of your format questions.

More questions? Call Dr. Dan Fraizer, Writing Support Services Director at 413-748-3847.

Downloadable Student Resources

Springfield College 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109-3797 413.748.3000
Page updated on: 04/17/2008