FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can use the Writing Center?
Currently enrolled LSU students can use the services at the Writing Center. You do not have to be enrolled in an English course or be working on an English paper. Just call 225-578-4439 or drop-by B-18 Coates Hall to make an appointment.
Is there a charge for using the Writing Center?
No. The Writing Center services are free.
Can I have my paper proofread at the Writing Center?
The Writing Center tutors do not proofread or edit. We offer an interactive session during which the tutor will suggest revisions. We cover mechanics if there is a need, but the focus is on teaching you to identify patterns of errors so that you can learn to revise on your own.
Can I drop off my paper and pick it up later?
The sessions are collaborative. You need to be to present to participate.
My friend can’t make an appointment to work with a tutor. Can I bring in his paper to have a tutor “look over it”?
No. A conference is collaborative. The writer must bring his or her own work to the Writing Center.
Do all the members of my group need to be present during a conference?
Yes.
Do I need a complete draft to make an appointment?
You can schedule a consultation at any stage of your writing process. Generally, the earlier you come in, the greater the benefit is to you.
Do I need to bring my assignment?
It always helps if you bring a written assignment. If you have taken notes from when the assignment was made, bring those. If the assignment comes from a textbook, bring that too as well as any course guidelines your teacher may have provided.
How long is the appointment?
A conference is 30 minutes. However if you have only a few specific questions, the session may be shorter.
What should I do if I can’t keep my appointment?
Please notify the Writing Center (225-578-4439) as soon as possible and no later than two hours before your conference, so that we can accommodate another student.
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
It’s important that you be on time. Writing consultants need to go to their next conference and you short change yourself with a brief session. If you are more than 10 minutes late, your appointment will be cancelled.
What if I cancel my appointment or don't show up at all?
We allow each student a combination of no more than 2 missed appointments or cancellations within 2 hours of a scheduled appointment in a semester. For example, if you cancel an appointment within 2 hours of the scheduled time and you have another missed appointment, you will not be allowed to reserve another appointment within the same semester. However, you will be able to drop-in and see if a tutor is available to work with you.
What if the writing consultant can’t finish my paper in 30 minutes?
You and the tutor will set limited goals for each conference. Usually the problems that appear on page 3 of your paper will also appear on page 7, for example. Thus, as you learn strategies to improve your writing, you should be able to complete the revisions on your own.
Can I get another appointment right away?
So that we can better serve the university community, you may not have more than one appointment in a day. The maximum number of 30-minute appointments you may have in a week is three. This practice allows you to follow through with the strategies you learn and gives you time to revise. We will give you only one appointment at a time to reduce the chances of no-shows.
What if I need help with my grammar?
Our approach to grammar and mechanics is that they are seldom the sole cause of writing problems. Instead of pointing out every problem in your paper, your consultant will help you to identify the kinds of errors you make when you write and will teach you to revise those areas within the context of your paper. Using a reference handbook is helpful in revising your writing. You may also access Grammar Garage at www.lsu.edu/garage for specific grammar questions.
What should I do if I have a long paper (10+ pages)?
With long papers, you need to plan ahead. Draft early and expect to work with a tutor over several sessions. Ideally, you should see the same tutor as you work through the process so that she/he is familiar with your writing progress, but if that’s not possible, seeing different tutors will provide additional audience reactions which may be helpful. Let the Writing Center staff know that you will be working on a long paper.
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