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Frequently Asked QuestionsWho can use the SJSU Writing Center?Any currently enrolled SJSU student or faculty member
may use the Writing Center for tutoring sessions, written resources,
and workshops. How do I make an appointment?All of our appointments are made using our Online Reservation System. The system allows you to view our entire schedule and set up an appointment at your convenience. You may also make appointments at the Writing Center itself during open hours. Drop-in consultations may be available on a limited basis. Where is the Writing Center and when is it open?We are located in Clark Hall in Suite 126 on
the first floor, past the Help Desk and to the right. (If you need directions,
please see our Map page.) How should I prepare?Before you come in, review the assignment and talk to your instructor about his or her expectations. You may want to research in advance, or even just write down an outline or some brief notes about your ideas. What should I bring?Bring whatever writing you want to work on during the session, along with the details of your assignment, any preliminary research or notes, and a general idea of what you would like us to help you with. If your instructor has made comments on other papers that might be relevant to the current assignment, bring them along as well. Remember that you must bring your assignment already printed out -- the Writing Center cannot provide computers or printing services, and we cannot work with documents from laptops. What should I expect when I arrive?When you arrive at the Writing Center, please check in
with the Admin at the front desk. When it's time for your appointment, the Admin
will introduce you to your Writing Specialist. Your Writing Specialist will
greet you and guide you to a table in our tutoring room.
How long will my consultation last?Your tutoring session will last thirty minutes. If you have specific concerns, we may be able to schedule you for longer sessions, pending approval from your Writing Specialist and the Director. How many appointments can I make?You may make one appointment per day, with a maximum of two per week. If you feel you need more time, you are welcome to try for a drop-in appointment. What happens if I miss an appointment?If you miss or are more than five minutes late to an appointment without cancelling in advance, you will be marked as a no-show. The Admin will then contact you to let you know about the missed appointment, and to remind you of our no-show policy. If you miss two appontments in one semester, then you will be blocked from our online reservation system for the remainder of that semester, and any future reservations will be deleted. You will then be restricted to drop-in appointments only, which cannot be made in advance. Drop-in appointments may not be available at all during busy times of the semester. At the end of each semester, all blocks are cleared -- everyone starts each new semester with a clean slate. Will you proofread and edit my paper?No. The Writing Center is not a proofreading and editing service. You are responsible for your own proofreading and editing, but your Writing Specialist will help you identify problem areas and explain how to revise your paper. Can you help me evaluate my instructor’s comments?We'll be glad to help you understand what your instructor wants you to work on. We will not make judgements or evaluate your instructor's comments or grading, nor will we criticize your instructor. What other writing assistance is offered besides tutoring?We offer workshops on a wide variety of topics on an ongoing basis. If your instructor requests it, we can present a custom workshop tailored to the specific needs of your class or department. We also have a reference library available for on-site use and dozens of handouts on commonly requested topics available in the Writing Center and on our website. Can you help me with private tutoring?If you give your name, contact information and details on your situation to the Admin, we will gladly pass on your needs to our Writing Specialists. If one of them is interested, that Writing Specialist will contact you privately. Any further negotiations and transactions are between you and the Writing Specialist. The Writing Center serves only as an initial point of contact. Our Writing Specialists are not obligated to accept private tutoring and their acceptance of private offers is at their discretion. How can I apply to be a Writing Specialist?If you're interested in becoming a Writing Specialist, you can read about the qualifications and application process here. |
SJSU Writing Center
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