Walk-In Consultations F.A.Q.

Q: What are the walk-in hours at the Writing Center?

A: Walk-in hours are from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. until 01:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Q: Can I make an appointment for a walk-in consultation?

A: No. Walk-in consultations are on a first come, first served basis.

Q: What should I bring?

A: You should bring a printed draft of your paper, a copy of the assignment, and a pen or pencil to make notes. If you need to print out a hard copy of your paper, you may do so at the Writing Center, but you will need your Cougar1 card to print.

Q: Will the consultant proofread or edit my paper?

A: Our consultants will help you clarify your ideas and organize the structure of your paper or paper outline, but they will not simply proofread your paper for grammatical errors.

Q: Where do the writing consultations take place and what is the procedure?

A: When you arrive at the walk-in consultation room (210 Agnes Arnold Hall), sign in at the walk-in computer and wait for the next available consultant (identified by a Writing Consultant nametag) to call out your name.

Q: How long will my writing consultation last?

A: The length of your writing consultation will vary depending on the nature of your paper and the traffic in the Writing Center. However, based on pedagogical theory and the typical student’s ability to retain information, the consultations should not last longer than 30 minutes. During peak hours, wait time will have to be added.

Q: What if I want additional help beyond the initial consultation?

A: If possible, bring your paper to the Writing Center several days before it is due. This will give you the opportunity to make the suggested changes and come back for a second consultation.

Q: When is it too late to bring my paper in for a walk-in consultation?

A: We will not look at papers that are due within two hours. This gives you enough time to make substantive changes to the paper.