Frequently asked questions

The Writing Center is happy to assist recent (one year or less post-graduation/degree completion) WSU alum (from any program or degree) in any application or job-related writing. This writing can range from cover letters to academic résumés and anything in between. If the writing is in service of applying for a graduate program or job in any field (academic or non-academic), recent alum can book an appointment with the center. To book an alumni appointment, please contact director Amy Latawiec (amy.latawiec@wayne.edu).

Yes and no. Research and technology support is specific to WSU course assignments and projects. However, writing support can be provided to students working on personal statements and other materials related to academic writing. However, tutors will not work on writing that is not academically situated such as complaint letters, personal writing, etc.

No. We will only work with students on their own work. To work on an assignment that is not the student's own is a violation of the code of conduct.

Not if the request is for an exam or test that does not allow outside guidance. If the writing, research or technology is any way related to tests or exams that are meant to be completed individually and without any outside support, we cannot work with you on the assignment. To do so would be a break of the Student Code of Conduct and would be defined as cheating.

Per WSU's code of conduct, cheating is defined as: "Intentionally using or attempting to use or intentionally providing unauthorized materials, information or assistance in any academic exercise. This includes copying from another student's test paper, allowing another student to copy from your test, using unauthorized material during an exam and submitting a term paper for a current class that has been submitted in a past class without appropriate permission."

We encourage you to make an appointment, however, we also offer a drop-in writing, study and tutoring space called the Writer's Cafe during business hours. You're welcome to hang out in the Writer's Cafe whether you just want a chill, dedicated space for writing and researching or if you think you have a question, but aren't sure whether you need a full appointment with a tutor. Tutors will be on hand to assist you during open hours at the Writer's Cafe.

For any in-depth needs, it is best to make an appointment for writing support. Making an appointment is always helpful, especially when it is later on in the semester. We cannot guarantee assistance in the Writer's Cafe as we have limited staffing during those drop-in hours. You can receive full one-on-one support by scheduling an appointment.

Scheduled tutoring sessions run up to 50 minutes and begin on the hour of half hour. We do not exceed 50 minutes in a session in order to give our tutors a chance to stretch their legs, eat a snack, and mentally prepare for their next appointment. If you feel there's more to be done, tutors are happy to schedule your next appointment before you leave.

Yes! While we may not be able to get into the specifics of your discipline, the peer tutors can assist students working in a wide range of disciplines with the structure of argument, analysis and description. We can help with any writing assignment that is from a WSU course, including assisting creative writers and students in technical writing courses.

We know life happens! If you're going to be late, we ask that you contact us in any of the following formats:

If you anticipate being more than 15 minutes late to your session (whether in person or online) we will need to cancel that session and open the time up for walk-in appointments.

Our tutors can only review the information you provide for your appointment. If you bring in a draft, you will be asked about your assignment, your focus, your ideas and your concerns. You may also be asked to read your paper out loud to the tutor. Reading the paper out loud will help you to stay actively involved and allow you to control the direction of the tutorial conversation.

As you read, the tutor will listen and take some notes. After reading the paper, you and the tutor will discuss your concerns, as well as the notes that the tutor has taken. If you do not have a draft, you will discuss your assignment with the tutor along with your ideas for the assignment. The tutor will also suggest some ways of getting started. Active participation helps us gain more from any tutoring session. Tutors are able to make notes on your session in the WC Online schedule system - these notes exist to help you and your tutor build on each session as you work toward your writing goals.

You can visit the Writing Center at any stage in the writing process. You do not have to have a "finished" paper to seek help. The Writing Center is a place where students can receive support at any stage in their writing and researching process, as well as assistance with their technology needs.

We have both undergraduate and graduate tutors working at the Writing Center. Our tutors come from different disciplines at WSU but are trained as writing tutors and have varying levels of disciplinary knowledge. Our peer tutors work at the Writing Center because they have strong writing skills and a desire to continue to improve those skills by working with other writers. Please make sure to indicate if you are a graduate student or if you have a particular disciplinary writing need so that we can place you with a tutor who is best able to help you.

All current WSU students, faculty and staff regardless of their discipline are welcome at the Writing Center. While tutors may not be science majors or philosophers, they will be good readers who can discuss issues of focus, organization, development and the tone in your paper. As the writer, you bring the textual knowledge, but the tutors can help you sort your ideas out, follow formatting guidelines and bolster generally positive writing habits.

No. All of the writing, research and technology services are free for WSU students, faculty and staff.