How to prepare for your session:

These are entirely optional, but it may benefit you to:

Tutoring Session at the Wilson Writing Center

  • Bring in a digital or physical copy of your writing, if you have any. Even without writing, you can use the session to talk about your ideas or work on brainstorming.

  • If you’re working on academic writing, bring in the assignment sheet/rubric and any notes from your professor or another reviewer. 

  • Bring a laptop, notebook, or other tool for taking notes.

  • Think about what you would specifically like to focus on in the session. Do you have any questions for your tutor?

  • Double-check the time and location of your appointment.

What to expect from your session:

When you arrive:

  • In Wilson and Romney, check in first at the front desk. At the Library, just go on in.
  • We will just need your name. You don’t need your Cat Card.  
  • Find a table that feels comfortable. If it's too loud or if nothing feels comfortable, speak up. Your tutor can help find a space that works well for you.

Every appointment is different and depends on you and your tutor. However, sessions often include:  

  • Questions and Conversation: 
    • You are the expert on your writing and learning style, so your tutor may ask questions to understand what you’re working on and what your goals are. 
    • You are encouraged to ask your tutor questions; ask for the feedback you need. If you’re not sure what you need, feel free to ask your tutor for guidance.
  • Reading:
    • Your tutor can read your writing either silently or out loud (or you can read out loud) depending on the preferences of both you and your tutor. 
    • During the session, you might read chunks or the whole piece depending on time constraints and the feedback you’re looking for. 
    • Communicate with your tutor and let them know what works best for you. 
  • Writing:
    • You and your tutor can both take notes, separately and/or together, on a document or a whiteboard.  
    • You can also revise and edit your document as you go. 
    • You can even spend an entire session just writing if that’s what works best for you.

What to expect after your session: 

  • Your tutor will email you “session notes” recapping what you worked on and any resources discussed during the session.
  • If you want any specific notes or resources in the session notes, go ahead and let your tutor know.  
  • If you want your professor to know that you visited the Writing Center, you can share the session notes with them. The Writing Center does not share information about you directly with faculty. 

If you’d like to know more about the Writing Center before your session or even before you schedule a session, you're always welcome to come in to just talk with us and see our spaces. Come visit!