How can I prepare for my appointment?
Prepare for your appointment by reviewing your class materials and assignment instructions. Your consultant has a lot of advice about writing, but they are not with you in class, so they will count on you to answer questions about course content, assignment guidelines, and instructor expectations. Keep in mind, however, that you can have a productive appointment at any stage in the writing process, so you do not need to complete a full draft of your project in advance of your appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring a printed copy of your draft if possible. If you are working on an assignment for class, it is helpful to bring your professor’s assignment instructions and rubric, if you have them.
What happens at an appointment?
Every Writing Center appointment is different, but the approach is always collaborative; your consultant will never edit, rewrite, or “fix” your paper for you. Instead, you will work together to identify strengths and weaknesses, and your consultant will suggest revision strategies and writing techniques that will help you become a better, more confident writer on this assignment and in the future.
Can writing consultants give me advice about the content of my paper?
Writing Consultants are not course tutors or content experts. Accordingly, they will be unable to comment on the accuracy of your paper’s substance. Consultants can help you develop your paper’s content by asking questions and noting parts of your essay where your content lacks detail or is otherwise unclear, but if you need tutoring on course content, you can email tutoring@ubalt.edu, or visit your professor’s office hours.
Can writing consultants edit my paper for me?
Writing consultants are student workers and not professional editors, and the role of the Writing Center is educational. This means that, while consultants can help you to identify patterns of error, we will not correct or edit your work for you.