UWC: eTutoring, how does it work?

Sometimes physically coming to the University Writing Center can be a challenge. Work and class take up most of your time. Schedules don’t align. You live too far away. Or, as is the case for many writers, the thought of reviewing your writing with a stranger is overwhelming. We get it, and we want you to know that the University Writing Center is still here for you.

Does your schedule make it difficult to visit the writing center physically or in real-time? Take advantage of File Upload appointments! File Upload appointments do not require you to be online during your appointment. You upload your writing assignment, draft, and answer the appointment questions to help guide your consultant on what kinds of feedback you are seeking. You retain agency and responsibility for your learning and writing. File upload appointments provide you maximum scheduling flexibility, allow you to digest feedback at your own pace, encourage active learning by having you request specific feedback, and promote ownership by having you revising your own work based on suggestions. What can I expect? Consultants spend 45-minutes providing feedback to your writing. If your writing is more than 8 pages long, we recommend multiple appointments. At the end of the session, consultants will send you a document with in-text comments on your draft and a summary report on ideas for revision/next steps. File upload appointments will not fix all your mistakes. Just like other writing center sessions, consultants will focus first on your organization, argument, and support. book your appointment at the writing center today!

Regardless of your why, take your learning into your own hands and schedule a File Upload appointment. You do NOT have to be online during your appointment. In fact, File Upload appointments provide maximum schedule flexibility. They allow you to have access to peer feedback without having to fit the appointment into your schedule. Also, File Upload appointments offer a relaxed way to receive feedback without the stress and anxiety of an in-person conversation.

To schedule an file upload/email appointment, you select the button next to the “File Upload” option. Then, you answer the appointment questions and upload your writing assignment and draft. During your scheduled appointment time, the consultant will download your document, respond to your document using in-text comments, and send a summary report offering feedback.

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Since there is no conversation during the appointment, it’s really important that you answer the appointment questions. They help guide the consultant on what kinds of feedback to offer. While you might not know exactly what kind of feedback you need at this particular moment, let us know how you are feeling about your draft. Does your argument need more support? Do you think your research is sufficient? Do you think your writing is long enough? Does your writing meet the assignment goals? Does your writing make sense to your audience? We can offer you feedback on any of these questions and more!

When you get your document back, you’ll find that your consultant has responded to your work like a reader. They might have provided ideas and questions on how you might expand sections, clarify points, or add in additional information. They might share links on how to format in APA and MLA. The consultants will not make changes to your writing. It’s your responsibility to take the suggestions and work them into your revisions. You get to be the final authority with your writing. 

File Upload appointments can provide the same supportive space as in-person. We hope to see you online soon!