318 Satterfield Hall
(330) 672-1787
writing@kent.edu

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Frequently Asked Questions

tutoring session

How does the Writing Center work?

When you arrive at the Writing Center for an appointment, you will be greeted and asked to fill out an information form for our records. You and your tutor will then go to a private table, and your tutor will ask you to explain your assignment. You will be asked to read what you have so far, and then asked if you have any questions. Your tutor will answer your questions and probably ask you some also. Students from the same class (i.e. College English Stretch) may be scheduled for a double session. This means that your tutor will be working with two people at once, which is often helpful since the other person will have the same assignment and teacher and can offer additional suggestions. The session usually lasts about 30-45 minutes depending on how much you have to work with and how much help you need. At your request, your tutor will send a report to your instructor explaining what you and your tutor worked on during your session. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: After two no-shows we can no longer schedule you for appointments for the semester.  You may still work with a tutor, but only on a drop-in, as available basis.

How can the Writing Center help me?

The Writing Center can help you understand your assignment, help you overcome writer's block, define your purpose, develop a focus, refine your thesis, add supporting information, delete distracting material, learn to proofread, and teach you rules of grammar, spelling, or formatting.

We cannot, however, write passages for your paper, tell you specifically what to add or delete, simply proofread or edit your paper, indicate a possible grade or discuss your teacher's grading methods, or continue to help you with a paper that is obviously or admittedly plagiarized.

We work with students from any department, and at any level; and we have worked with all kinds of papers including Freshman essays, analytical papers, business writing, and theses. Be aware, however, that we cannot help you with a paper over 10 pages in just one session. Be prepared to schedule several appointments for longer papers.

What should I bring to my session?

  1. A copy of your professor's assignment
  2. A printed version of the current draft of your assignment or
  3. An electronic copy of your project on a USB drive
  4. Any sources you're using
  5. All earlier drafts and notes
  6. Any feedback you've received from your peers or instructor
  7. Any questions you have
  8. A positive attitude +
You can call us at (330) 672-1787 or drop by at 318 Satterfield. Be sure to have your class information and teacher's name available. Also, we are usually very busy, so be sure to call about a week ahead of time to make an appointment. Students are usually limited to 2 sessions a week and only one per day.