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Frequently Asked Questions

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Accessing the SIUE Writing Center

Who can use the SIUE Writing Center?

The SIUE Writing Center is available to all currently enrolled SIUE students, as well as faculty and staff.

Is there a cost to use the Writing Center?

No, the Writing Center is a FREE service for the university community.

Where are you located?

Our main office is in the Student Success Center – inside the Academic Advancement Center (just around the corner from Kaldi’s Coffee). We also have a satellite office on the first floor of the Library.

What is the difference between the main office and the satellite office?

The main office takes appointments and is open six days a week, while the satellite office is walk-in only and has limited hours a few days a week.

Do I need to make an appointment?

While we can often accommodate walk-ins, we do encourage scheduling appointments in advance so you can better prepare for the session.

What if I just have a quick question – do I still need an appointment?

No, you can always call or stop by with a question. We have several handouts that could help and many resources are available on our website.

My paper is not due for several weeks. How far in advance can I schedule an appointment?

You may schedule appointments up to one week in advance.

How do I schedule or cancel an appointment?

Calling or stopping by the main office is the best way to schedule or cancel an appointment.

How long are appointments?

Appointments are 30 minutes each.

Can I schedule more than one appointment a day or more than two per week?

No, you are limited to one appointment per day and two per week. Our goal is to make you a better writer and to serve as many students as possible, and if you need more time with us than we allow then you might not have enough time to incorporate our suggestions or reflect on your work.

What the SIUE Writing Center Offers

Does the Writing Center proofread for grammatical errors?

During your session with a consultant, you may discuss grammar that you are struggling with or ask for tips and strategies on proofreading; however, we want to focus your time with a consultant on helping you become a stronger writer. Checking your paper for errors and marking them without a discussion does not help you as a writer now or in the future.

Who are the consultants at the Writing Center?

Every consultant in the SIUE Writing Center is a current or past instructor of writing at SIUE and/or other colleges and universities and capable of helping any student in any discipline. Many of the consultants are current instructors of first-year composition classes.

Can I print my paper in the Writing Center?

No, printing is not allowed in the Writing Center. If you are working with a consultant we suggest you print the paper before coming in or you can both look at it on one of our computers.

Can I drop off my paper at the Writing Center for it to be “looked over”?

No. At the SIUE Writing Center, we are concerned with helping you become a better writer. Therefore, we always work with the student on the specific areas of concern or problems they are having. We are not an editing service that will fix your errors—we want to teach you how to identify and address those errors to become a stronger writer!

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment at the Writing Center?

For your session with a consultant all you really need is an idea! We will work with you at any stage of the writing process – including the brainstorming stage. However, if you have started writing then you should bring the writing you want to work on and any supplemental material that could help the consultant understand the task (such as an assignment sheet).

Will my instructor know I visited the Writing Center?

After your visit, your instructor will be sent documentation of your appointment, along with a brief summary of what was worked on with the consultant. You may opt-out of this by telling the consultant you do not want your instructor notified. We do not sign documents brought in by students stating you had an appointment.

How do I get the most out of a session?

Preparing ahead of time by proofreading your own work and circling or highlighting areas of concern will greatly help you get the most out of a session. Research has shown that you can spot up to 80% of your own errors just by reading your work aloud. If you come prepared, we should be able to address most concerns. We also suggest you take notes about the feedback you receive and allow ample time for revision before submitting your paper for a grade.