We offer three types of appointments to meet the needs of MC students:
- In-Person appointments: the tutor and writer work together in person in the Writing Center, discussing their writing and creating a revision plan together.
- Online Chat appointments: the tutor and writer work together in an online discussion, like face-to-face appointments, but these appointments occur through an online chat or Zoom.
- Correspondence appointments: the writer uploads their paper, and the tutor provides written feedback.
In-Person Appointments
If you want to interact with a tutor face to face, then make an In-Person appointment. With a Writing Center tutor, you can ask questions, brainstorm ideas, or discuss any parts of your draft.
Advantages
In-Person/Face-to-Face tutoring sessions are highly encouraged. These sessions are the most traditional and, in most cases, the most beneficial because tutor and writer engage in a live discussion together. The tutor and writer can discuss the student’s writing, brainstorm together, and create a revision plan. The writer can ask questions and the tutor can rephrase their comments when the writer appears confused.
Disadvantages
There are little disadvantages to this type of appoinment, but not all writers may have time to sit down for a face-to-face session in the writing center.
How to Make an In-Person Appointment
Once you have registered and signed in to the scheduler WCOnline, click on any of the white blocks on the calendar to request an in-person appointment (gray and blue boxes are unavailable times).
Make sure the “Face-to-Face” option is selected under “Meet Online?” in the appointment reservation form. It is chosen by default.
While scheduling your appointment, it may be beneficial to upload your assignemnt sheet, rubric, or your most recent draft; you can also bring any information regarding your writing to your appointment to help you and your tutor create a plan. After saving your reservation, visit the Writing Center when it’s time for your appointment. When you walk in, tell the receptionist your name, and they can introduce you to your tutor. Your tutor should be waiting for you when you arrive.
You can also walk in during our hours to schedule an appointment for that time, although tutor availability may be limited at times.
Online Chat Appointments
If you want to interact with a tutor live, in real-time, then make an Online Chat appointment. With a Writing Center tutor, you can ask questions, brainstorm ideas, or discuss any parts of your draft.
Advantages
Online chats allow writers to engage in discussions with tutors from a remote location. When writers cannot come into the Writing Center for various reasons, this allows them to still collaborate with the tutor. Students can collaborate and discuss their writing with a tutor, similar to an in-person appointment.
Disadvantages
Technology issues may interfere with the tutoring session, and discussion may be hindered by any potential feedback and latency caused through the virtual interaction.
How to Make an Online Chat Appointment
Once you have registered and signed in to the scheduler WCOnline, click on any of the white blocks on the calendar to request a live-chat appointment (gray and blue boxes are unavailable times).
Select “Online Chat” option using the radio button under “Meet Online?” in the appointment reservation form.
After saving your reservation, return to the scheduler when it’s time for your appointment. Find and open your appointment on the calendar and click “Start or Join Online Consultation.” Once there, you will receive a message from your tutor with a link to Zoom which is our new online platform where you can share your paper and chat with the consultant using text, audio, and video.
For further instructions regarding how to schedule and prepare for an Online Chat appointment, check out this How-to video.
Correspondence Appointments
If you prefer written feedback on a draft and don't have a stable internet connection, then choose a Correspondence appointment. You can upload a paper, ask questions for a tutor to respond to, and you will receive written feedback through email within 24 business hours.
Advantages
Correspondence appointments are useful when writers do not have time to interact with Writing Center tutors. Since the tutor writes down their comments, the writer can continually view these suggestions as they have time. Writers can schedule an appointment and then view feedback from their tutor without ever having to set aside the time for an appointment.
Disadvantages
Correspondence appointments lack an important aspect of tutoring: discussion. The tutor and writer cannot discuss the writing together, preventing the writer from asking questions or collaborating with the tutor in creating a revision plan or brainstorming. Although the appointments save time, the writer must take the time to read the tutor’s comments and negotiate the comments on their own.
How to Make a Correspondence Appointment
Once you have registered and signed in to the scheduler WCOnline, click on any of the white blocks on the calendar to request a correspondence (gray and blue boxes are unavailable times).
Select “Correspondence” option using the radio button under “Meet Online?” in the appointment reservation form.
Attach files to your appointment reservation containing your draft of your writing projects and any directions or assignment descriptions you have been provided by your instructor. You can attach multiple files (your paper and assignment sheet, for instance) to your appointment. Be sure to describe your assignment and provide specific areas of concern for the consultation in the provided text box.
For further instructions regarding how to schedule and prepare for a Correspondence appointment, check out this How-to video.
If you have any questions about online sessions or encounter technical difficulties with your online appointment, contact us at writingcenter@mc.edu. Our staff will be happy to assist you!
