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Student FAQs |
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Will coming to the Writing Center guarantee me an "A" on
my paper?
No. The Writing Center does not predict or guarantee grades for
any paper. Instead, we will help you identify areas where the
paper can be improved.
What kinds of students come to the Writing
Center and are the services free?
We receive visits from students from every field of study on
campus and from every level of writing ability. In fact, writers who
are already working at a high level of skill often recognize that the
Writing Center is the place to go to steadily improve their abilities.
Even better, the services here are free to ISU students, staff, and
faculty. |
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What should I bring with me when I visit the Center?
One of the key elements in a successful Writing Center consultation is
to come prepared. Bring your questions, ideas, brainstorming
notes, and particularly your assignment guides, so we'll know what is
being asked of you by your professor. Bring writing at any stage
of your process, but paper drafts must be typed and printed out.
We will also need the last 6 digits of your 991 number
and your student ID.
Students have worked with consultants on generating ideas, checking the
format of their references, and re-organizing paragraphs. We have
seen it all and we welcome your work.
What if I'm a Distance Learning student?
Please visit our Distance Learning page.
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How do I make an appointment and do I need to make one?
An appointment is not necessary, but during midterms and Study Week (the
week before finals) it is advisable to make an appointment to insure the
availability of a consultant. Walk-ins are acceptable if a
consultant is free, but please note that our appointment policy limits
students to one session per day and two sessions per week.
You may arrange an appointment for either Writing Center
location by stopping by or by calling either of the following numbers during our regular
hours. We are not able to take appointments via
voice-mail:
ISU Library: (812) 237-2989
Root Hall (812) 237-3274
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Does it matter which location I visit and how long does a
session last?
Qualified consultants are available at the ISU Library and Root
Hall locations. A typical consultation lasts 30-45 minutes, with a
few quick forms to fill out before the session begins.
Will the Writing Center consultants proofread and edit my paper?
The Writing Center staff does not merely proofread or edit any paper for
any student because this practice is counterproductive to learning.
You are responsible for the texts you produce. We can help you
learn how to identify and correct mechanical errors in your own work.
Learning how to undo writing habits takes tie; as such, be prepared to
invest time in learning, not quick fixes. In addition, sometimes
writers confuse editing with the process of revising. At the
Writing Center, we do offer assistance regarding revision, which
involves re-seeing your essay and addressing aspects such as audience
analysis, focus, coherence, organization, argumentation and so forth.
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Will I see the same consultant every time I visit the Center?
You can schedule appointments specifically with the same
consultant. If you would like to work with a variety of
consultants, you can arrange that option as well. If you're coming
to us as a walk-in, you'll be placed with whoever is available.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled
appointment so that we can give the time to another student. If
you do not show up for an appointment, or cancel it very late, you may
not be given any more appointments that semester. "No-shows" and
last minute cancellations deny other students a chance to receive
assistance.
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What are referrals and do I need to have one?
A referral form is a slip given to you by your professor that
requires that you seek help from the Writing Center. After you
receive a referral, you have 5 days to come see a consultant or to make
an appointment with us. A referral is not something to worry about
because seeking help is a positive matter. However, you do not
have to be referred to come to the Writing Center.
Will the Writing Center help me contest a grade or evaluate my
professor's comments regarding my writing?
Under no circumstances will the Writing Center contest grades
or question your professor's evaluations. Please contact your
advisor regarding grievances. |
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Will my consultation remain confidential?
Yes. Only at your request will the writing advisor
discuss your work and the nature of your visit with your professor,
unless that professor has specifically requested documentation of your
visit. If you prefer, you may request that the Writing Center send
a brief non-evaluative memo to your instructor describing what we
discussed; professors are glad to know about your visit and your
initiative.
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How can I become a Writing Center consultant?
Contact the Writing Center Secretary or the Writing Center
Coordinator. |
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