Writing Center FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What can I expect from a Writing Center visit?

You will meet one-to-one with a consultant who is professionally trained to teach collegiate writing. We will discuss your specific writing concerns and provide feedback and suggestions. Writing Center consultations can take place at any stage of a paper from planning through revision.

Does the Writing Center offer subject specialists to assist me with understanding the concepts I'm writing about?

No. The purpose of the Writing Center is to provide you with one-to-one writing instruction using your paper as a learning tool. Our consultants are trained to help you improve your ability to clearly and effectively communicate your ideas. We do not offer tutoring in subjects other than writing and rhetoric. If you're having difficulty understanding a concept from your class, please visit with the professor or a T.A. for assistance.

Will the Writing Center edit/proofread my paper for me?

No. We help writers seeking to improve their own skills. We will not edit or proofread a paper for you, but we're always happy to answer specific grammar and style questions that will enable you to edit your own work.

How long does a consultation usually take?

Appointments begin on-the-hour and last 50 minutes. We limit each client to two appointments per week to ensure fair availability for all of our clients.

What should I bring with me to a consultation?

Bring your printed draft(s), the assignment description, articles, books, and other references that you're using along with note paper and a pencil.

Can I bring a take-home essay exam to the Writing Center?

Yes, but in observance of the Honor Code, you must provide written permission from your professor before we can consult with you. As with any other paper, we provide instruction in writing and rhetoric; we do not offer instruction about any other subjects or concepts.

Is there a limit on how many pages I can expect to cover in a single consultation?

We request that you bring in no more than ten pages per consultation. For longer term papers, theses, etc., we recommend making a series of appointments with the same consultant to allow for adequate time to meet your writing needs.

Can I make a same-day appointment?

Sometimes. We strongly suggest making your appointments at least a few days in advance. The Writing Center tends to be busiest in the morning, early afternoon and on Sundays. During midterms and finals, appointments should be made well in advance. We no longer offer walk-in hours, but if you stop by and there's a time slot open, you're welcome to make an appointment on the spot.

What if I need to cancel/change an appointment?

Please be sure to login to our scheduling page and open " My Control Panel." You'll see a list of appointments you've made. Next to each appointment are modify and delete options.

What if I miss an appointment?

Sometimes missing an appointment is unavoidable. If you miss an appointment without canceling it, please send an email to wrtghelp@colorado.edu to let us know what happened. If you fail to contact us, it will be counted as a "no-show." *Two no-shows will result in your appointment privileges being locked.

What if I'm late to an appointment?

We strongly suggest showing up five to ten minutes BEFORE your appointment so that you're prepared to start right away at your scheduled time. If you're more than five minutes late to an appointment, we reserve the right to give away your time slot to someone else.  If you're running late, please call us at (303)735-6906.  We can hold your appointment for up to fifteen minutes.

What should I do if I have difficulties with the scheduling software?

Try using the help function on the scheduling site first. If this does not help, call us at (303)735-6906 or send an an email to wrtghelp@colorado.edu . If you're on campus, stop by the Writing Center and we'll be glad to help.

What if I can't find any open appointments on the schedule?

If you're near Norlin Library and want to work with us the same day, stop in and ask to be on the stand-by list. This means that you'll get first priority if someone fails to arrive for a schedule appointment or cancels that day. You have to be physically present to be on the stand-by list, so bring something to work on while you wait. We have computers with MS Office available for student use. If you're looking for something in the next few days, check back on the schedule often because it changes frequently.  You can often find same-day cancellations by checking the schedule before 11am. Sign up for the waiting list feature on the scheduling page; it will send you an email if a time opens on the day you've requested.