University Writing Centre: English Studies: UWC Frequently Asked Questions

The LRC offers students a variety of services and resources to meet their writing needs:

• Writing Tutorials
• Individualized English Instruction
• Writing Workshops
• Computer Services
• English Grammar/Writing Handbooks
• Daily newspapers
• Tools to help create documents

In addition to popular computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Power Point, the UWC has interactive educational software students may use as well:

• Hacker's Electronic Exercises focuses on writing, research, and avoiding plagiarism.
• Writer's Resources provides information about the writing process, writing elements, rhetorical patterns (summary, analysis, etc.) as well as grammar, punctuation and mechanics.

Registered students may use the computers to:

• Type essays
• Use writing/instructional software
• Review information/websites relating to their writing projects.

1. Isn't the UWC a place for 'slow' students or students who are failing English courses?
   
   No! While we certainly do provide help to students who are experiencing writing challenges in their English courses, we also help any student interested in IMPROVING his/her writing skills or receivingconstructive feedback about a piece of writing he/she may be working on.


2. Do I have to be enrolled in an English course to receive help in the UWC?
   
   No. Anyone enrolled in a UB course may sign up for an appointment in the UWC. We help students working on essays, term papers, and writing projects in any discipline. In fact, we also help students who are working on college application essays, job letters and other kinds of writing.


3. How is tutoring provided here different from other tutoring programs at the University?
   
   At the UWC, you are helped by Faculty members in English Studies- persons with instructional experience.


4. Can I talk to someone in the UWC about a paper I haven't started writing yet?
   
   Sure. We help students at any stage of the writing process - pre-writing, drafting, revising etc.


5. Do I have to make an appointment to receive help?
   
   We strongly recommend that you make an appointment. We serve drop-in customers only if time is available. However, if you do make an appointment and are more than ten minutes late, you may lose your time to another student.


6. How long is each tutoring session?
   
   The time will vary according to your need, but each session is limited to 30 minutes.


7. How many tutoring sessions can I attend each week?
   
   To accommodate as many students as possible, students are limited to two sessions per week.


8. Can I 'drop off 'a paper to be proofread or edited?
   
   No. We do not provide proofreading services because one of our goals is to help YOU improve your own editing and proofreading skills. However, if we see patterns of errors, we can help you learn to identify and correct them.


9. Is there a fee to use the UWC?
   
   No! This service is provided free of charge.


10. What about typing and printing documents?
    
    You may use the computers for writing or related activities.  Unfortunately there are no printers in the UWC.


11. What are the UWC's hours?
    
    The UWC is in operation from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am daily.  Online tutoring is available during select hours during the evening.