Frequently Asked Questions
What services does the UWC provide?
Our main objective is to provide one-on-one consultations with a trained writing consultant to help with writing or oral communication (speeches, podcasts, and other performances). In consultations, we work with you to determine what you need. Want help getting started? Reading your assignment? Doing research or writing footnotes? Just an opinion on your draft? We will answer your questions regarding any part of the composing process, and we will help you develop oral presentations, slides, posters, and even write scripts for audio or video presentations. The UWC also helps faculty who include writing or oral communication in classes, provides handouts and podcasts with tips about writing and speaking, and sponsors an on-line writing lab (OWL) that allows you to send us papers for commenting through email. For a quick question during business hours, students can stop by either the Evans Library or West Campus Library location or call the Write Line at (979) 845-2160.
Is this a free service, or do I have to pay?
Every student pays an $8 per semester Writing Center fee, which is included in the semester tuition statement. You can come in once a day if an appointment is available and get personalized help with any aspect of any kind of writing or oral communication (school-related or not).
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments can be made in person (on the second floor of Evans Library or the West Campus Library), over the phone (458-1455), or at our website (writingcenter.tamu.edu). Once you arrive at the website, follow these simple steps:
- Click on the “Make an Appointment” link at the top of the page.
- Click on “make appointments online” link in the third paragraph.
- Click “Continue” and log on with your net id.
- Select a location (Evans or West Campus Library) from the scroll bar at the top.
- Search for available dates and times.
- Select a time by double-clicking.
- Enter the information required.
- Log out of the appointment schedule.
- If the appointment has been successfully made, you will receive an email confirmation.
To see a video of this process, go to Episode 23 of the Write Right podcasts.
Do I get to choose my consultant?
Just as readers differ, consultants differ. You cannot select a consultant, but all of our consultants are trained and certified by the College Reading and Learning Association. When an appointment is made, a consultant is selected at random from the database.
Do I have to be an A&M student to make an appointment?
You must be enrolled in classes and paying the writing center fee at A&M in order to make an appointment. While we do accept students who are co-enrolled at A&M and Blinn, we do not accept students who are solely enrolled at Blinn. The Blinn Writing Center can be reached by visiting http://www.blinn.edu/brazos/humanities/writingcenter/.
Do I have to have an appointment?
It is recommended, but not required, that you have an appointment. Walk-in clients are accepted when there is an available consultant. Keep in mind that most appointments start on the hour and consultants are free only on the hour.
Can I have an appointment half-way through the hour?
No. Our appointments start at the beginning of the hour to allow for consistency in the appointment length. Most appointments last 30-45 minutes, and consultants need about 15 minutes to fill in paperwork and take a short break.
What happens if I am late to my appointment?
If you are late more than 5 minutes, we give your appointment away to any student waiting as a walk-in. To avoid forfeiting your appointment, we suggest you arrive a few minutes early.
What if my paper is too long to get through in 45 minutes?
If possible, you can make another appointment to work on the rest of your paper (remember: one appointment a day). If you are not able to make another appointment, then you can submit a part of the remaining portion of your paper to the on-line writing lab.
Can I leave my paper at the UWC to be proofread?
No. You, along with your work, must be present at every session. If you want someone to review the paper with you and help you find and explain errors, we can do that. However, our function is to teach, not to do your work for you. We may find some errors and leave you to find the rest, or we may help you learn to identify and correct your own errors. We may even provide you with some tips on how to proofread more effectively on your own. If you feel that you require a proofreader, you can find a list of freelance editors on the website who will do the job for a fee.
Can my whole writing group come to the appointment?
Yes, but we do have limited space. Please let your consultant know that you are expecting others to arrive so that we can accommodate the group.
Is the UWC open on the weekends? How about in summer and over semester breaks?
Hours can always be viewed online at Hours and Locations.
What should I bring to my appointment?
You should bring a copy of your paper draft and assignment. You may bring it on a disk, CD, or USB stick, but it’s a good idea to have a hardcopy backup. If you just have notes or an outline, bring them. If you are working from a textbook or writing handbook, that may also be helpful. If you have a question about documentation, bring the book or article from which you are trying to work. You can bring a video or audio of a speech and presentation slides if you want tips on performance.
Are there any limits on the number of times I can visit?
Visits are limited to once per day and to availability of consultants.
How long does it take to get a paper back from the online writing center?
It should take 24-48 hours, not counting weekend or holidays. If it takes more, we may not have received it, so give us a call at 458-1455.
If your question was not answered, email us at uwc@tamu.edu.
