For Students> Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can come to the Writing Center?
   We welcome undergraduate or graduate students from any field of study. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to come for help with any piece of writing they may be working on.

2. How does the Writing Center help with timed exams, course assignments, and/or long-term projects and papers?
   Most of the work we do in the Writing Center takes place during one-on-one sessions that are focused on the goals you share with us when you arrive. We can assist you with writing tasks ranging from completing course assignments to preparing for the Praxis exam or the College of Business Basic Skills Proficiency exam. Occasionally we even offer group workshops focused around a specifc task. Click here to read about the variety of services we offer.

3. Where is the Writing Center located?
   The Writing Center is located on the Lower Level of Belk Library & Information Commons in Room 008.

4. How often can I come to the Writing Center?
   You are welcome to work with a consultant once per day for up to one hour. There are no restrictions on the number of times a student may visit in a week or in a semester, but multiple sessions in one day are not permitted.

5. Is there a fee to use the Writing Center?
   No, the Writing Center is a free resource to all ASU students and faculty.

6. When is the Writing Center open?
   The Writing Center is open whenever the university is open for Fall or Spring classes. At the beginning of the semester, we open on the Monday following the first day of classes. The Writing Center is not open during exam weeks or during summer sessions. Our hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm and Friday 9am-1pm.

7. What should I bring when I come to the Writing Center?
   If possible, bring a copy of your class assignment as well as any writing, including notes, preliminary thoughts, an outline of ideas, a first draft, or a polished later draft. Please also bring any relevant textbooks and/or outside sources that may be useful to refer to during the session. If you are working on a group assignment, all group members must be present.

8. Can I email my paper to the writing center or drop it off to be edited?
   No, Writing Center consultants will work with you, not just your paper. Our goal is to aid in the process of self-discovery, self-reflection, and self-improvement for writers through conversation and collaboration. You must bring in your paper and allow for time to sit down with a consultant to discuss your writing in person.

9. Can consultants help me with using MS Word and other word processing softwares?
   Writing Center consultants are not trained to handle software questions or teach you how to use common softwares. A consultant will usually be happy to assist you with basic questions if he/she feels comfortable doing so, but you should contact ASU's Information Technology Services for computer and software assistance.

10. Who works at the writing center?
    The Writing Center staff consists of graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty members, who are all trained to consult with you about writing and the writing process. Consultants are mostly from the English Department but may come from any department.

11. Does the writing center offer ESL services?
    Consultants are familiar with the specific needs of ESL students and will help you work through both grammar and content issues that stem from language barriers. Consultants also have access to a number of grammar texts and handouts designed to facilitate ESL sessions.

12. How can the Writing Center help me prepare for the Praxis exam?
    The Writing Center can assist you with either the 30-minute essay or the grammar assessment. If you bring in a practice essay, consultants can go over how to adapt your writing to better satisfy the aims of the exam, or we can provide prompts to use for practice and work collaboratively to develop a strategy for the essay. We encourage students who need help with grammar and punctuation to schedule regular appointments well in advance of the exam day to focus on specific standards and skills in managable sets. Click here to read more about how we assist with Praxis preparation.

13. What kinds of writing can someone bring to the writing center?
    Consultants will work with any kind of writing--from assigned essays and research papers to personal writing (e.g., poetry and creative fiction) or business writing (e.g., resumes and graduate school applications). Click here to read more about the variety of services we offer.

14. Will my instructor know that I have visited the Writing Center?
    Your instructor will only know if you choose to inform him or her of your visit. At the end of every session, you and your consultant will complete a brief report of the work you completed in the Writing Center. You may request a printed copy of this report to take with you to share with your instructor. Consultation reports will no longer be sent directly to instructors to confirm one's visit to the center.

15. Do I have to make an appointment, or may I just drop-in?
    Making an appointment is recommended; the Writing Center takes appointments on the hour, but we are staffed to handle most walk-ins. Appointments are always given priority over walk-in sessions.

16. How long will the session take?
    One hour is allotted for each session, but sessions do not always take that long. Session lengths vary depending on a writer's individual needs. A consultant cannot guarantee that he or she can address an entire paper in one hour, but a student may return to continue the session on a later date.

17. Can I work in the Writing Center?
    If you are interested in working in the Writing Center, contact the Director, Beth Carroll.