Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I use the Writing Center?

During the summer sessions, you may book up to 4 sessions per week with a writing tutor, reading support specialist, or conversation partner, but you may only book one writing tutoring session per day. During the fall and spring semesters, you can be seen up to 7 times a week, but you may only be seen twice per day for writing tutoring (as long as each session focuses on a different writing assignment).

 

What should I bring to my session? 

If possible, bring your assignment instructions and any notes, ideas, or previous drafts. If you don’t have some or all of these, though, that’s okay. You can still get support.

How can I let my professor (or advisor) know I came for tutoring? Do you have records of my previous tutoring sessions?

After each session, you will receive a session summary via email. You can share that summary with your professor (or advisor) as verification of your session.  Note that our tutors cannot sign anything to confirm that you came.

I have a group paper. Can my group members and I come together for a session?

Yes, but we require that all members of the group be present for the tutoring session, and we strongly recommend that you come for a 45-50 minute session, rather than having a mini-session (20-25 minutes).

I am a Temple student, but I do not take classes on main Campus. Can I still get support?

There are a number of ways to get support if you do not take classes on Main Campus. You can access tutoring through our online and e-tutoring services, which enable you to receive feedback in real-time via a web session, or asynchronously with e-mailed feedback. If you are an enrolled student and have any questions about how to access our tutoring services, please don’t hesitate to visit us in Charles Library, call as at 215-204-0702, or email us at .

 

Does the tutor get to decide what we work on?

Generally speaking, you get to decide what aspect of writing you would like to address, although if the tutor sees a significant problem that you haven't mentioned, they will probably point it out and ask if you'd rather work on that instead. You get to make the final decision about what to focus on, though.

Do you fix the paper for me?

No, but we will work with you to make sure that you can fix (or change) aspects of the paper yourself. This helps you develop and learn as a writer, so you’ll be better prepared for your future papers.

I would like to see the same tutor every week. Is this possible?

Yes, you can do this two ways. You can make an appointment yourself with the same tutor every week, if you’d like. If you think you need even more support, you can request a standing appointment. Talk to a tutor, and they will put you in touch with us to learn more. Or call us at 215-204-0705.

Can I bring something that's not for a class?

The writing you want to discuss with a tutor does not need to be an assignment for a class, nor does it need to be academic writing.

Our tutors frequently work with students on their scholarship essays, cover letters, personal statements, resumes, social media content, important emails, and creative writing of all types. If you're a Temple student, then any type of writing project you're working on can be brought to the Writing Center.

I am interested in becoming a writing tutor. How do I do that?

See our Employment page for full details about how to apply for tutoring positions in the Writing Center.