Onsite FAQs
Have you ever hit a snag in the middle of writing a paper? Have you ever wondered how to turn a so-so paper into a great paper? Or have you ever been totally confused about how to begin a writing assignment? Don’t despair! Come to the Texas Tech University Writing Center for help. Find out why Tech’s students and faculty participated in more than 3000 tutorials last year. At the Writing Center, you’ll find that our supportive atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and individualized feedback will jumpstart your writing process.

What is the University Writing Center?
The Writing Center provides writing assistance to Texas Tech University students, faculty, and staff. We work collaboratively with you to help you compose all types of academic and professional documents. We’re located on the first floor (Philosophy side) of the English/Philosophy Building, Room 175, and our hours are M-F 9:00-5:00. Come visit us in person or submit a draft online for a tutor’s feedback.

What kinds of documents can I bring to the UWC?
Typically, any paper you write for a college course can be discussed during a tutorial. While many of our clients are students in ENGL 1301 and 1302, we tutor more than just English papers. Tutors and clients can work on lab reports, research papers, business proposals, resumes, personal statements, application essays, or even theses/dissertations. However, keep in mind that we cannot work on take-home exams without the express consent of your professor.

Should I bring a hard copy or an electronic copy?
Either is fine, but choose the format you are most comfortable with. You can print your draft out and take notes by hand or open up a Word document and make changes as the tutorial progresses. However, if you do bring an electronic copy, it’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early to set up for your session.

What happens during a tutorial?
You and the tutor will work for thirty minutes on your document, which can be at any stage in the writing process. Whether you are brainstorming ideas for a great thesis statement or perfecting the wording of an argument, your tutor will be happy to help you develop, organize, or clarify your ideas. By the end of your tutorial, you will walk away knowing something new and useful about your writing process.

I really have a hard time talking about things I write. Will the tutor be very critical?
The Writing Center tutors are definitely not going to judge or evaluate your paper. We’re here to help you and provide a service that can make your writing even stronger than it already is. We won’t predict grades, but we will offer plenty of support, encouragement, and direction. Many clients like working with our tutors so much that they schedule regular visits throughout the semester.

Why do I have to read my draft out loud? Why can’t the tutor just tell me what’s wrong?
Keep in mind that the UWC isn’t an editing service: we’re here help you become a better writer, not write for you. Studies on teaching writing have shown that reading out loud is one of the best ways to see what’s going on in a paper. Even a writer with decades of experience will catch things that she didn’t see before as she reads her draft out loud—our clients find reading aloud to be useful, as well.

What should I do during a tutorial?
The most successful tutorials are the ones in which both client and consultant participate fully. This means that during your tutorial, you should take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions, take notes, and be involved. If you actively participate in your tutorial, you are more likely to learn things that will help you finish your current project. The things you learn will also prepare you for future writing projects.

What online services do you offer?
If you would prefer to receive feedback electronically, you can submit your draft to our online writing center. Within forty-eight working hours, your draft will be read and commented upon by one of our tutors. Click here for more information about submitting drafts online.