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WRITING @ CASE

 
 
Writing Resource Center - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How much time may I schedule with a consultant?
Each student may receive up to 120 minutes of writing instruction per week in either 30- or 60-minute increments. Students may make one appointment per day. We recommend that you schedule 60-minute sessions for longer projects. Those working on lengthy documents should schedule multiple appointments.

 

How many days in advance may I schedule an appointment?

Students may schedule appointments up to 21 days (three weeks) in advance. Please contact the center if you have special circumstances requiring you to schedule more than 21 days in advance.

 

What do I need to bring with me to the WRC?

In most cases, students should bring a printed copy of their drafts and a copy of the assignment, which includes the professor’s e-mail address (for optional faculty reports). We also expect that you come prepared to explain to the writing consultant your primary concerns about your paper so that he or she may best assist you.

 

Will the consultant work with me on a paper that I have stored on my laptop?

It depends on the consultant. Some prefer that you bring in a printed copy of your paper. If you prefer to work electronically, you will need to ask your consultants' permission. You should always bring a paper copy the first time that you meet with a consultant. Note that printing is available in our Bellflower Hall and Nord Hall locations.

 

I only want to have a consultant read over my paper to make sure there are no grammatical errors. May I still visit the WRC?
Yes, but expect your consultant to provide you with valuable instruction on how to look for and correct these errors yourself.  While we are more than happy to assist you with issues of mechanics and grammar, we will not proofread your paper for you. If you are looking for a professional editing service, please e-mail writingcenter@case.edu for referrals.

 

I am having trouble coming up with a topic. May I still visit the WRC?
By all means!  At the WRC, we can assist you with any stage of the writing process – from helping you to interpret the assignment prompt, to coming up with a topic, to drafting and organizing, to editing and polishing.  Be sure to bring as much information (a copy of the assignment, class notes) as is necessary to help your consultant understand your project.

 

Will my professor know that I visited the WRC?
Only with your permission.  If you would like for your professor to receive a brief overview of the writing issues addressed in your session, please be sure to provide his or her e-mail address to your consultant. Most instructors appreciate students who take the initiative to improve their writing, but consultants at the WRC will also respect your right to privacy.

 

I need an appointment today. May I schedule it online?

Students may schedule appointments up to an hour in advance. Please note that while we will meet with you on the day your paper is due, we can only offer limited assistance within the 30 or 60-minute time frame. We recommend scheduling appointments well in advance of the due date.

 

What happens if I miss an appointment?

Your consultant will indicate on WC Online that you did not attend the session. After three missed sessions, the system will prevent you from making appointments during the semester in which you missed. You will need to contact the WRC to be reinstated. It is best to cancel your appointment - by deleting it on WC Online - prior to your session. You may also give us a call at X3798 or e-mail at writingcenter@case.edu, and we will delete the appointment for you. Please note that if you cancel or are marked as a no-show, you will be unable to schedule an appointment for the same day.

 

What happens if I am late for an appointment?

Your consultant will wait for you until 10 minutes after the session begins. After that, he or she will indicate that the appointment has been missed. If you are running late, please e-mail your consultant or consider rescheduling your appointment. Consultants will try to be as flexible as possible, but in some situations they may need to use the time to work with other students.

 

What is WRC Peer Evaluation and how does it affect my session?

During your session with a WRC consultant, another consultant may ask to sit-in and observe the appointment. This helps us to improve our tutoring. Please note that these evaluations are focused on consultants' instruction, not on students' papers. If you would prefer that your session not be observed, please let your consultant know, and he or she will be happy to oblige.