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Why
do I need the Writing Center?
The goal of the Spelman College Writing Center is to help undergraduate students mature and advance as writers by providing one-on-one assistance with academic writing. The help we render is intended to cultivate independent writers, not to develop, edit, or proofread student papers. Our goal is to teach students to develop, edit, and proofread their own work, and become better writers in general. The discovery of ideas and supporting statements also remains the writer's responsibility.
A Message from the CWP tutors:
On behalf of the Spelman College writing tutors, we would like to extend an invitation for all students to receive any type of writing instruction in all subject areas. We are aware that writing can be a difficult task, so we here are to help relieve any writing anxieties one may have. Writing skills are essential factors of success in any career field. As a result, we are elated to help anyone achieve success and confidence in the areas of writing.
About the Center
Where is the Writing Center located?
When is the Writing Center open?
Who are the Writing Center tutors?
What is the tutor schedule?
Who can come to the Writing Center?
How often can I come to the Writing Center?
How long is a tutorial session?
How much does it cost to use the Writing Center?
Can I fill out my paperwork prior to my visit?
Do I have to make an appointment?
How do I make an appointment?
What do I do if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
What if I am late to my appointment?
What happens if I miss my appointment?
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During Your Session
Will
my tutor correct or proofread my paper for me?
What should I expect in my session?
What should I bring to my session?
How do I make the most of my visit?
Will my tutor estimate the grade my paper should receive?
Can I get help with any paper or assignment?
After Your Session
How can I become a tutor?
How can I make a comment or suggestion about my session?
Where is the Writing Center located?
The Writing Center is located in the Academic Cosby Center, Room 335.
When is the Writing Center open?
The Writing Center is open Monday thru Thursday from 10:00 am-6:00 pm.
Wednesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm at Howard Harreld Hall.
Who are the Writing Center tutors?
The CWP tutors are a great group of ladies who are eager and ready to help you improve your writing skills. They come from all academic disciplines and are trained to help you with any writing-related problem you may be experiencing throughout the year. To learn more about the tutors, see Meet the Staff.
Who can come to the Writing Center?
Anyone can visit the Writing Center. You don't have to be a specific major or classification. Help is offered to anyone who is a student at Spelman or takes a class at Spelman.
How often can I come to the Writing Center?
Come as often as you'd like!!! We will not turn anyone down so be brave and come check us out. However, it is VERY important and considerate that you try and come to the Writing Center at least two days before the paper is due. Tutors cannot help you if you do not have time to revise your paper.
How long is a tutorial session?
Tutorial sessions are given in 30 minute periods.
How much does it cost to use the Writing Center?
Not a thing! The Writing Center offers great services that are absolutely FREE.
Can I fill out my paperwork prior to my visit?
Yes. If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can download the form (form will be in PDF format) and bring it in on the day of your visit. You can also submit an electronic form to the Writing Center.
Click
here to download the form 
Click here to submit an electronic form
Do I have to make an appointment?
No. Sessions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis although appointments can be made. However, it is up to you if you would like to schedule one. If you do, on the day of your visit if there is a line of people who are just walk-ins you will have top priority and will be seen immediately by the first available tutor so long as you arrive on time to your appointment.
To make an appointment, sign your name beside an available time slot in the appointment book on the front table once you enter the Writing Center (Cosby 335).
What do I do if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, contact Bonnie Tidwell at (404) 270-5593.
What if I am late to my appointment?
If you are late for your appointment, you will be have to wait for an available tutor and you will not have top priority among other walk-ins.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
If you repeatedly miss appointments, you will be limited the number of times you will get to visit the Writing Center.
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Will my tutor correct or proofread my paper for me?
You should bring papers to the Writing Center that you have already proofread for grammar and content. The tutor will not fix everything that is wrong with your paper in one 30-minute session. Tutors will not rewrite your paper or tell you what to write.
What should I expect in my session?
- Tutors to collaborate with you so you can find your own answers.
- To discuss your paper topic with tutors who can then help you develop your ideas.
- Tutors to offer feedback on developing and revising drafts.
- Tutors to suggest writing strategies to strengthen thesis, organization, and clarity of paper.
- Reviewing misunderstood or missing information.
- Be prepared to read the paper aloud to a peer tutor.
- Be prepared to fill out an exit form that will ask general questions about your session.
What should I bring to my session?
You should try and come to the Writing Center at least two days before the paper is due. Tutors cannot help you if you do not have time to revise your paper. You should also bring two copies of your paper to the session as well as a copy of The Everyday Writer (if you do not have one, then bring your own writing handbook). Please bring or be familiar with the assignment and reading audience.
How do I make the most of my visit?
Come to the Writing Center with a clear idea of what you want to work on. It is strongly encouraged that you ask questions and be open to feedback.
Will my tutor estimate the grade my paper should receive?
Tutors cannot estimate the grade you might receive on your paper. That responsibility lies completely in the hands of your professor. You should also note that tutors do not directly nor indirectly offer criticism of a teacher's assignments, methods, or grading practices.
Can I get help with any paper or assignment?
Yes! No matter
if it's an ADW or Biology assignment, the tutors are able to help you
to the best of their abilities.
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Will my professor know that I visited?
No. We will send your professor notification of your visit only if you request it. The note will let your professor know that you visited CWP for tutoring, but it will not specify any details as to what help you received from a tutor.
You are eligible to become a CWP tutor by meeting all of the following qualifications:
- Be at least a sophomore
- Have a 3.0 or higher GPA
- Have passed the first-year writing portfolio requirement
- Have passed English 103 and both ADW courses
- Have 2 faculty recommendations (1 being from an English teacher)
CWP tutors are hired once a year, every fall semester.
How can I make a comment or suggestion about my session?
You can make
any comments or suggestions about your tutorial experience or about
the Writing Center, in general, by emailing Melanie McKie (mmckie@spelman.edu)
or by contacting her at (404) 270-5611.
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