Do you help with papers not related to a class?

Yes, we will gladly work with students on any writing or speaking assignment. Many students bring in applications for graduate schools. The University Career Center is another resource for writing resumes and job application.

Do you help with grammar?

Yes, BUT... We will gladly help visitors become better editors and proofreaders of their own texts. We will not, however, edit or proofread papers. If a tutor notices that a visitor's text has many run-on sentences, the tutor will point one or two out, discuss how to fix them, and then be present as the visitor corrects his or her own text. This is a lengthy process, but having a tutor "correct" a paper does not help the visitor learn anything. This policy is quite firm.

May I get help with a take-home exam?

Yes, if you you have a completed referral form from your instructor. We will not work with any visitor on any exam without one.

I'm a graduate student, can you help me?

Yes. Even though we are part of the Division of Undergraduate Affairs, we are happy to work with graduate students. Please, however, see the questions concerning grammar and long texts. Also, please note that each discipline has its own values when it comes to writing and speaking. Our tutors most likely are not specialists in your disciplinary genre.

May I bring in my 20-page paper?

Yes, but we will most likely not be able to discuss all of it during a session. It is best to pick one or two sections to discuss with the tutor during a session. Also, please see the question about grammar and proofreading.

Why can't tutors write on my paper?

As our principles state, we see writing and speaking as a series of choices and encourage visitors to take responsibility for those choices. We also believe in making better writers and speakers, not better papers and speeches. By focusing on helping you make the best choices (instead of telling you what to choose), you learn better.

I'm a non-native speaker of English, how can you help me?

We will gladly work with non-native speakers of English with both writing and speaking concerns. As mentioned before, however, we are not a proofreading service. We will help non-native speakers with grammar, as we help all visitors: by helping them learn to correct their own mistakes.

Some non-native speakers of English want to work on understanding English idioms instead of a specific academic text. They may bring in newspaper articles and their own writing to discuss with the tutor.

Other resources on campus include: the NCSU ESL Program, which offers courses for non-native speakers of English and the Office of International Scholar and Student Services, which offers many useful programs including the English Conversation Club.

How do I become a tutor?

Contact Marcia Toms, the coordinator of WSTS, at marcia_toms@ncsu.edu or 919-513-7829. Hiring for the fall semester begins after spring break; hiring for the spring semester begins after fall break.

What if I still have questions?

Feel free to contact Marcia Toms, the coordinator of WSTS, at marcia_toms@ncsu.edu or 513-7829.

Also, the Undergraduate Tutorial Center office (515-3163) is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What can I expect during my visit?
What should I bring to the session?
Why can't tutors write on my paper?
I don't live in a residence hall, may I still visit one of those locations?
What if the tutor is already helping someone else?
What happens if I come at closing time?

What can I expect during my visit?

After saying hello, our sessions normally begin with asking you about your assignment. You and the tutor then set goals for the session; goals are important because it is unlikely that we will be able address every issue. We typically address higher-order concerns first, and then, if time allows, address later-order concerns.

Tutors will often ask you to perform your speech or read your paper aloud. This accomplishes many things, including: allowing tutors to familiarize themselves with your assignment and helping you correct your own work.

After familiarizing themselves with the assignment and work, tutors will often ask you questions. These questions often ask for clarification and address the choices you have made. Tutors may make suggestions, but you are responsible for deciding whether or not those suggestions are appropriate for your assignment.

Sessions generally run about 25 minutes when there is a wait. If there is not a wait, tutors will gladly work for longer periods of time. Closing times, however, are firm. At the end of a session, tutors will ask you complete an evaluation. These evaluations are very useful for both the tutor and the program as a whole.

What should I bring to the session?

Please bring a copy of your assignment sheet, what you have prepared thus far, and any textbooks that would be relevant. Also, be ready to identify specific issues you want to address during the session.

I don't live in a residence hall, may I still visit one of those locations?

Yes, you may. All members of the NCSU community are free to visit all WSTS locations.

What if the tutor is already helping someone else?

Please let the tutor know that you are waiting. The tutor will then limit the current session's time.

What happens if I come at closing time?

Our closing times are firm. If you arrive 10 minutes before closing, then you will not be able to get the help you need. If you arrive thirty minutes before closing and the tutor is already working with someone, you will most likely not be able to have a session. It is best to arrive as early as possible.

What is the turnaround time for online tutoring?
What is the difference between online and face to face tutoring?

What is the turnaround time for online tutoring?

We expect to pilot the service in the summer of 2006.

What is the difference between online and face to face tutoring?

In both types of sessions the tutors respond to your work and focus on higher order concerns first, like organization and development of ideas. In general, students find it easier to work on later issues such as grammar and citations with a face to face tutor.

May I require my entire class to use your services?
How do I know a student attended?

May I require my entire class to use your services?

Please do not, for both pedagogical and logistical reasons. Please encourage your students to visit, but do not make it a requirement.

How do I know a student attended?

We do not automatically send reports of visits to instructors. If you would like to know that a student came, please have the student request a note from the tutor.