Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the Center open?

The Writing Center is open Fall 2011 on Mondays 9-5, Tuesdays 9-6, Wednesdays 9-5, Thursdays 9-6, and Fridays 9-4. Appointments begin at the top of the hour and at half past, for example at 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.

2. Do I pay extra for tutoring?

No! Current Chapman students do not pay extra for tutoring.

3. How do I make an appointment?

- Stop by the Center and visit the front desk. The front desk is located at the Glassell Street entrance to DeMille.
- Call the Center: (714) 997-6828
- Email the Center: tutor@chapman.edu

4. Should I make an appointment for a 25 or 50-minute session?

This really depends on your goals for the session. If you have one or two very specific questions (for example, a question about how to document a source or about a grammar issue), choose the 25-minute option. If you want to discuss an entire paper or part of a long paper, choose 50 minutes.

5. Do I have to make an appointment?

Appointments guarantee you time with a tutor, but they are not required. You may drop in any time at the Writing Center's tutoring room in DeMille Hall 140 and work with tutors who are available.

6. What happens during a session?

If you have an appointment: Look for your tutor's name on the whiteboard outside the tutoring room. Next to the tutor's name, you'll see "writing lab" and a desk number. This helps you locate your tutor. If you've forgotten your tutor's name or if you need help signing in, ask someone at the front desk. The front desk is located at the Glassell Street entrance to DeMille.

If you drop in: Check the whiteboard outside the tutoring room (DeMille 140). If a listed Writing Center tutor is alone at a desk, it probably means that he or she is free and ready to work with you. If you're unsure, go and ask the tutor.

After introductions, your tutor will ask about your goals for the session. It's best to limit your goals to two or three. If you're working on a paper for a class, the tutor will ask to see your assignment and maybe your syllabus.

What happens next really depends on your learning style and on your tutor's tutoring style. The tutor might ask you to read your draft aloud or listen as he or she reads. Hearing your paper can help you notice which sections need more attention. The tutor might also ask you to clarify your meaning in a certain part of the paper. The tutor might even take notes while you're talking. In some sessions, the tutor may stop you at a certain section as you read to ask questions. If the tutor's strategies aren't working for you or if you're confused, please tell the tutor. The tutors are here to help, and they're always happy to try new tutoring strategies.

A few minutes before your session ends, your tutor will likely stop to summarize the key points he or she hopes you take away from the session. You're welcome to take notes or to ask the tutor to fill out a "Summary of Writing Center Visit" form.

7. Do I need to have a draft of my paper before I visit the Center?

No. Tutors are happy to help you brainstorm ideas for any school-related writing. They can also help with general questions about writing.

8. How often can I visit the Writing Center?

You may make two 50-minute appointments or four 25-minute appointments per week.

9. What happens if I'm late or forget to show up for my appointment?

If you're more then ten minutes late for an appointment, your tutor might begin working with a drop-in student. If you're late or don't show up for three appointments in one semester, you will be unable to make appointments for the rest of the semester.

10. Will the tutor email my instructors to let them know I came and to explain to them what we did?

If you'd like proof of your visit, ask the tutor at the beginning of the session for a "Summary of Writing Center Visit" form. A few minutes before your session ends, your tutor will write a brief description of your visit and sign it. If your instructors want additional information, ask them to contact Dr. Brian Glaser, Writing Center Interim Director: bglaser@chapman.edu

11. Will the tutor edit or proofread my paper?

Tutors will work with you to look for mistakes and model ways to fix them.

12. Can I choose to work with a specific tutor?

Of course! Meeting with the same tutor is especially helpful if you're working on a long paper and need more then one visit to discuss revision ideas. Just let the front desk know which tutor you prefer.

Enjoy your visit, and please feel free to email us your comments and suggestions.