Q: What kinds of writing needs do UWC tutors address?
A: The UWC addresses writing needs ranging from brainstorming ideas to discussing final drafts; it all depends on what a student requests. Every tutoring session begins with a discussion of objectives. Does the student want to improve the organization of an essay? Work on clarity and sentence structure? Brainstorm ideas for an assignment? Objectives can be modified as the conference progresses.

Q: Is tutoring useful for students who are strong  writers?
A: While students who struggle with basic writing skills are especially encouraged to visit the writing center, the UWC is used by writers of all levels who seek feedback on their work or just want to brainstorm.

Q: Can I send all of the students in my class to the writing center for tutoring?
A: Yes. Instructors who would like to require all of their students to visit must  arrange a one-time in-class  workshop with the UWC academic Coordinator or a UWC tutor early in the semester. The in-class workshop is an opportunity to explain our online scheduling system, discuss our tutoring policies, and answer questions. Schedule workshops by clicking on “University Writing Center Workshop Request” from the “Faculty” tab in MyNewSchool.

Q: Is there a way to confirm that a student has been to the writing center?
A: Yes. You can ask the student to request a Confirmation of Conference form at the beginning of the session. On the form, the tutor will indicate when the session took place, what was addressed, and the suggestions made.

Q: Some of my students are not native English speakers. Can tutors help correct the errors in their writing?
A: Non-native English speakers can select a tutor who is a specialist in English as a Second Language. Although tutors neither copyedit nor review for spelling and grammar errors, they help students identify and overcome sentence-level difficulties and a range of problems commonly faced by ESL writers. ESL specialist tutors are also available for speech appointments.

Q: The students I send to the UWC usually need help with grammar, sentence structure, and the like. How can I be sure that they receive assistance with basic writing mechanics?
A: Students determine the goals of their own tutoring sessions. Sending them with a referral form that details your feedback and recommendations alerts the tutor to your concerns, and increases the likelihood that they will be addressed.kk Students should be aware, however, that tutors do not copyedit or proofread; they help writers learn to correct their own errors. Students who need remedial attention to writing can be encouraged to take classes that address these concerns.

Q: Students occasionally say that they didn’t get the sort of help they needed at the writing center. Is there a way to avoid this?
A: Sometimes students want to have a paper copyedited and since the UWC is not a copyediting service some students may say that they did not get the help that they needed. At the same time, the tutor’s feedback is guided by the student’s stated objectives and preparation. To make their visits as useful as possible, students should arrive with all relevant material, prepared to explain their needs to a tutor.

Q: Does the writing center provide information on things like plagiarism and citation?
A: Yes. Tutors can discuss these subjects with students, and relevant handouts are available. We also offer workshops on avoiding plagiarism and citation.  Schedule workshops on these or other subjects by clicking on “University Writing Center Workshop Request” from the faculty tab in MyNewSchool.

Q: Are UWC tutors students at The New School?
A: Generalist writing tutors must be graduate students at The New School. ESL specialists are required to be ESL-certified. All tutors have at least a year of teaching or tutoring college-level writing or English.