Consulting Appointment
What can I expect from my session?Each session is 60 minutes long. You may not end up using all that time, but it is the time you're allotted. Your consultant, a Masters or Ph.D. Graduate Instructor, will first ask you to fill out some paperwork. This will help both of you set priorities for your session. Consultants will also talk with you about the assignment: the requirements, the stage of the writing process, and particular concerns you want to address. We often find that reading your writing out loud helps both you and the consultant to get a clear idea of what is working and what might be improved. The process is a collaborative one, so the consultant will offer suggestions, but ultimately it is your work. We encourage dialogue throughout the session. At the end of the session, you and your consultant will revisit the paperwork to determine if you've accomplished what you intended to during the session.
How do I schedule an appointment?Go to Make an Appointment link on the sidebar or visit http://nmsu.mywconline.com. If it's your first time making an appointment, click on "First Time Here?" You will register with information like your first and last name, banner number, and email address. Once you've registered you can log in and see our schedule. Blue blocks means that time is booked, but white blocks are free. Pick a time that works best for you and a consultant with whom you'd like to work. We'll want to know what kind of assignment it is you'll be bringing in and who your instructor is. This will provide our consultant with a little information so they know how to best assist you. You'll receive a confirmation reminding you of the time and date, as well as what you might bring to your session.
If I just show up without an appointment, will a consultant work with me?If you just walk in and a consultant is free, then you can be seen. Appointments do tend to fill up though, so it is in your best interest to make an appointment. You can also go to our hours in Zuhl Library, 7-9 Sunday through Wednesday. All of those appointments are walk-in.
I need to cancel my appointment. How do I do that?Visit http://nmsu.mywconline.com to log in and cancel or change your appointment. You will be sent a confirmation email reflecting the change.
What if I'm late to my appointment? Or I miss it?After 15 minutes, your consultant marks the appointment as missed and may start a session with another writer. If you miss more than two appointments, the system will not let you schedule another one for the remainder of the semester. So, it's better to cancel or change your appointment rather than just not showing up.
What should I bring to my appointment?Bring a hard copy of your writing as well as the assignment sheet, if possible, and any other brainstorming, outlining, or other information relevant to the work. The Center also has computers, so if your draft or the assignment are digital the consultant can also work with you that way.
Are there limits on how many appointments I can make?Yes. The appointment system will not allow you to make more than two sessions in a week. We do this in order to serve as many writers as possible.
Can I see the same tutor every time I come?Sure! As long as the consultant is free you can see them more than once. You may even want to set up your next appointment at the end of your current one so you make sure to get in to see your consultant.
Can I only see a consultant face to face? And what if the times the Center's open don't work for me?Our online writing center might be a good option for you. The turnaround takes longer, usually 2-3 days, but the consultants are just as skilled.
Can I just drop my essay off for a consultant to edit and come pick it up later?No, Writing Center consultants are not hired help. Instead, the consultants are there to work with you to improve your writing. If you have a dissertation perhaps or an application essay for which you would only like copyediting, we may be able to connect you with paid editors who can help.
My paper is really long. Can I schedule two sessions back-to-back so we can get through it?No, we want other writers to be able to get help from our consultants. Instead, consider what part of your paper you might need the most help with and your consultant will do their best to address that issue during your session.
My professor is giving extra credit for going to the Writing Center. How can I prove I came?At the end of every session in the Center, you will receive a form with the date and time of your appointment and a record of what you and your consultant discussed. You can show your professor that sheet and also use it to help with further revisions.
If I am working on a group project, can the whole group meet with a tutor?Yes. Our consultants will work with more than one writer. If you are coming as a group, it can be even more important to think about what you want to get accomplished during your 60 minute session. Consider what is the most pressing issue for the group, so our consultants can help you.