Our Mission
The Writing Center works to address both the immediate goals of our clients with regard to specific papers as well as ways in which they can further their development as writers. We are happy to help at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to revision. Tutors are ready to offer advice on clients’ specific concerns, including but not limited to developing a thesis, use of evidence, organization and flow, and sentence structure. Above all, we hope to provide students with the skills to become their own editors.
Questions…
Will a tutor proofread my paper for me?
Our tutors provide writing support beyond mechanics. While we will not proofread your papers for you or work exclusively on sentence-level skills, we will help you learn how to revise and edit your work in order to improve all the writing you do.
Can I work with any graduate or undergraduate tutor?
Graduate students work with graduate tutors, and undergraduate students work with undergraduate tutors. Because ours is a peer-run center, we offer different hours for graduate and undergraduate tutoring. Be sure to make an appointment during the appropriate time.
My paper is due in three hours. Can I meet with a writing tutor now?
We recommend leaving yourself time to revise. While we meet with all students, we prefer to meet with you more than 24 hours before a paper is due. If you come in for a consultation at the last minute, you risk not having enough time to revise your work after the session.
Do I have to make an appointment?
We do accept walk-ins, but we give priority to students who make appointments. By registering your information online and scheduling an appointment, we can be most effective in offering feedback to writers over a series of meetings rather than during a single session. Even if you use the center on a walk-in basis, you still need to fill out our online tutorial form before meeting with a tutor.
Can I be late for my appointment?
Out of courtesy for your tutor and fellow students, please be on time. If you show up late for your appointment, you forfeit your session. Tutorials last 30 minutes, and tutors and students use all of that time to discuss the writing and ideas at hand. If you arrive late, your tutor will not have the time to address all of your concerns.
What happens if I miss more than one appointment?
Missing appointments means we can’t schedule sessions with other students. If you don’t show up for two scheduled sessions, you will no longer be able to schedule appointments, but you are always welcome to use the Center as a walk-in client.
How can I become a Writing Center Tutor?
For more information about becoming a Writing Center Tutor, check out our Tutors page. You may also contact the Writing Center Director, Maggie Debelius, at 202-687-2998 or email the Writing Center at writingcenter@georgetown.edu.