Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it
cost to use the Writing
Center?
Nothing. Writing Center
services are free.
Where is the Writing
Center located?
We have locations all over the 1604 campus and one in the Frio Street
Building downtown. Check out the website for a complete listing.
What is involved in a
visit to the Writing
Center?
You determine what
happens in a visit. The
tutors are there to help
you. The following is a
possible scenario. The
tutor will read through
your paper with you,
answer your questions,
and work with you to
strengthen your paper
and your skills as a
writer. You and the
tutor may discuss any
aspect of your writing
or your writing process.
What would a visit do
for me?
Many instructors say
that student writing
improves after quality
feedback. As a writer,
you will notice when you
visit the Writing Center
the process of revision
is more productive; you
may find yourself paying
much more attention to
your writing, spending
more time on your
writing, and beginning
to think more
confidently of yourself
as a writer.
Do I need to make an
appointment with a
tutor?
While you are welcome to walk-in at any of the locations during their
open hours, you're also welcome to make an appointment either for one of our centers or to meet a tutor online. An appointment
will often keep you from having to stand in a long line!
Can I request a
particular tutor?
Yes. If you are making
an appointment,
just request the tutor
by name.
What kind of help
will I receive from a
tutor?
Writing Center tutors
will discuss your
writing assignments with
you and make suggestions
on approaching a topic,
organizing a paper,
developing your style,
or correcting recurring
errors. Tutors may also
direct you to other
resources for further
assistance. Tutors will
not edit or proofread a
paper or write any part
of your paper for you.
(Tutors will help you
with grammar and
punctuation, though.)
What do I need to
bring with me?
Bring your questions,
ideas, notes, doodles,
and your assignment or
writing task. The more
information you give us
about the task, the more
focused our advice can
be. Bring a hard copy of
your essay or a first
draft on disk or flash drive. Bring
writing at any stage of
your process. It is helpful if you also bring along a copy of the
assignment, if possible.
Will my instructor
know that I used The
Writing Center?
Whether you inform your
professor that you have
visited The Writing
Center is your decision.
We will give you a form
that shows you did go
the The Writing Center.
You may give it to your
professor if you wish.
The decision is entirely
up to you. We do not notify the professor ourselves.
What if I just have a
quick question about my
writing?
You will find that we
have more than one tutor
at many hours. If
someone is not busy, he
or she can certainly
answer your question on
the spot.
What are the hours of
The Writing Center?
See Tutor Hours for a full schedule at all locations.
Who can get help at
The Writing Center?
Students, faculty, and
staff - anyone who wants help with UTSA-related writing - are welcome at
The Writing Center.
Do I have to have a
complete draft?
No, you may come into
The Center with some
brainstorming or with
any stage of the writing
process.