Writing Consultant: Responsibilities
I. Principles
We Emphasize “Talk” in the Writing Center
The Writing Center offers free, individual conferences during which writers may discuss their writing with a trained student consultant. Writers may come in at any time in the writing process (brainstorming, development, rough draft, revisions, etc.). We encourage tutors to work side by side with clients, suggesting clients read aloud the portions of their paper they want to focus on, as a way for them to "hear" themselves and learn the process of self-editing. The Writing Center provides assistance to all Carleton students in all departments and at all levels.
Because dialogue is an essential component of the writing process, the Writing Center does not accept papers for proofreading. Writers write on their papers; consultants talk. Consultants address writers’ concerns during tutorial sessions—discussing, collaborating, and exchanging ideas to create the best piece of writing possible.
We Encourage Writers to Establish Priorities for Their Conferences Writers may make an appointment or drop by the Writing Center on the second floor of Scoville. When you arrive for your conference, a consultant will greet you and ask you a few questions about your writing project. If you’re responding to a writing assignment, please bring a copy of it.
The best conferences are those initiated by writers who come with a clear sense of purpose or specific questions:
- Some students ask a consultant to help them understand an assignment and brainstorm ideas.
- Other writers come with a rough draft and questions regarding organization and clarity.
- Writers also come with graded essays on which the instructor has written specific comments regarding the paper.
We Ask Writers to Read Aloud
When a writer visits the Center, he/she will read aloud parts or all of the draft. When a writer reads aloud, he/she is often more able to recognize awkward sentences and ideas that aren’t logically organized.
We Don’t Edit or Proofread Papers
Since the Writing Center wants visitors to better understand purpose, audience, and focus and to become more self-sufficient writers, Writing Center policy states that consultants may not write on or edit any paper. Instead, through questions and discussion, writers will be encouraged to make their own informed decisions about their writing. The Writing Center is not an editing or proofreading service.
We Ask Writers to Set Up Appointments
We are delighted to work with writers who drop in the Writing Center without an appointment—if a consultant isn’t busy with someone who has made an appointment.
You may make an appointment by dropping by the Writing Center on the second floor of Scoville. You can sign up for one or two thirty-minute conference slots during the day; during our evening hours, writers are limited to one thirty-minute conference to best serve the needs of the Carleton community.
II. Practical Obligations
- Opening and closing procedure
- Other responsibilities
- Calendar and hours
- The workplace
- Library tutoring
- Absence and tardiness
- Discipline and dismissal
- Intake and evaluation
- Appointment system
- Training
- Communication
- Assessment
- Hours
