FAQ for Students

If you don’t proofread, what is it that you do?

We work to improve the overall structure and organization of your argument, your use of sources, and more. We will also help you with grammar and punctuation problems when we notice a pattern of them; however, we don’t “proofread” by simply “fixing” everything for you—if we did, you might not learn to find and correct these problems yourself.

What if I don’t have a thesis or have anything written at all?

We’ll help! We are excellent at helping you to brainstorm ideas and to form those ideas into a thesis and outline.

Isn’t the WORD Studio just for first-years?

No, all writers and speakers benefit from getting feedback from others. All scholars and professional authors—even your professors!—have had their work read and critiqued by many other people.

Can you help me with my PowerPoint or my oral presentation? What is that room with the camera for?

We can give you feedback on the content and delivery of your speeches, as well as on the content, organization, and layout of PowerPoint presentations. While you can simply sit at a table or at a computer with a tutor to go over the content of presentations, you can also get feedback on your delivery. Our presentation rehearsal room allows you to video yourself giving a speech and/or running through a PowerPoint; you can watch yourself on the big screen and take a DVD with you for further review.

Do I need to make an appointment?

No; however, if you do, you will be sure to have a tutor ready to meet you (we do get busy). Also, if you need to use the oral presentation room, we suggest making an appointment ahead of time so that the equipment is ready when you arrive.

Will I be able to get a tutor who has taken my class before?

Not necessarily the same class, though since our tutors come from a wide range of majors, you may be able to make an appointment with someone with background in the subject. Remember also that all SLU students take courses from a variety of disciplines, and that good writing and communication is similar in all subjects, so even a tutor who hasn’t taken a specific course can give you good feedback.

Will my professor think I’m a bad student if I come here?

No, they appreciate the extra effort that you have put into your work. Some professors have admitted that when they are stuck between two grades for an assignment, evidence of a WORD visit has bumped the student to the higher grade.

My professor is requiring me to come for a visit, but I don’t have time to do it. Can I just have a record sheet signed?

No. We will be happy to sit down and have a conference with you, though. In thirty minutes, we will concentrate on the one or two biggest questions you have about your work so as to make the time you’re spending with us worthwhile.

Can I use the stapler/hole-punch/paperclips? Can I use the computers back there?

Yes, you can use what’s available on our front desk, but would you like to have a conference over that paper that you are stapling? Our computers are for use during conferences or by staff.

Can I borrow a Hacker/MLA guide/dictionary? Do you have a handout for ____?

We have many resources we want you take advantage of. Our handouts are always free and available; however, if you want to borrow a book, we will just ask you to leave your ID with us.

Is this where I come to get ink/toner/paper, to get my computer fixed, or to print color?

Nope. Check with the Systems Office, next door to us.

Can we just look at my paper off my laptop?

Although you may bring your laptop in and make your notes about our conference directly on your document, we ask that you print a separate copy (on scrap paper, if you’re concerned about consumption) for your tutor to have in front of him or her so that both you and the tutor can clearly see the work.

Do you judge me when you see me later on campus? Do I have to say “hi” to you?

Well…we’re students, too. We are also people and we appreciate having our existence acknowledged.

How do I get a job here?

Ask a professor to recommend you to the Interim Director, Claire Plagge. Beginning in Fall 2008, tutors are also required to take a one-credit course, Rhetoric and Communication for Peer Mentors.

This paper is pretty technical (scientifically). Can you still help?

Yes, but you might also benefit from visiting the Science Writing Center located in Launders Library.

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