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Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in the Writing Center! Below, you will find answers to some of the most common questions about our services and staff. Any questions or concerns not addressed below can be submitted to Victoria.Fridley@linnbenton.edu.
Frequently Asked Student Questions
- What is the Writing Center?
- What happens in a typical session?
- How long does a session last?
- How does the Online Writing Lab (OWL) work?
- What if I am unable to visit during the hours provided?
- How do I make an appointment for a 30-minute session?
Frequently Asked Faculty Questions
- Where can I send students to have their papers edited?
- How can I verify that my student visited the Writing Center?
- What expertise do the Writing Assistants have?
- Can I request a tour of the Writing Center for my class? If so, how?
Frequently Asked Student Questions
What is the Writing Center?
At LBCC's Writing Center, our goal is to help students become more confident, effective, and expressive writers – and to make the writing process a more joyful one. Students can meet with Writing Assistants one-on-one in drop-in sessions, make an appointment for a 30-minute session, or submit their writing online to the Online Writing Lab (OWL) to discuss any paper in any discipline at any stage of the writing process – from brainstorming to revising final drafts. In addition, students have access to computers, handouts, and texts that will offer additional writing support.
“I love the Writing Center. You are all amazing and very helpful.” – Cassie, student
What happens in a typical session?
Generally, the student will guide the direction and content of the session based on their individual needs, questions, or concerns. Once an area has been identified, the writing assistant will read the paper aloud with the student and discuss appropriate ideas and strategies to help the student revise his or her paper.
“I love the support that the Writing Center gives to their visitors. They make you feel welcomed and are always enthusiastic about your return.” – Rachelle Mackay, student
How long does a session last?
The length of a session varies greatly according to the complexity of the students' projects, the overall development of their paper and ideas, and the question or concern being addressed. However, sessions last, on average, about 30 to 45 minutes. If we have three or more students on our Waiting List, we limit sessions to 20 minutes until all students are served.
“The help here is very critical to me passing my class and each time I attend it not only helps me with my writing but to use the help provided.” – Larry Lee, student
How does the Online Writing Lab work?
The OWL is the virtual face of the Writing Center. Students simply go to lbcc.writingcenteronline.net and, after creating their own username and password, they are guided through the submission process. During this process, they provide information about the assignment, their goals, their paper's strengths, and any questions or concerns they have. Once submitted, one of our assistants will provide personalized feedback within 1-2 business days. This means that for those students submitting papers on Friday, a response may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday.
What if I am unable to visit during the hours provided?
Students who are unable to visit the Center during regular business hours—including those students who are enrolled in online courses and any other interested students—are welcome to use the Online Writing Lab (OWL). This free service is available to any student who has a valid e-mail account and a working internet connection.
How do I make an appointment for a 30-minute session?This service is new, starting fall term 2011. Before students can sign up for appointments, they must fill out a registration form. After that step, students can sign up for an appointment in our scheduling binder, located by the Writing Center Coordinator's desk. Students are allowed one appointment per day, three appointments per week.
Frequently Asked Faculty Questions
Where can I send students to have their papers edited?
We are happy to identify patterns of error and discuss strategies to help recognize, avoid, and/or correct such errors in the future. However, we do not edit or "fix" student writing. Our goal is to help students become more effective writers; dialogue about a specific writing assignment is intended to develop long term skills. Students requiring ongoing practice in grammar and reading skills or assistance with study skills are encouraged to visit the College Skills Zone, also located in the Learning Center.
How can I verify that my student visited the Writing Center?
Depending on the method of assistance, students easily can verify that they visited the Writing Center. If they attended a face-to-face session at one of our physical locations, they can request a stamp or signature as well. If students submit their papers via the Online Writing Lab, simply request they attach their e-mailed response to their paper, which will include all of the Writing Assistant's comments.
What expertise do the writing assistants have?
Our staff is composed of writing instructors and students. All of our student writing assistants come highly recommended by Linn-Benton's writing faculty and have demonstrated success in their writing classes. In addition, all assistants take part in ongoing training, which builds on their extensive knowledge of writing strategies and tutoring practices.
Can I request a tour of the Writing Center for my class? If so, how?
We'd love to meet provide a tour for your classes! Class tours need to be scheduled for the first week of the quarter, and they take 20 – 25 minutes. Tours after the first week are too distracting to the students using the Writing Center. Simply email the Writing Center Coordinator at victoria.fridley@linnbenton.edu with your preferred dates and times. Please include the name of the class you are teaching. Many students have said the tours encouraged them to use the Writing Center and made them feel comfortable. Thank you for taking the time to provide information about our services to your classes.
Please also help promote the Writing Center by including information in your syllabi. For your convenience, the following is a short blurb you can use: The Writing Center provides friendly one-on-one assistance with any class in which writing is assigned and at any stage of the writing process – from brainstorming to final drafts. There are three ways students can use the Writing Center: simply drop in at your convenience, make an appointment for a 30-minute session, or submit your writing on the online writing lab (OWL) at lbcc.writingcenteronline.net. Writing Center hours are M–F from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.