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. To find sample informational statements you can cut and paste into your syllabi or assignment handouts, click here.

  1. What is the Writing Center?
  2. What happens in a typical session?
  3. How long does a session last?
  4. Where can I send students to have their papers edited?
  5. What if students are unable to visit during the hours provided?
  6. How does the Online Writing Lab (OWL) work?
  7. How can I verify student visited the Writing Center?
  8. What expertise do the Writing Assistants have?
  9. Can I request that an Assistant visit my class? If so, how?

 

1. What is the Writing Center?

LBCC's Writing Center is a support service that promotes the strategies and skills associated with effective writing. Students can meet with assistants one-on-one in drop-in sessions or submit their writing online to the Online Writing Lab (OWL) to discuss any paper in any discipline at any stage of the process. In addition, students have access to computers, handouts, and texts that will help guide them through the writing process.

2. What happens in 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 their paper. The student is then given handouts on the topic discussed to reference and study at their own pace.

3. How long does a session last?

Sessions vary greatly in length according to the complexity of the student's project, the overall development of their paper and ideas, and the question or concern being addressed. Sessions last, on average, about 15-30 minutes.

4. 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 develop long term skills in the hope that they will become better writers. Students requiring ongoing practice and/or instruction are encouraged to visit the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab.

5. What if students are 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 students interested-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.

6. 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.

7. How can I verify that my student visited the Writing Center?

Depending on the method of assistance, students can easily 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 as a written comment summarizing the areas discussed. If the student submitted their paper 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. You can also refer students to the Center using a Student Referral Form, which are available to all faculty, and have designated areas for the Assistant's feedback and comments.

8. What expertise do the Writing Assistants have?

Our staff is composed of writing instructors and students. All of our student 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.

9. Can I request that an Assistant visit my class? If so, how?

We'd love to meet your classes! Simply e-mail an email to our WC Facilitator at Victoria.Fridley@linnbenton.edu with your preferred dates and times. Please be sure to also include your room number(s), class size, and any questions. Keep in mind that while we strive to meet each of your requests, visitations are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. With this in mind, you may want to include alternative dates in your request. Visitations typically take no more than 5 minutes and provide all the information needed to help your students make good use of the Center.