Learning Commons

All CWU students, including those attending CWU remotely or at campus centers, may access these services:

Zoom Consultations

You can schedule a Zoom consultation and have a live video or audio conversation with a CWU writing tutor. Most similar to a face-to-face conversation in the Writing Center, this method gives you immediate feedback with the ability to screen share, clarify ideas, and ask questions as they arise. To book a Zoom consultation, call or email us during our listed business hours.

Screencast Feedback (up to three business days wait time)

You can send us your draft, and within two class days, we will reply with your choice of: 1) a link to a CWU writing tutor’s recorded voice and screencast video feedback on your paper; 2) your file returned with comments; or 3) both video and comments. Your advantage with this option is that the feedback is recorded and may be played back and reviewed on your own time. Because of the three-day process time, this service closes for the quarter on the Friday of the last regular week of classes. To submit a screencast, click here.

eTutoring

The CWU Learning Commons participates in the Northwest eConsortium, a collection of institutions that pool their resources to offer tutoring in a wide variety of subjects, including writing. Access eTutoring from the Learning Commons' website.

The Writing Center is part of the CWU Learning Commons, located on the ground floor of the Brooks Library. Appointments are recommended, but drop-ins are welcome. To contact us, call 509-963-1270,‬ or send us an email at learningcommons@cwu.edu.

Standard business hours for the ten weeks classes are in session are: Mon.-Thu., 10:00am to 8:00pm, Fri. 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sundays from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. See above for information on our current hours.

Are you able to help me with all kinds of writing?

Yes! Peer writing tutors have a wide variety of majors, and they are trained to work with writers in any discipline and across modalities. Whether you are writing a literary essay or a lab report, cranking out your first college essay or a graduate-level term paper, or planning an Instagram post or a short documentary video, the writing tutors can help.

Is tutoring available for any English class?

While you are welcome to bring any writing sample, from any class, to the Writing Center, the only English course the Learning Commons currently supports in tutoring content is: English 311, through the Subject-Specific tutoring program.

Can I still receive feedback if I don’t have an appointment?

Yes! We offer consultations on a drop-in basis as well as by appointment. Even if you haven't scheduled a time in advance, you can still check in and work on your own until a tutor becomes available. Wait times are usually short but can exceed 30 minutes around midterms and finals.

Can I receive feedback remotely?

Yes! We offer remote consultations over Zoom. For those whose schedules don't allow them to make an appointment during our open hours, we offer feedback via recorded screencast. 

What happens in a consultation?

Consultations last up to 30 or 45 minutes, depending on your project and your needs. People often bring a draft, but it’s not required, since it’s often useful to talk about the assignment or toss around ideas before writing (those are some of our favorite consultations!). After reading your draft/notes together and discussing the main ideas, the conversation typically centers on a few questions or concerns about the piece. During that conversation, options emerge, error patterns may be highlighted and explained, and paths forward are identified. The consultation usually ends with a brief review of what was discussed.

How do I prepare for a consultation?

Whether you are visiting the Writing Center in person or remotely, have your draft/notes ready, your assignment description if you have one, and something to write with. Preparing these things will save you time and allow for a smoother conversation.

Will the tutor proofread my paper?

Because of a fundamental belief that all students have a responsibility to advance in their own writing skills, the Writing Center does not operate as a proofreading service. We do, however, provide feedback and strategies for any writer wishing to learn of grammatical constructs and patterns, as well as rhetorical considerations, that will improve their writing and writing process.

What are the qualifications for becoming a peer writing tutor?

A qualified applicant for the peer writing tutor position has earned 45 credits, has a minimum GPA of 3.0, and has earned a B or higher in Academic Writing I & II. We also look for candidates who have compassion, strong communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to set and meet goals.

What accommodations are available for writers in various circumstances?

Our standard practices in reading and responding to student writing are easily adaptable for almost any circumstance you face, whether that means recording your consultation so you can listen to it later, accessing devices or computer software that facilitate your learning methods, or moving our conversation to a workspace that meets your needs. Writers in the Writing Center have a variety of specific options:

• A KIC scanner can help you create a searchable pdf or mp3 file from almost any text.
• Live scribe smart pens and audio recorders can be checked out at the library Service Point for up to six months at a time.
• Central Access Reader is a downloadable text-to-speech application that also lets you create mp3 files of texts.
• Laptops are available at the library Service Point.
• Headphones, also at the library Service Point, can help you create your own study environment.
• Quiet study spaces, group study rooms, or presentation practice facilities may be reserved.
• Different spaces in the library offer different types and heights of seating, work surfaces, and lighting options.