Tutors discuss topics with writers, offer feedback on developing drafts of papers, suggest writing strategies, diagnose writing problems, ask questions, review missing or misunderstood information, listen to writers, and help them gain perspective on their writing. Generally, student writers' individual needs are the focus of our tutorials. Students are encouraged to set the agenda by articulating their own individual writing tasks, dilemmas, and questions. In addition to help with essays and term papers, our staff also provides help with resumes, job applications, letters, pamphlets, and any other writing task with which students are involved. During the 1997-98 academic year, our tutors worked with over 500 WSU students in nearly 800 tutorial sessions.
Most tutors are graduate students in English who hold bachelor's degrees.
Some have considerable teaching and writing experience. In addition, each undergoes a rigorous training program. We begin by working to ensure that what students know is clearly expressed in their writing. And we are familiar with the forms and strategies used in different disciplines. We wish we could.