As we head into a new midterm season, I’d like to highlight a group of campus resources that I used to overlook: the TutorZone, the Writing and Communication Center, and the Clem History Writing Center.
All of these centers are free for students to use, and they can help you with a whole range of questions and assignments. From organizing your ideas for a paper to asking your last questions before a final, you can book a meeting no matter what stage of your work you are at. Scheduling a tutoring appointment or a writing consultation can also be a great way to help you structure your time and ensure that you get started on your assignments well ahead of their due date. Below, I will describe the different types of projects these centers can help you with, how to prepare for your meetings to make the most of these resources, and how to book appointments.
It is important to note that the TutorZone is not able to help students with specific assignments that will be turned in for a grade, but can help you practice problem-solving skills or review course material. Depending on the subject matter, it may be more appropriate to book a writing consultation with the Writing and Communication Center or the History Writing Center instead.
Here is a brief overview of what these centers can help you with:
The TutorZone (online or located on the ground floor of Swem)
- Weekly group tutoring sessions for some common introductory courses like BIOL 203 and 204, ECON 101 and 102, CSCI 141, CHEM 206, BUAD 203 and 231, and MATH 111 and 112
- One-on-one meetings for a huge range of subjects, so you can get help on the specific topics you are unsure about at a time that works for you
- Consultations for students looking for guidance on time management or study skills
The Writing and Communication Center (online or located on the ground floor of Swem)
- One-on-one consultations to work with you at any stage of a project on written work
- Feedback and help on all sorts of communication projects like presentations, digital communication, and more
- Support and feedback on applications, personal statements, or personal projects
- Handouts and resources for writing and communication success
The Clem History Writing Center (online or in 347 James Blair Hall)
- One-on-one consultations with W&M history PhD candidates to help with any stage of writing for any type of history writing project or graduate school applications
- Handouts and tips about history writing
How to get the most out of a tutor meeting or writing consultation
- Gather all your notes, description of the assignment, syllabus, or any study guidance provided by your professor
- Brainstorm any specific questions you may have or topics that you would like to discuss with your tutor or consultant
- Identify your specific goals for your meeting and prepare to share those in your meeting
- Read each center’s specific guidance for preparing for your meeting or consultation
- What to Expect from the Writing and Communication Center
- How to prepare for your History Writing Center appointment
- Expectations from the TutorZone
If any of these services appeal to you, then follow these links to book a meeting!
- Appointments or group tutoring sessions at the TutorZone
- Consultations with the History Writing Center
- Consultations with the Writing and Communication Center
As a final note, the TutorZone and the Writing and Communication Center both hire undergraduate tutors or peer consultants each year. The TutorZone tutor application will open in March, and the Writing and Communication Center typically receives applications in the fall semester. The different requirements for tutors and peer consultants for writing are described on each center’s webpage.
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