To schedule an appointment, go on to your MCSquare account, and under the "Student Quicklinks" there is a tab that says "Writing Center/Learning Center Appointments."
Or, go to the "Self Services" Main Menu, in the Student Tab, you will find us under "Writing Center/Learning Center Appointments."
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It will then lead you through a number of steps to schedule your appointment.
However, walk-in's are welcome! We only recommend scheduling an appointment so as to guarantee that you get a time that works best for you.
One thing to take note of - if you have not been to the Writing Center before, the form will automatically make you pick from Tutor 1, 2, 3, etc. It is only after you have been to the Writing Center numerous times that you can choose which tutor you meet with.
If your paper is less than four pages, we recommend a half-hour session. If it is more than four pages, we recommend an hour-long session.
What to Bring
We ask that you please bring two hard copies of whatever it is you are working on (one for you and one for the tutor), the directions/rubric for the assignment, a pen/pencil and paper to take notes, any sources (such as books or articles) you might be using for the paper, and an open mind! The more open you are to suggestions, the more you will get out of the session!
Also, we ask that you please do not bring your laptops to sessions. It is easier for the tutor and client to interact more with a paper when there are two hard copies present.
Where to Begin?
What to Expect in a Session
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Open dialogue about your paper, its strengths and weaknesses, ideas you may have and want to go over, etc.
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Answers to questions you might have about citations, research, etc. (Although expansive MLA, APA, and Chicago citation questions are better suited to our lovely reference librarians across the hall.)
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​Suggestions for improvement, according to our order of concerns (highest order first!).
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​Focus on developing skills, not just quick fixes.
Professor Notification
Following your session with a tutor, your professor will be notified of your coming to the Writing Center and what you worked on through a Faculty Dialogue Form.
This form includes things such as: your timeliness to the appointment, what was discussed, and what you worked on.
Too Busy to Come in? No problem!
The Writing Center also offers students the option of sending in papers 7 + pages in length (along with info about the prompt, class, professor, and due date) to the Writing Center email: writingcenter@messiah.edu
One of our online tutors will respond within two days with feedback.
The Writing Center
Messiah College's
