Writing/ESL Individual Appointments
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FAQ about Writing/ESL services
Q. What kinds of assistance do Writing Specialists offer? 
A. As experienced professionals with graduate degrees, LSC Writing Specialists offer a variety of assistance to UCDavis students with writing assignments across the curriculum. In individual appointments, we can help you understand the assignment or prompt and offer strategies for brainstorming, prewriting, organizing, developing, and revising your essay or term paper. Although you can see a Writing Specialist at any point in your writing process, we can usually help you more effectively if you have ample time to follow up on our feedback and revise your work before the due date.
Q. Who can use LSC Writing Specialists?
A. All registered students of UCDavis are eligible to use LSC Writing services free of charge.
Q. How do I make an appointment?
A. Most students see an LSC Writing Specialist in a same-day appointment. At 8:00 a.m. each weekday morning, a sign-up sheet with the appointments available for that day is posted on a clipboard at our Reception Desk in 2205 Dutton Hall. Sign up for an open appointment, then return to LSC at that time to meet with a Writing Specialist. The Same-Day Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to course writing only; each student is limited to one same-day appointment per day.
LSC Writing Specialists also offer a limited number of Advance Appointments. To make an advance appointment, you can call the at (530)752-2013 or stop by our Reception Desk in 2205 Dutton Hall, Monday through Friday, 7:50 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. The Receptionist has the calendars and available appointments for all LSC specialists. Advance appointments open up exactly one week in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are limited to one Advance Appointment at a time; after meeting with a specialist for that appointment, you may make another Advance Appointment.
Q. What should I bring to my appointment with a Writing Specialist?
A. Since we can help you at any stage of the writing process, you do not need a finished draft to meet with a Writing Specialist. Bring whatever you have so far--the assignment sheet, notes, brainstorming, partial drafts, or full drafts as well as any guidelines or feedback your instructor has already given you. If you're having a hard time getting started on an assignment, bring the prompt and whatever ideas you have. NOTE: We cannot read papers on laptops or online. Please print your drafts in 12 pt font, double-spaced and single-sided to allow space for your notes and revisions.
Q. Can you edit/correct/revise/proofread my paper?
A. Allowing anyone to edit,correct, revise, or proofread your paper is Unauthorized Collaboration, as defined by ??SJA. Instead, LSC Writing Specialists identify weaknesses and errors in your work, explain relevant grammar rules or writing strategies, and help you determine an effective plan for revision. It is important to allow yourself ample time before the due date to follow up on our suggestions and to improve your own writing.
Q. Can I email a paper to you for review?
A. No. While your instructors may accept papers online or via email for review and feedback, LSC Writing Specialist do not have authority to do so.
Q. Can you tell me what grade I will get on this paper?
A. No. Only the instructor of the course can give you a grade on your paper, based on the degree to which you fulfilled his/her expectations for the assignment.
Q. Can you help me with a take-home exam?
A. Only if the instructor has given you permission to consult with a LSC Writing Specialist or Tutor. Otherwise, such assistance would be Unauthorized Collaboration.
Q. Can you help me with documenting and citing my sources?
A. Yes! We are happy to show you how to document and cite your sources, how to build your References or Works Cited page, and how to incorporate source material into your text. If your instructor has provided guidelines for documenting your sources, bring those to your appointment. NOTE: while we may be able to point out areas that seem to be lacking adequate documentation, we cannot take responsibility for ensuring that all borrowed material is accurately and completely documented. That responsibility rests with you, the writer.
Q. Will you help me with non-course writing?
A. Yes. We offer advance appointments for non-course writing, including personal statements and scholarship applications. Call (530)752-2013 or stop by the LSC Reception Desk in 2205 Dutton Hall to request a Personal Statement Appointment.
Q. What is the best way to get help during busy periods?
A. As a valued student service on a very large campus, LSC Writing Specialists are nearly always busy, especially on Monday mornings and during the last three weeks of the quarter. The best way to get help during these busy periods is to 1) arrive early to sign up for a Same-day Appointment (doors open at 7:50 a.m.) or 2) call in the morning exactly one week prior to the date you would like to have an Advance Appointment. Students with disabilities may contact the LSC Receptionist at (530)752-2013 for accommodation.
