City Seminary of New York Writing Center

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Frequently Asked Questions / FAQs

Who can use the Writing Center?
Students and faculty of City Seminary of New York.

Who are the consultants?
Consultants are experienced writers and teachers trained in writing consulting at the graduate level.

How long is each session?
45 minutes.

How many sessions can I have?
There is a limit of one session per week, either by email or in-person.

What should I bring to a session?

What should I expect at a session?

How do email appointments work?

What kinds of writing or work can I bring?
You can bring any kind of writing, from scribbled notes to finished drafts, to creative work. You may also come for help in preparing for an oral presentation. You may also come in with a text or texts that you would like assistance in reading, interpreting, or incorporating.

Can I get help with grammar?
Yes. You may ask the consultant to help you identify certain patterns in your writing that need correction, or you may come with a particular grammatical question. The consultant will help you learn the relevant principles or rules.
Will Writing Center consultants be able to help a non-native English speaker?

Writing Consultants may not be experts in ESL teaching; however, they may be able to help a non-native speaker and writer in terms of grammar and syntax. In addition, individuals whose schooling has primarily taken place in another country and / or in another language often find that the writing skills they were taught are very different from the preferred style and rhetoric of the American academy. Writing Consultants can assist in this area as well.

Is there anything a consultant cannot help me with?
Consultants will not proofread or copyedit papers. They will not give feedback on grading issues, although they can help you interpret comments from a professor regarding a grade already given. Obviously, they cannot assist with essay exams, although they can help with test preparation strategies.