The Writing Center FAQs

The CARES labs are learning centers. Professional Tutors will work with students to edit, revise, and plan papers, but this is not a place for students to simply "drop off" papers to be edited.

No, you do not have to make an appointment for in-person tutoring. You can just walk in.

However, if you are in need of online tutoring, booking an appointment through AlamoNavigate is highly recommended. For information on booking an appointment, please view this video:
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You can come to the INRW and College Level English Labs at any stage of the writing process! We encourage students to come in before they have a draft to understand the assignment, brainstorm ideas, or create an outline.

Students are welcome to use the INRW and ENGL Labs as open workspaces for individuals or groups. Printing is available with a GoPrint account. We even offer sound-proof booths, if you need a quiet space. Tutors can assist with quick questions, but there may be a short wait if tutors are in one-on-one sessions.

Our tutors focus on helping you address major writing concerns, like thesis development, organization, argumentation, and clarity. We can also teach you to identify grammatical errors in your writing and explain the reasoning or rule behind corrections. Once we model a correction, we will encourage you to self-edit your essay, but are always here to give support along the way. Research shows this approach is effective in supporting writers' growth and learning.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support model that encourages peer-assisted study sessions. It's all about getting together with your classmates to workshop assignments or review class material, led by someone who's previously taken and passed that same course.

Unlike traditional tutoring, SI is tied to a specific course and is designed to support all the students in that course. SI sessions focus on collaboration, group study, and understanding course material through peer interaction. Tutors, on the other hand, provide more individualized assistance, often on a one-on-one basis.

Yes! Whether you're doing great in the class or finding it tricky, SI complements your class experience and can provide additional support to help you succeed.

Absolutely! Mixing SI sessions with one-on-one tutoring sessions is like having the best of both worlds.