Writing Resources Center
Online Tutoring

Online Tutoring Guidelines

Students may discuss writing with a Writing Resources Center (WRC) consultant via email or IM. Online WRC consultants have received additional training in electronic communication in order to tutor effectively in this medium.

As with our traditional tutorial policy, WRC consultants will neither proofread nor edit papers. Instead, we will review work and guide clients toward improvement in a question and response exchange. Electronic tutoring allows UNC Charlotte's evening, long-distance, and hearing-impaired students the same WRC access through the Internet that other students receive in on-site tutorials. Although electronic tutorials are conducted outside the WRC, clients must report for the tutorial; clients cannot simply e-mail the paper and read our reply at their convenience.

While the WRC offers electronic tutorials, we encourage traditional face-to-face appointments. Research confirms the effectiveness of traditional tutorials. In addition, email and IM (chat based) sessions are more effective than just using email.

How the Program Works

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Email and IM

During the tutorial the consultant and the client will begin the tutorial with an email. The client sends the paper and IM screen name to the WRC account. The consultant will communicate the WRC IM information back via email. After this exchange, all communication occurs through IM.

Email Only

During the tutorial, the consultant and the client will exchange e-mails to discuss writing concerns. The consultant will first respond to the questions submitted with the paper. Thereafter, the consultant and the client will respond to the questions and comments included in each other's e-mails. Although the tutor will e-mail a Consultant Report form to the instructor after the session ends, the e-mails exchanged between consultant and client remain confidential.

Scheduling an On-line Tutorial

• Call (704.687.4357) or e-mail the WRC for available online tutorial appointments.
• Submit an online tutoring electronic form.
  

Participating in an Online Tutorial

• E-mail the WRC at wrchelp@email.uncc.edu at the scheduled electronic tutorial time so the consultant will know that you are ready to begin. If a client does not contact the WRC within 10 minutes, the appointment is forfeited and recorded as a No Show in our records. After the second No Show, a client cannot schedule any tutorials for the remainder of the semester.
• When the consultant responds, read the consultant's e-mail reply carefully. Please ask for clarification if the consultant's message is unclear.
• Continue exchanging through email or IM throughout the 50-minute appointment.

Online Tutorial Etiquette

1. Do not include emoticons.
2. Avoid writing messages in all capital letters. (Flaming)
3. Abusive or profane language will not be tolerated.
4. Only relate messages concerning assignments.

Academic Integrity & Multi-cultural Policies