Writing Center FAQ

What is the Writing Center at CSUF? 

At the Writing Center, we believe in the value of writers talking to writers about writing.

Our staff consists of graduate and undergraduate students trained in writing and collaborative tutoring strategies to encourage metacognition about writing so that you can address writing purposes both inside and outside of the classroom. In twenty-five minute sessions, through active discussion and modeling, our tutors work with you to address the writing questions you have at any stage of the writing process.

More broadly, through workshops and campus events, the Writing Center promotes an environment that celebrates writing as it cultivates the growth and creativity of all writers.

For a more comprehensive introduction and step-by-step tutorial on how to use the writing center, check out this Writing Center Introduction video here. 

Who can use the Writing Center? 

All current CSUF students, faculty, and students can use the writing center. We help people at any point in the writing process etc. etc. 

Where is the Writing Center located? 

The Writing Center is located on the first floor of Pollak Library North. To find us, walk past the research desk, look for our sign/banner on the left. All appointments Mon-Thurs are in the Writing Center, and appointments on Friday-Sunday are currently on-line. 

How do I make an appointment at the Writing Center?

  1. Go to our appointment website at http://fullerton.mywconline.com
  2. Register by creating a user profile. Click on the hyperlink that reads "Click here to register." Complete this step before attempting to log in with your email address and password.
  3. Fill in the required information. Log in to the system with the password you just created.
  4. When you view the weekly schedule, the WHITE boxes are open appointment times. Click on one that fits your schedule. A popup window will appear. Fill out the information, and then click on the blue “Create Appointment” button at the bottom. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you listed in your user profile.
  5. All appointments are currently online. Post pandemic: All appointments take place in the Writing Center, located on the first floor of Pollak Library North.

What do I bring into my Writing Center appointment?

  1. Something to take notes with.
  2. The prompt for the assignment that you’re working on.
  3. An idea of what you want to focus on during the session. While tutors will work on a variety of issues concerning your paper, they will not simply “correct” your paper, so it is best to have specific ideas of what you think may need work.
  4. What you have so far in your writing process. This could include anything from your general ideas to your latest draft.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

If you’re unable to make it to an appointment, you can cancel through the scheduling website any time prior to your scheduled time without penalty. Click on the red appointment box for the session you want to cancel. Then, when the pop-up box appears, scroll down to the bottom and click the red “Cancel This Appointment” button. The Writing Center has a large volume of students seeking help throughout the year. If you don’t cancel, we allow only a five-minute grace period before issuing a no-show cancellation. Likewise, if you are more than five minutes late, your appointment time will be given to another student. Two no-show cancellations will result in an inability to make appointments in advance. You may then only receive tutoring on a walk-in basis.

Does the Writing Center take walk-in appointments?

If you wish to meet with a tutor on a “walk-in” basis, you must first be registered through our online scheduling system. Once you have registered, you may place your name on the list at the front desk in the Writing Center. If/when a tutor is available, the first student on the list will be called up. If you are not present when your name is called, you will lose your place and the next name will be called. We strongly suggest making an appointment ahead of time to ensure you can meet with a tutor. Space is limited and a walk- in does not guarantee that we will be able to help you.

Visiting the Writing Center for a class?

Professors who are registered with our system may search our database to confirm that you have participated in a tutorial session. 

Can I visit the Writing Center every day?

You may schedule only one appointment per week. All tutorials are scheduled for one half-hour session. (If your visit is fulfilling a requirement for a class (such as Eng 101P), you will only receive credit by remaining the entire half hour.)