FAQs About the Writing Sessions

Frequently Asked Questions: The Writing Sessions

Do writing assistants proofread and edit papers?
The writing assistants work with you to share tips and strategies to proofread and edit work, but assistants do not edit your work. The writer must make any and all changes to the text.

Do the writing assistants review grammar concepts?
Yes. We suggest going over content (assignment, thesis, organization) of the essay first, then grammar and sentence-level concepts. Of course, the writer has the final say as to what areas to go over in a session.

How long is an writing session?
Individual sessions are 50 minutes in length.

Is there a limit to how many appointments I can make per week or per semester? Writers may request up to two 50 minute-sessions per week. The writing coordinator must approve additional session hours.

Can I make weekly appointments to meet with a particular writing assistant?
Yes. Please register and sign up online at http://csumb.mywconline.com/index.php

Can I bring in writing that is not course-related (example: resumes, scholarships, cover letters, etc)?
Yes! The writing assistants are happy to support any writer working on any writing project.  Note: for formal guidelines on resume writing or graduate school letters, please see the Academic & Career Advising Center.  

If I have a 15-page paper, can I expect my writing assistant to go over all of it in one session?
For longer documents and writing projects (e.g., 7 or more pages), allow yourself some time and several appointments with a writing assistant.

Can a writing assistant "fix" all of my writing "problems" in one session?
Together, the writing assistant and writer will try to address the most urgent issues first. But, if you feel that you have more questions than one session will allow, we encourage you to make another appointment.

Can I request the same writing assistant every time I make an appointment?
Yes. As long as the individual is available, you are free to request a particular person with whom to work.

Who are the students using ASAP writing services?
All regularly enrolled CSUMB students are invited to use ASAP writing and reading services. Students usually opt to enroll themselves in a session, or instructors will strongly encourage their students in a particular course to attend these sessions. The ASAP writing assistants works with writers across the disciplines, from a variety of courses.

Do the ASAP writing assistants receive special training and professional development?
All ASAP peer-writing assistants must be certified as "Level 1-trained" through a general training program approved by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). In addition to the general Level-1 CRLA training, writing assistants receive writing-specific preparation around writing center theory and practice.

How do I become an ASAP writing assistant*?
The interviews for writing tutor positions are held in March-April for fall hires and October-November for spring hires.  Students interested in applying for the peer writing assistant positions can apply online through OtterJobs http://career.csumb.edu/otterjobs, and must meet these minimum qualifications:

• Have completed the general education English Communication A course requirement;
• Have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0;
• Submit two faculty references from instructors familiar with the your expository writing skills;
• Submit an expository piece of writing (essay) with instructor comments;
• Complete a writing sample (upon interview).

*Please view http://career.csumb.edu/otterjobs at the Career Development office for specific information regarding position qualifications.