Writing Centre

Frequently Asked Question

Q: When is the Writing Centre open?
A: Current times are listed in the righ hand column of the website.

Q: Where is the Writing Centre located?
A: Inside the Ryerson Library, in LIB 272B.

Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: You can book our appointment online. If you are experiencing difficulty, please call 416-979-5000 ext. 2892 or come to the Writing Centre in LIB 272B.

Q: What if I am late for my appointment?
A: Five minutes after your appointment was supposed to start (15 minutes after the hour), you will be entered as a "Did Not Show" and your tutor will start working with another student.

Q: What should I do if I need to reschedule?
A: You can reschedule your appointment using the online scheduling system.

Q: How do I cancel an appointment?
A: You can cancel your appointment using the online scheduling system. Or you can call us at 416-979-5000 ext. 2892.

Q: What happens if I do not come to my appointment?
A: If you did not cancel your appointment ahead of time, we will enter you as a "Did Not Show." Students who do not show twice will not be allowed to book any other appointment for the remainder of the semester.

Q: What should I do if no appointments are available?
A: You can look at other times or days, or you can drop in at any time to see if someone canceled his or her appointment or finished a session early.

Q: Can I request a particular tutor?
A: Yes, when you make an appointment you have the option of choosing a particular tutor if he or she is available. This may not always be the case, but don't worry, all of our tutors are helpful.

Q: What kind of writing can I bring to the Writing Centre?
A: Tutors can work with a variety of writing types including personal essays, research papers, responses, personal statements, creative projects, major papers, etc. The Career Centre will help you with resumes and letters of application. Writing Centre tutors will NOT help you with take-home exams.

Q: What kind of help will I receive in the Writing Centre?
A: Writing Centre tutors will discuss your writing assignments with you and make suggestions on approaching the topic, organizing your paper, developing your ideas, supporting your claims, or correcting recurring errors. Tutors may also direct you to other resources (such as the Library) for further assistance. Tutors will not edit or proofread a paper or write any part of your paper for you.

Q: At what stage of the writing process should I come in? Do I need to have a finished paper?
A: You could bring an idea to discuss and brainstorm, an outline, or a draft. It is best to come in at least a few days before the paper is due so you will have time to implement changes and write the final draft of your paper before it is due.

Q: Will you check my grammar?
A: The goal of the Writing Centre is to help you improve your overall writing skills. To do this, tutors focus first on “global” issues like argumentation, organization, content, and voice. Tutors will not edit your paper for you, but they can point out patterns of errors and explain the rules behind these errors to you.

Q: Will you edit my paper?
A: No. Writing Centre tutors are not editors. They will, however, help you improve your paper and become better writers.

Q: Is it okay for me to bring take-home exams to the Writing Centre?
A: No, tutors will NOT help you with take-home exams.

Q: Can you help with formatting citations and styles?
A: Yes, tutors are familiar with the APA, MLA, Vancouver, and/or Chicago style. However, we recommend that you first look at our handouts. This will give you the basics of using that style. If you have more specific questions on citations, you can come in and use our style manuals or ask a tutor for help.

Q: Who works in the Writing Centre?
A: Undergraduate and graduate students serve as tutors in the Writing Centre. Tutors come from different departments across campus.

Q: Who can go to the Ryerson Writing Centre?
A: All Ryerson students (graduate and undergraduate students), as well as students from other universities and colleges (such as York, George Brown, etc.) who are in combined programs with Ryerson can visit the Writing Centre. Students who are attending the Chang School of Distance Education are also welcome to use our services.

Q: How much does it cost to use the Writing Centre?
A: Nothing! It is a free service for Ryerson students, faculty, and staff.

Q: Is the Writing Centre accessible?
A: Yes. Just let the tutors (and, if necessary, the SLS Admin. Coordinator) know what you need.

Q: Can I use the Writing Centre if I have a learning disability?
A: Yes. Just explain to the tutor (and, if necessary, the SLS Admin. Coordinator) how we can best help you.

Q: Can I use the Writing Centre if English is not my first language?
A: Yes. If you need more help with English than with writing, however, we recommend that you first go to the English Language Support office.

Q: Can I get help with writing in languages other than English?
A: No, the Writing Centre tutors can only help you with papers in English.

Q: Can I bring my laptop to the Writing Centre?
A: No, except if you have a disability that requires you to work on a laptop, you must bring a printed paper copy of the paper you want the tutors to help you with.

Q: Can my friends and family get help in the Writing Centre too?
A: No, only students who are registered at Ryerson may use the Writing Centre.

Q: Besides tutorials, do you have other forms of help for writing?
A: Yes, we offer a number of handouts and workshops.