Online appointments are available to all students!
You can choose between asynchronous (e-tutoring) or Zoom consultations.
All online sessions are done by appointment, which you can schedule online. To get started, click on “Make an appointment” on our homepage. From there you can register to use our service, activate your account via email, choose the online schedule, and look for an available slot. When you reserve a slot, the system will prompt you to upload your draft and to choose between the asynchronous format and Zoom.
Asynchronous Consultations: You don’t need to be online for an asynchronous session. You will upload your draft when making your appointment, and your tutor will review the work and send comments via e-mail by the end of the hour.
Zoom Consultations: This option allows you to chat with a tutor in real time. When you book with us, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with your tutor’s Zoom link. You can click on that link at the start of the appointment time to begin the session.
Choosing Asynchronous vs. Zoom: Asynchronous sessions are a great option if you have a good understanding of your assignment and a draft of the paper. When you make your appointment, try to include specific questions. The tutor will respond to your ideas, point out places where you can improve, and give suggestions to improve your grammar and style. You can review the feedback and make revisions at your convenience.
Zoom sessions allow for more conversation and an opportunity to ask questions. If you need help with brainstorming, understanding your assignment, deciding on a research strategy, improving your writing process, or learning a new citation style, you might prefer this kind of consultation. In a Zoom session, the tutor will help you clarify your goals, talk through your ideas, answer questions, and give you specific tasks to help you make progress on a draft.
The Writing Center uses papers submitted to our online service for teaching and training. If we use your work for tutor training, your name and personal information will be removed. If you don’t want your work to be used, you can let us know by emailing writingcenter@ua.edu. We will honor your request.