Skip to main content

Questions About the Writing Center

About the Writing Center

The BYU-Idaho Writing Center is separate from the Tutoring Center. There is no need to swipe your I-card to visit the Writing Center. Your tutor will record your attendance.
No. Some Writing Center employees are English majors, but others are specializing in other academic areas. Being an English major is not a requirement to work at the Writing Center.
No. The Writing Center can work with students to help their assignments meet instructor guidelines, but Writing Center tutors cannot guarantee you an “A” on your assignment.
The Writing Center will give you a signed note that you can present to your teacher. It is best if you come to the Writing Center with the goal to improve your paper or assignment. If you come only because it is a requirement, the tutoring session will not be productive. Student who come to the Writing Center unprepared or unwilling to put in the work will not receive a signed note for their teachers. Academic honesty is taken seriously at the Writing Center. You are expected to put in effort. Become a confident writer by taking this valuable opportunity to get help.

Preparing for Your Visit

Come prepared with:
  • Specific questions about your assignment
  • A hard copy of your assignment
  • A willingness to make changes
  • Enough time before the assignment is due to make changes
  • 20-30 minutes of time to review your assignment
No. The BYU-Idaho Writing Center can help you with resumes, cover letters, letters of introduction (for student teaching and graduate school applications), and creative works.
Give yourself enough time to make any necessary changes to improve your assignment. At the minimum, a few hours before class will work, but it is best if you give yourself at least a day or two before the assignment due date.
No. Since on-campus students can come to the Writing Center in-person, online sessions are reserved strictly for off-campus students.

About Tutoring Sessions

Tutoring sessions are 30 minutes. If there are minor concerns about an assignment, the tutoring session might be less. If you feel you need more than 30 minutes, the tutor can schedule a follow-up appointment with you for the next day. International students are allowed between 30-45-minute sessions due to language concerns.
Keep in mind that Writing Center tutors are your peers—other BYU-Idaho students with experience in writing papers for college classes. Your tutor might not be familiar with the specifics of your assignment or an instructor’s particular expectations; therefore, the tutor’s comments should be received as suggestions. Always defer to the advice of your instructor. Remember that the paper you are writing is yours; you take full responsibility for any revisions you choose to make in your final draft.