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Writing support xxx

About Writing Support

Is this a free service? 

Writing Support appointments are free for registered students of LaSalle College Vancouver. You don't have to pay anything because it is included in your tuition. 

What in the world is writing feedback?

Feedback is a common practice in writing. Simply put, it's comments from readers to let writers know what they think you're doing great at and what needs to be improved on. 

Writing Support offers constructive feedback for students based on their particular needs and concerns, with the sole purpose of helping them become more confident writers who can think for themselves. 

Who is the Academic Writing Coach?

The Academic Writing Coach is a staff member of the Writing Support service. She has a background in writing and fine arts and is an experienced writing tutor and editor for college and university students. 

Who can the Writing Support service help?

Any student needing writing support can book an appointment with the Writing Support service. It doesn't matter if you think you are not good at writing, or if you know you are an experienced writer. Anyone can benefit from a second opinion and some guidance on writing.

Do you only help with academic writing?

The Writing Support service offers help with academic, creative, and professional writing. These might include:

  • Essays
  • Presentations
  • Short fiction
  • Screenplay
  • Poems
  • Resumes
  • Cover letters

You can also ask for help with:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Analyzing and evaluating sources 
  • Brainstorming and Outlining
  • Navigating generative AI in writing
  • Writing in formal English
  • Delivering speeches

About Appointments

My instructor told me to book an appointment with the Academic Writing Coach. Am I in trouble?

No, you're not. While this is a valid concern, the Academic Writing Coach does not have any grading or disciplining authority. This is simply a tutoring service. 

Your instructor most likely did not send you to us with the goal of punishing you. Instead, they might have seen some areas for improvement in your writing that they want you to pay more attention to. 

Everything that we discuss during the appointment will be kept private from your instructor, so you can rest assured that you can ask any question without being judged.

Will my grades improve if I get help from Writing Support?

Many students who regularly book an appointment with Writing Support report that they have a much better understanding of academic writing techniques. While we cannot guarantee that you will get straight As, we're confident that you will improve in your writing and learning over time.

Do I have to prepare anything for an appointment?

Nope! You can book an appointment even if you only have an idea, or even just a question. 

However, if you do intend to bring a draft or assignment prompt to the appointment, please try to bring a printed copy or your laptop to the appointment for ease of reading. 

What type of appointment should I book?

Depending on where you are in your writing process and what kind of writing you are working on, you should book:

  • 30-minute appointments: If you are early on in your process (brainstorming, outlining, free-writing, researching, etc.) or if you are writing a short essay (< 500 words)
  • 60-minute appointments: If you are looking for some heavy revisions of your writing or if you are writing a longer piece (> 500 words)

But worry not! You always have the option to book another appointment, if you find the first one a little rushed and if there are available booking slots. However, we ask that you be considerate of other students during peak seasons (midterm and finals) and limit your booking to a maximum of 120 minutes (4 appointments) a week. 

I don't have enough time for a whole appointment. How can I get help?

That's fine! We offer Drop-ins for students who can't find the time for a 30 to 60-minute appointment. For drop-ins, you do not have to book an appointment.

Drop-ins are usually 10 - 15 minutes/person and first-come, first-served, which means you only have to come to the Library, write your name on the waiting list (only if there's a line, but there usually isn't), and wait for your turn. 

Drop-ins take place during lunch hour (12 - 1 PM)