Writing Center Community Standards

Introduction

Peer Tutoring requires mutual respect and goodwill among people who use the Writing Center. The privilege of using the Writing Center is based on the following Community Standards:

• Tutoring is a conversation in which both the Tutor and the Writer participate. Be ready to discuss your writing choices.
• Tutors support but do not take over your writing. Responsibility for assignments remains with you. More about expectations.
• Tutors discuss all aspects of writing, from getting started to outlining, organizing, citing, developing, and revising; however, Tutors are not content area experts. For specialized services, explore UIC’s expansive tutoring services at tutoring.uic.edu.
• Sessions are limited to 50 minutes per session (or 20 minutes for drop-in sessions). Writers can make three 50-minute appointments per week (but not back-to-back appointments).
• You must cancel in advance if you are unable to attend a session so that other Writers can work with the Tutor. (See here for how to cancel)
• The Writing Center is a space for people to focus on the work of writing. We don’t use devices or engage in activities that disrupt sessions or distract others who are studying.
• By order of the Dean of Students, Tutors will not share their individual contact information with Writers. Writers cannot contact Tutors outside their tutoring hours.
• The Writing Center Supervisors may, at times, need to substitute a Tutor other than the one you were initially scheduled with.
• Tutoring is reserved for UIC Students, Faculty, and Staff.
• Belligerent, hateful, or disrespectful language or behavior is unacceptable and may result in losing the privilege of using the Writing Center.

The Writing Center is managed by Writing Center Supervisors, who are responsible for maintaining the Community Standards in order to make the Center inclusive, safe, and productive for all members of the UIC community. Supervisors can be contacted by email at writingcenter@uic.edu.