Reading and Writing Center Appointments

Making an Appointment is Easy:

Reading and Writing Center FAQs

When is the Reading and Writing Center open?
Our schedule varies from semester to semester.  To make an appointment, see the online scheduler here.

Who are the writing consultants?
The Reading and Writing Center is staffed by instructors of English 101 and students who have successfully completed a 3-credit preparatory course.

Who can make an appointment?
Westfield students from any major, faculty, staff, and alumni can schedule a FREE appointment at the Reading and Writing Center.

How do I make an appointment?
Go to our website and use our online scheduler.

What should I bring with me to my appointment?
Bring all the materials associated with your assignment, including the assignment sheet and/or rubric, your most recent draft, your pre-writing (notes, outlines, etc.), and relevant readings.  If possible, please bring two copies of your most recent draft and your laptop.

May I request a particular consultant?
Yes.  Developing long-term relationships tends to be fruitful for both the student and the consultant.                   

What should I do if there are not any appointments available?
Use the online scheduler to sign up for the waitlist; you will be notified of an opening in the schedule. Appointments open up every day.

What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Visit our online scheduler to cancel. Please try to cancel as soon as you know you will not be able to attend the appointment so that it is available to other students.

What happens if I do not show up for my appointment?
If you miss three appointments without canceling in advance, your account will automatically be frozen. To reactivate your account, contact the RWC director at csavini@westfield.ma.edu.

What if I am late for an appointment?
If you are more than ten minutes late, you risk losing your session. Please email csavini@westfield.ma.edu if you will be late.

What services does the RWC offer for students who are multilingual/English language learners? 

The RWC offers asset-based one-on-one writing support. In other words, we recognize that being multilingual is a strength, not a weakness. The RWC also runs conversation groups for multilingual students interested in improving their oral fluency in English. Participants play games and discuss topics of interest.

Is there a limit to the number of appointments I may make?
You may schedule two sessions per week, except by special request.

What happens in a Reading and Writing Center session?
Appointments usually begin with the consultant asking you a few questions, such as: “What are you working on? What brings you to the Reading and Writing Center today? What would you like to focus on during the session?” Sessions run best if you come prepared to answer these questions. This means reading your paper over before the session and reflecting on your writing so that you may articulate your concerns to the consultant. The more engaged you are with the session, the more you can expect to get out of it.

What kind of writing may I bring?
You may bring any type of writing (cover letters, personal statements, essays, lab reports, poems, CURCA posters, senior honors projects, capstones, anything!) at any stage in the process. You may even come to the Reading and Writing Center to brainstorm or get help reading challenging texts. Getting started on a writing assignment can be challenging, so don’t be afraid to come bounce your ideas off a consultant. Consultants can also help you read difficult texts, create outlines, or take notes.

Will my instructor know I have used the Reading and Writing Center?
Your writing consultant will email a session report to your instructor unless you ask them not to. These session reports are meant to help your teacher help you become a better writer.

Is it okay for me to seek assistance on take-home exams to the Reading and Writing Center?
You may only bring take-home exams to the Reading and Writing Center if we have received written permission via email from your instructor.