Online Consultations

Q1: How do I contact my consultant or The Writing Center if I have a problem?

       There are two ways to contact your consultant: Log in to the WC Online Chat window, where you can type your questions or comments, or call The Writing Center at 805-493-3257. 

Q2: How do I log on to the WC Online Chat window?

       You will need to log in to MyCLU and click on the yellow Writing Center button under the "Tools and Support" box on the Home Page. Then, you will locate your online appointment and click on it. Finally, you will click on the "Start or Join an Online Session" link. Please refer to Step 2 above for detailed instructions. 

Q3: How do I share my paper with the consultant for a Zoom or phone session?

      For Zoom sessions, upload your document onto your desktop and select the share feature in Zoom. If you are unable to do this, open your document and share your screen with your consultant, note that the first option is prefered. 

Q4: How is an online appointment different from a traditional in-person appointment?

       While the consultant will follow the same policies and procedures for an online appointment as a traditional in-person session, there are some differences between the session styles. Refer to the list below:

1. Online appointments allow for clients to meet with consultants remotely instead of coming into The Writing Center.

2. Online appointments require technology (computer or phone) in order to contact the consultant.

3. During online appointments, there may be more lag time to set up technology, type comments and suggestions, or wait for answers. Generally, therefore, the consultant might not be able to cover the same amount of material as an in-person appointment. 

Q5: How much material can we discuss in an online learning session?

       The consultant will assist you as much as possible for your 50 minute session. However, because of technological lag time, the consultant may not be able to get through all of your paper with you. The aim is to assist in the same way as a traditional in-person appointment. 

Q6: Will the consultant edit my paper in an online session?

        Unfortunately, no. The Writing Center's policy to support student development does not allow consultants to "edit" papers and make corrections during an in-person or online appointment. Our aim is to help the student learn better writing strategies and techniques. So while we can discuss grammar and identify issues, we cannot edit all the mistakes in the paper. 

Q7: What if I need a stamp or proof of attendance for an online session?

       If you need a stamp or proof of attendance for an online appointment, you will have to come into The Writing Center the next time you are on campus and get a stamp from the front desk. Any consultant working on that day can look up your past online appointment and give you a stamp. We also offer to email professors for proof of attendance.

Q8: What if I change my mind and want to come in for an in-person session?

       If you would like to change your online appointment to an in-person session before the appointment begins, simply log in to your appointment on the WC Online scheduler (by clicking the yellow button on MyCLU) and change the appointment to in-person under the "Meet Online?" tab in the appointment window. Change the "Yes, schedule online appointment"  to "No, meet face-to-face in the Center" option. 

 

• Unblock Pop-Up Windows:  Remember that the WC Online chat space will open as a separate window on your computer after you click on the "Start or Join Online Session" link. Please make sure that you have not blocked your computer's ability to generate pop-up windows.
• Phone Conversations: Consultants cannot provide their personal phone numbers. For that reason, please call 805-493-3257 to conduct a phone distance learning session.
• Document Share: If you prefer not to keep the WC Online chat window open during a phone conversation, then simply email your paper draft to writingcenter@CalLutheran.edu so that both you and your consultant can work on the draft together. Note, choosing this option means that you cannot share a text screen with your consultant and thus feedback may take longer. 
• Internet Outage: The consultant will be with you live throughout the session but if the internet goes down, try to restart your page or remain online while the consultant logs back on.
• Expectations: If you do not meet these expectations, we reserve the right to end or cancel your appointment.  

• The Zoom guide will assist you with accessing and navigating Zoom.  
• You do not need a Zoom account. Your consultant will provide you with the URL link to access Zoom.
• You can upload a document and share it with your consultant.
• The consultant cannot edit your shared document, only you.
• Your Zoom session is an online video consultation.