Methodist University Writing Center

» The Writing Center

» Related Links

MU Home » Academics » The Writing Center

Consultation Formats

Some of our consultation procedures have changed; take a moment to familiarize yourself with the changes. Please call 910-630-7264 or 910-630-7138 or email with questions.

The Writing Center offers three styles of writing consultations: Face-to-Face, Live Online, and Written Online. Regardless of the consultation format, consultations begin on the hour and last 45 minutes. Students are allowed 2 scheduled appointments per day and 5 scheduled appointments per week, but we recommend no more than 4 appointments per assignment, so please plan accordingly. We also encourage students to stop by the Writing Center to see if a walk-in appointment is available.

Face-to-Face Consultation at the Writing Center
Face-to-Face Consultations are conducted at the Writing Center and are our most comprehensive type of consultation. During a Face-to-Face Consultation, you and the consultant will have a 45-minute conversation about your writing project or process.

At the end of the consultation, a consultation summary will be completed; both you and your professor will receive a copy of this summary. In addition to meeting personally with a consultant, you will have access to all of our onsite resources. To make a Face-to-Face Consultation, select "Face-to-Face" from the dropdown menu next to "Type of Consultation" on WC ONLINE.

Live Online Consultation (Synchronous)
Live Online Consultations take place through WC ONLINE. They allow you the flexibility to meet with a consultant from any location with an Internet connection. During a Live Online Consultation, you and your consultant will be electronically sharing a screen. You will either import or copy and paste your document onto the shared screen and then discuss your writing with a consultant via electronic chat. If you prefer to speak with a consultant via phone, you may call the Writing Center at 910-630-7264 at the start of your appointment.

At the end of your consultation, your consultant will complete a consultation summary that will be emailed to you and your professor. In addition, you will have access to your online consultation throughout the entire semester by logging in to WC ONLINE and clicking on your completed appointment.

Written Online Consultation (Asynchronous)
Written Online Consultations are conducted through WC ONLINE and are the most limited consultation format we offer. During a Written Online Consultation, a writing consultant will review the Word document that you attached to your appointment on WC ONLINE. You must attach your Word document prior to the start of your scheduled appointment. Because you will not be present (either online or in-person) during the consultation, you will not be able to interact with the consultant or ask direct questions. However, you will receive written feedback on your writing, which can be valuable as you revise your paper.

At the end of your consultation, you and your professor will receive an email consultation summary. You will be able to access the document with your consultant's comments by logging in to WC ONLINE, clicking on your completed appointment, and then clicking on the last attached document. While your professor will receive notification of your consultation, your professor will not have access to your document with comments.