FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who can use the WLDC?

You must be currently enrolled as a student at Yuba College. This will be verified before you meet with a tutor, whether in-person or online. When connecting to an online Zoom session, you will be placed in a waiting room. Please be sure to sign into Zoom using your first and last name so that you can be verified as a Yuba College student. For confidentiality reasons, please do not use your ID number as your screen name. Individuals who do not have appointments will be asked by staff to provide their ID number for verification. Individuals who we are unable to verify will not be admitted to the session.

What services does the WLDC offer?

We offer support in writing at any stage of the writing process. We work with any kind of writing assignment, not just English but any academic course with a writing component. We also support academic reading, offering active reading strategies to increase comprehension, retention, and fluency. Our services include reading and writing support for English language learners. Types of tutoring services include the following:

  • Drop-in Tutoring: You can drop into our center during our services hours and work with an available tutor.
  • One-Time Appointments: You can reserve a specific time and date to receive a 50-minute tutoring session.
  • Regular Appointments: You can schedule weekly appointments with a tutor for the entire semester. This is a great way to stay on top of your schoolwork.
  • Group Tutoring: You can schedule group tutoring with your classmates. Students must be in the same course to do this.

Do I need an appointment?

You do not need an appointment (depending on time of day and our staffing levels), but we recommend making an appointment 24 hours or more ahead of time to reserve a time that works best for you.

You are limited to one 50-minute drop-in session per subject per day.

You are limited to two 50-minute scheduled weekly appointments per subject per week.

Appointments for reading or writing assistance in the same subject must be made on different days and should be scheduled with the same tutor. Students need time to process what they have learned during a tutoring session and to attempt writing and reading strategies independently, without becoming overly reliant on a tutor.

What do I need to bring?

Bring the instructions for your writing assignment. If your instructor has made written comments, bring those. Bring any texts, articles, or class notes that may be helpful.

Will I be working with someone one-on-one?

Most of the time you will be working one-on-one with a writing tutor. However, we encourage small-group appointments, so you may be asked to share an appointment with other students in your class; no appointment is considered exclusive. We like the dynamic of group work. In a group you tend to generate more ideas and think things through more thoroughly. The result is more thoughtful papers and better writing.

How long do appointments last?

Appointments start at the top of the hour and last 50 minutes. This should leave you (and your writing tutor) enough time to get to your next class.

Will you proofread my paper?

No. Because we want to foster independence, we do not proofread or edit papers. However, we will help you improve your own proofreading and self-editing skills by helping you identify error patterns in your writing and showing you how to find and correct them.

Can I expect to get a better grade on my paper after working with a writing tutor?

We do not guarantee or estimate grades. It is the role of your instructor to evaluate your work and assign it a grade. We want you to be confident that your revised drafts are better than your first drafts–that you’re growing in writing proficiency and authentic competence.

What if I can’t make my appointment?

If you must miss an appointment with a tutor, you should call (530) 740-1709 beforehand to give as much advanced notice as possible.

  • If you miss an appointment two times, weekly appointments may be made in only three-week increments for the duration of the semester.
  • If you miss an appointment three times, appointments are no longer available; you may obtain assistance on a drop-in basis only for the duration of the semester.

What if I’m late?

Respect your tutor’s schedule and call (530) 740-1709 beforehand if you will be late. If you are more than ten minutes late for an appointment, your appointment is forfeit. If you arrive after more than 10 minutes late, you will be considered a drop-in student and be placed with the next available tutor.

Who are the WLDC writing tutors?

Most of our tutors are students taking classes at Yuba College. They have completed English 1A with an A or B and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. They must apply for the position and enroll in a formal training course before they begin tutoring. Aside from their qualifications and training, the tutors are as varied as the student body itself: they pursue majors in health professions, business, administration of justice, veterinary technology, computer science, political science and yes, sometimes even English.

What technology resources do you have?

Technology resources at the WLDC include the following:

  • 10 student computer stations (for academic use only)
  • Kurzweil 3000 text-to-speech software, an auditory-visual way to read, compose, or proofread
  • Jaws screen reader software for the visually impaired
  • Designated private accessible workstation including Kurzweil, Jaws, Dragon, and dedicated scanner