Virtual Writing Center FAQs — University of Louisville Writing Center

What is the Virtual Writing Center?

The Virtual Writing Center is our online writing center. If you are unable to visit one of our physical locations in Ekstrom Library or on the Health Science Campus in Kornhauser 221, the Virtual Writing Center is for you! We offer individual consultations to help you with your writing projects. We will work with your writing at any point in the writing process, from coming up with ideas when you are getting started to thinking about how best to revise a draft. The Virtual Writing Center offers two options for online appointments: Live Video Chat or Written Feedback.

Who can use the Virtual Writing Center?

Any current UofL student, faculty, or staff member who is unable to visit one of our physical locations during our open hours is encouraged to use the Virtual Writing Center.

How do I schedule a virtual appointment?

Log in and register, if necessary. You may either select the Virtual Writing Center schedule option on the login screen or by toggling the drop-down menu at the top of the page once you login.

The white boxes are available appointments. You may need to click “next week” to see available appointments for upcoming dates. You learn more about making an appointment in this video.

What is the difference between the two types of virtual appointments?

Live Video Chat A live video chat is similar to an in-person appointment. You and your writing consultant will talk in real-time about your writing. If your schedule allows, we recommend scheduling a live chat appointment because of the opportunity to exchange ideas and ask questions. More information is available here.

Written Feedback If you schedule a written feedback appointment, you must attach a draft of your paper to your appointment. Your writing consultant will type feedback and send you a file with the commented draft. We can provide the best feedback if you also attach the assignment prompt and are specific with your concerns in the appointment form. More information is available here.

How do I attach a file to my appointment?

As you are scheduling your VWC appointment in the pop up box, you will select the option to "Choose File" in order to upload your document(s) and then save your appointment. We prefer Microsoft Word Documents, but we accept PDFs. If you need to attach a draft later, you may do so by returning to your appointment in the Virtual Writing Center schedule and uploading the file(s). For written feedback appointments, you must upload your draft by noon the day before your scheduled appointment to keep that appointment time.

If you encounter an error attaching a document, email the document to writing@louisville.edu asap. Please do not attempt to contact your consultant directly.

How many virtual appointments can I have in one week?

We have a limited number of weekly virtual available appointments, so the limit is two per week. During the academic year (August-April), our limit for our physical locations is three, so you may have two virtual and one face-to-face appointment per week.

How do I use the online schedule waiting list?

If you can't find an appointment when you want one because they're all booked, you can use the Waiting List feature on our online scheduling system. The waiting list link is below the schedule for each day, on the right. If an appointment opens, you will receive an email or text message notifying you that there is an opening. Please note that the Waiting List is simply a notification system that lets you know when an appointment is available. It does not automatically make the appointment for you. You will need to log into the system or call the University Writing Center to make the appointment. Appointments are always filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can you inform my instructor that I used the Virtual Writing Center?

Yes. If you want us to inform your instructor about your Virtual Writing Center appointment, please include that request when you fill out your appointment form or contact us via phone or email. We will send a copy of the appointment notes from your session to your instructor. We will only share information about a University Writing Center appointment with your instructor if you request that we do so.

What should I do if I’m going to be late or miss my live chat appointment?

We understand if circumstances mean that you must cancel an appointment. In such a situation, please call us and let us know so that we can offer your appointment to someone else. If you are going to be late to a live-chat appointment, please call us and let us know. Please note, if you are more than 10 minutes late for a live-chat appointment and we have not heard from you, we may offer your appointment time to someone who is waiting to meet with a consultant or your appointment may be considered a "no show." If you miss five appointments during a semester, you will not be able to make further appointments without talking with the Director or Associate Director.

May I upload a paper to the Virtual Writing Center to have it edited?

No, we are not an editing service. We are, however, happy to work with you on strategies for revising and editing your draft. Our approach is to work with you to improve your draft and your overall writing skills.

Does the University Writing Center have other resources available to help students with writing?

Yes. On our website you will also find handouts and videos about common student writing issues, advice about common writing questions and concerns, as well as links to other sites about writing.

Can the University Writing Center help me with writing in my major or discipline?

University Writing Center consultants can work with any piece of writing, whether for a specific course or for professional or personal development. We work with students from every department and college at UofL, from both campuses. While not experts on the content of every discipline, our consultants are able to help writers from across the University with issues of organization, audience, form, and usage and style. Our consultants also offer suggestions to help with writing process issues such as getting started and approaching revision.

Who are the consultants working in the University Writing Center?

Our consultants are graduate students from the UofL English Department. They have all had graduate course work in the theory and practice of teaching writing.

Is there a charge for using the University Writing Center?

No, we are free to everyone in the UofL community.