Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spanish Writing Center?
The Spanish Writing Center (SWC) is a valuable resource for students taking Spanish classes at MSU. Our aim is to guide you in the writing process and help you becoming a better writer. We will work together on what it can be improved in your compositions. In other words, we will discuss and review your productions and give you feedback based on organization, content and structure. It is important to know that we will NOT proofread your composition or write any paper for you. We will help you develop skills to identify grammar and punctuation mistakes and improve your overall writing skills.
I am not enrolled in SPN 320, but I want to make an appointment with a Spanish Writing Mentor. What can I do?
Due to our current student demand we are unable to extend our services to other courses; however, you can email us at spnwriting@rcs.msu.edu explaining the kind of assistance you need and we will try to accommodate your request based on availability.
How do I cancel and reschedule my appointment?
1. Search for the confirmation e-mail for your appointment in your MSU Outlook account.
2. Open the e-mail and scroll down until you find the “Reschedule” button.
3. Click on the “Reschedule” button to open your appointment on Microsoft Bookings.
4. Once you are in Bookings, click on the “Reschedule” button to reschedule your appointment, or click on “Cancel booking” to cancel your appointment.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- A draft of your writing assignment (if you have one).
- The instructions your professor gave you for that specific assignment.
- Goals for the consultation.
- Stage of the writing process (first draft, second draft, final version, etc.).
- Concrete questions if you have any.
- Any notes you find relevant for your composition (quotes you would like to use, specific bibliography, etc.).
How do I send my draft to my Spanish Writing Mentor?
Option 1: Microsoft OneDrive
1. Upload your draft to OneDrive using your MSU email.
2. Click on the “share” button located on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
3. Type in your Spanish Writing Mentor’s email address and press the “Send” button.
Option 2: Google Drive
1. Upload your draft to Google Drive using your MSU email.
2. Click on the “share” button located on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
3. Type in your Spanish Writing Mentor’s email address and click the “Done” button.
What is a writing consultation like?
The writing mentor will first introduce themselves. Then, they will ask you some questions relevant to the consultation (the class you are taking, instructions for that specific assignment, goals for the consultation, stage in the writing process, etc.). It is important that you give the writing mentor specific information so both of you can set up clear expectations for that consultation. The writing mentor and you will revise the composition together and you will be given feedback based on the goals you had established before. Feel free to ask any questions you may have during the consultation and ask for clarification or extra resources.
After the appointment ends, you will be asked to complete a short survey after your consultation via email.
What are the in-person mentoring sessions like?
In-person mentoring sessions are currently available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6PM by appointment only. Appointments last for one hour, and take place at the MSU Main Library (3rd Floor West). Once you schedule an in-person appointment in Microsoft Bookings (see the Make An Appointment tab for more info), you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions about where your Spanish Writing Mentor is located as well as any other relevant information.
How should I make an appointment with the SWC if I wrote an essay with a partner (or partners)?
If you and your partner(s) would like to meet with a Spanish Writing Mentor together, one of you simply needs to book an appointment according to the instructions in the Make An Appointment tab. Please book an appointment that lasts at least 45 minutes to allow you and your partner(s) enough time to ask questions and go over your entire essay with your mentor. Make sure to forward your appointment confirmation email to your partner(s) so that everyone has the necessary information needed prior to the appointment.
What happens if I don’t show up for my appointment?
We will send you an email 5 minutes after the scheduled time to check whether you are joining the writing consultation or not. If you miss more than two appointments consecutively, we will contact you to confirm your next appointment.
The time slots that are available do not work with my personal schedule / I have questions about the SWC. Who can I contact?
Please send us an email to spnwriting@rcs.msu.edu. We will be happy to talk to you and open up an additional time slot that works both for you and the writing mentor.