The Graduate Writing Center is a resource reserved for graduate students. Undergraduates (students who are workings towards a bachelor's degree) who make appointments on the graduate schedule should expect their appointments to be canceled.
To make an appointment, follow these steps:
- Use the appointments button to navigate to our online scheduling app
- If you haven't made an appointment before, you'll need to register for an account by clicking the "register" link
- Choose "Graduate Writing Center" from the schedules list before or after you've signed in
- Find an available (white space) appointment that on a day/time that works for you
- Click on an available consultant's white space
- Fill out the appointment form and save to reserve your appointment
Please note: Appointments in the Graduate Writing Center can be for one hour. You can make hour-long appointments yourself or contact us for assistance. You are allowed two appointments in any given week. If your plans change for any reason, it is up to you to sign in to your account and cancel your appointment. If you do not show up for your appointment and do not cancel it, you will be marked as a "no show"; after two "no-show" appointments you will not be able to make appointments in advance for the remainder of the term. You can be seen as a walk-in appointment, as availability permits. If you are more than five minutes late for your appointment, your consultant will mark you as a "no-show" and see a walk-in in your place.
How to Arrange a Zoom Writing Consultation
Step 1: Register for a Writing Center account
In order to work with you via Zoom, you first need to register for an account in our online appointment scheduling application at: csusb.mywconline.com. We use this system for scheduling Zoom Consultations, Email Consultations, and In-person Consultations. If you need help navigating the registration process, stop by or reach out to us using the contact info below.
Step 2: Computer Hardware & Software
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Hardware: In order to have an online appointment via Zoom, you’ll need a device with high-speed internet access, a microphone, and speakers. A webcam is great, but isn’t necessary. Zoom will work on your phone or tablet, but in order for you to work effectively with us on your writing via Zoom, you’ll probably want the device you’re using to be the same one that you’re using to type and format your work in an application like Word or Google Docs.
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Software: Zoom works on most devices and is compatible with iOS, Mac, Android, and PCs. Set up your device to use Zoom by logging in to MyCoyote, navigating to “Collaborate” and then selecting “Zoom.” Depending on your device, Zoom will download, install, and set up when you start or join your first Zoom meeting, but don’t wait until your session to get it set up.
Step 3: How to Prepare Your Work Space
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Eliminate as many distractions or potential interruptions as possible. For example, try to avoid public places in which you might be interrupted, such as a hair salon or airport. Cafés, such as Starbucks, are doable, but you should have headphones with a microphone to make the audio clear for you and for us.
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Often a neutral background is best. Avoid distractions and bright lights or windows.
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Avoid excessive background noise. For example, music or movies playing or conversations taking place could potentially disrupt the session.
Step 4: Schedule an appointment
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At the top of the appointments page, use the “Limit by appt. type or topic” drop-down to narrow your view to only Zoom Consultations.
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Click on an open (white box) Zoom consultation on a day and at a time that works for you. The appointment form should pop up in another window. Choose “Zoom Consultation” and fill out the rest of the form.
Step 5: Join Your Zoom Appointment
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To access your Zoom appointment, click on your appointment (gold colored box) to find the Zoom meeting information at the bottom of your appointment form. This will include both a link and a code for the meeting session.
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Have your project open on your computer prior to logging in to Zoom along with any other supporting or contextualizing information that might be helpful, e.g., your prompt, sources, notes, a rubric.
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Option A: To follow the link, copy and paste it into your browser in another tab or window, or
Option B: Log in to MyCoyote, click “Collaborate” and then click “Zoom.” From the Zoom page on MyCoyote, click “Join a Meeting” and enter the “Meeting ID” provided on your appointment form. -
After joining the Zoom appointment, you will be admitted to the waiting room and your tutor will bring you into the Zoom session to begin your consultation. Once you are in the Zoom session, you’ll be able to share your screen.
Keep in mind
Writing Center Consultants do not “edit” or “fix” your writing. We’ll work with you just as we do in in-person writing consultations.
Zoom writing consultations need to be scheduled in one-hour increments. Please allow for about 10-15 minutes at the beginning of the session to get set up, especially if this is your first Zoom experience, and about 10-15 minutes at the end of the session for concluding questions.
A Zoom writing consultation will work best if you feel confident working with computers and the various applications we might use, such as Zoom, Microsoft Word or Google Docs. If you’re concerned about getting lost dealing with tech issues while doing productive work with your writing, consider scheduled an in-person session first.