Online Consultations

Synchronous and Asynchronous

Overview

The UWC offers both in-person and online consultations. For people taking courses away from campus, we offer two types of online consultations—synchronous and asynchronous.

What is a synchronous consultation?
Like an in-person consultation, a synchronous online consultation takes place in real-time with both the student and tutor "present." Both parties are able to view the student's work on screen and can communicate through audio/video or chat. Tutors in synchronous online sessions can assist with any writing assignment, at any stage of the writing process, but do not edit student papers. These kinds of sessions are writer-driven," and the goal is to fulfill writer needs and questions. Sometimes writers have a draft to review; other times, writers and consultants discuss ideas, approaches, or the assignment prompt.

What is an asynchronous consultation?
Unlike a synchronous online consultation, an asynchronous consultation does not take place in real time. Instead, writers send in their text or project (essay, seminar paper, personal statement, thesis, etc.) through email and receive electronic feedback a few days later from a University Writing Center (UWC) Consultant. The consultant’s feedback will be based on the writer’s concerns and priorities for a given project.

UWC Consultants do not edit or proofread essays. Rather, they provide writers with a letter commenting on the overall project. Consultants typically describe what works well, the main areas for improvement, and suggestions for revision. Consultants also may include in-text comments to provide writers with examples that explain and clarify the major areas for revision.

Who can utilize online consultations?
Baylor undergraduate and graduate students and faculty and staff from any discipline or major.

What types of projects will you read and provide feedback on?
UWC consultants will provide feedback on any genre of writing—whether it is for a class, a job, graduate school, or a scholarly journal. The UWC will provide online feedback on shorter projects (<12 pages) or on portions of longer projects. If you are a graduate student and would like feedback on more than 12 pages, you can reach out to the Graduate Writing Center at GWC@baylor.edu.

 

To Schedule an Appointment

Synchronous (at the same time)

1. Schedule an appointment online, by phone at (254) 710-4849, or in person at Moody Library 2nd West.
2. Email us UWC@baylor.edu immediately after you schedule your appointment to let us know that this appointment will be online.
3. On the day of the appointment, call the UWC 10 minutes before your session to confirm your online appointment. Then, log in to the appropriate video messaging system and wait for your appointment.

Asynchronous (at different times)

1. Fill out the Asynchronous Consulting Client Form. This form seeks information on your project, the assignment, and what you would most like help on.
2. Send the completed client form, the prompt (if applicable), and your draft to UWC@baylor.edu.
3. A consultant will personally contact you within 24 hours to provide an estimated timeline for feedback.
4. The consultant will read your text and send you electronic feedback. You can expect to receive your feedback within 48 to 72 business hours, Monday through Friday.

Questions?

Email us: UWC@baylor.edu
Call us: (254) 710-4849