Distance Learning Policy - Writing Center
Overview
Cumberland University’s Writing Center offers writing assistance for all currently enrolled distance learners. Writing Center services are provided to students in formats appropriate to the delivery of quality student support for all distance learners.
Qualifications for use of distance learning assistance
- Student(s) must be currently enrolled at Cumberland University.
- Student(s) must provide a valid student number as well as the course name.
- Student(s) must live at least 30 miles from campus (unless other circumstances are present).
- Student(s) must only be enrolled in online courses (or a Cumberland University course that qualifies).
Disclaimer
Only students who meet the previously listed qualifications will be automatically eligible to use the Cumberland University Writing Center for distance learning writing assistance. Exceptions to this must be approved by both the Executive Director of Academic Support and the Director of Student Success. Distance learning writing assistance sessions will consist of peer critique via Google Docs and an optional 30-minute writing consultation that will be offered on multiple different platforms. All distance learning sessions must be scheduled two business days in advance and student(s) will be required to provide proof of enrollment at the time of scheduling. The Writing Center will only hold and schedule distance learning sessions during normal operating hours. These hours may change based on tutor availability for more information email the Office of Student Success at OfficeofStudentSuccess@cumberland.edu. The Cumberland University Writing Center requires that students seeking distance learning writing assistance have their paper in draft format before scheduling a session. In addition to the paper being in draft format, a copy of the assignment must be sent to the Writing Center before the start of the session. The Writing Center will not provide services such as assistance on starting a paper, research, or extensive proofreading during a distance learning session. For research assistance, the student(s) must schedule an appointment with the Cumberland University Vise Library.
Writing Center Distance Learning Policy
Cumberland University’s Writing Center offers writing assistance for all currently enrolled distance learners. Writing Center services are provided to students in formats appropriate to the delivery of quality student support for all distance learners.
Steps to Seeking Distance Learning Writing Assistance
1. Student(s) must contact Cumberland University Writing Center
In order to begin the process of arranging a distance learning session, the student(s) must contact the Office of Student Success or the Writing Center two business days in advance of the desired session date. Note, the number of sessions to be conducted each day is very limited. Availability will be on a first come, first serve basis. Contact can be made via email. Student(s) who are making arrangements for a session must schedule their session no less than four days before the assignment due date.
2. Student(s) must provide proof of enrollment
In order to assure that students are currently enrolled at Cumberland University, the student must provide their student ID number (also referred to as an A #) the name and section of the course they are currently enrolled in, as well as their full name. The enrollment of the student will then be verified by the Director of Student Success.
3. Student(s) must schedule distance learning writing session
Once enrollment has been verified, student(s) will be permitted to schedule their distance learning session. Student(s) who are making arrangements for a session must schedule their session no less than four days before the assignment due date. Appointments must be made at least two days in advance of the session. The peer critique can take up to one day to receive after the paper is sent. The consultation can be scheduled, if needed, after critiqued paper is received by the student.
Distance Learning Writing Assistance Session Information
Google Docs Peer Critique Session:
All peer critique for distance learning papers will take place on Google Docs. Students in need of assistance must share their paper with the Writing Center on Google Docs. If the student has specific questions about their paper, they can use the comment function on Google Docs to highlight and ask their questions.
Extensive proofreading is not offered in a distance learning session, but the writing specialist assigned to the distance learning session will use both the comment function and the edit suggestion function to best show the student how to better their paper. Edit suggestions may only be used in the case of paper format (ex: headers, page numbers, and text format). If major grammar errors are present, the comment function will be used to indicate the type of grammar error. Corrections must be made by the student. After every session, the student will be required to fill out the Writing Center survey.
Optional 30-Minute Writing Consultation:
After the student has received the critiqued paper, they will have the option to schedule a 30 minute (up to 30 minutes, the writing specialist will determine the amount of time spent) writing consultation to help the student better understand any suggestions made. This consultation can be offered over several platforms including Zoom meeting or a phone call. If further assistance is needed, the student must schedule a new session.
Distance Learning Disclaimer
Due to online formatting of classes, tutors may not be aware of specific teacher preferences. Tutors who have previously taken courses on grounds may have been exposed to different learning materials and resources. Please be sure to email your teacher and get clear instructions for each assignment.
Changes to Our Policy
The Writing Center reserves the right to change this policy at any time. Non-material changes or clarifications will take effect immediately. You should periodically check the Cumberland University website or contact the Writing Center for updates. Last Updated: This Distance Learning Policy was last updated on 03/12/2020.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact writingcenter@cumberland.edu.