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Online Tutoring

The Writing Center offers online tutoring, both Live Online (synchronous) and 24-Hour Feedback tutoring (asynchronous), for UMD undergraduates. Live Online and 24-hour Feedback tutoring are available by appointment on a first-come, first-served basis.

Live Online Tutoring

Live Online tutoring 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.

Tutors are also not computer experts. Students are responsible for their own computer equipment and programs, and should understand that technology-related issues may sometimes arise. The Writing Center cannot be responsible for these issues, but whenever possible, will make every effort to resolve technical problems on our end in time to complete the session.  If at any point during your session you and the tutor are unable to communicate for several minutes, please feel free to contact us writadmin@umd.edu.

24-Hour Feedback Tutoring

Unlike Live Online tutoring, 24-Hour Feedback tutoring does not take place in real-time. Students will reserve tutoring sessions only with those tutors with (24-Hour Feedback) next to their name on the schedule and attach the most recent draft of their paper, along with the instructor's assignment sheet or prompt, and receive written feedback from the tutor within 24 hours of the appointment start time.

  • Tutors do not serve as editors or proofreaders and will not make corrections directly on a student's draft. Instead, the tutor provides specific suggestions on several elements of the students writing on a form, offering a holistic approach that aims to help the student become a better writer, and not necessarily just improve a particular piece of writing.
  • Tutors may not be able to attend to everything in a student's paper and, along with reviewing the assignment sheet, will prioritize the most important aspects of the writing.
  • Although tutors will sometimes return advice sooner, students should not expect it any sooner than 24 hours after the appointment time they have reserved.

How to Schedule a Live Online Tutoring Appointment

Schedule your appointment online. As with our face-to-face sessions, the Writing Center is currently funded to work with UMD undergraduate students only.

If you are new to our online scheduling system you will be prompted to a one-time-only registration.  You can then view the schedule.

  • Log onto the online tutoring schedule and select an available tutor with (synchronous) next to their name. Only these tutors are available for synchronous online tutoring.
  • Click on an open time slot with one of these tutors. Select 30 or 60 minutes.  60 minutes is recommended, because of possible technology-related delays.
  • Shortly before the appointment is scheduled to begin, go to the online schedule, open the appointment, and click on the red "Start or Join Online Consultation" link.
  • If desired, type in the chat area and/or in the document-sharing area, and/or upload a document.
  • Click on the "start video/audio chat" button
  • See the instructions at the bottom of the new, narrower window, and click on "Connect" and then "Start Publishing" and then any "allow" or "yes" or "ok" steps needed on your computer. 

How to Schedule a 24-Hour Feedback Appointment

Schedule your appointment online.

If you are new to our online scheduling system you will be prompted to a one-time-only registration.  You can then view the schedule.

  • Log onto the online tutoring schedule and select an available tutor with (asynchronous) next to their name. Only these tutors are available for synchronous online tutoring.
  • Click on an open time slot with one of these tutors. Appointments are only available for 60 minutes.
  • Please enter your course and other information in each of the required fields. We highly recommend detailing your concerns about the assignment and questions about your draft in the "What would you like to work on during your visit?" box.
  • Save the appointment.
  • Attach Documents! Important: On the next screen, after you have successfully saved the appointment, you will be invited to attach a file ("If you would like to attach a file to this appointment, click here"). It is essential that you attach the draft of the paper you would like the tutor to review, and we urge you to also attach the assignment sheet, prompt, or rubric provided by your instructor. If you don't attach your paper, the session cannot take place, and if you don't attach an assignment sheet or rubric, the tutor may be unsure of the assignment's requirements and limited in the advice he or she can provide.
  • Within 24 hours of your appointment time you will receive personalized written feedback from the tutor. Please log back into your appointment and download the attached document.
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