Before the client leaves, be sure he or she fills out the Writing Center Questionnaire.   The client may ask for a visit verification form.  Often times instructors request confirmation of a student’s visit to the Writing Center.  There are forms available for this purpose.  Write the client’s name, your name and the date on the form.  You may also write a sentence or two about what you worked on during the session.  The tutor does not sign this form.  If the instructor requests or demands a signature, we prefer he/she visit the Writing Center to speak with the Director or Assistant Director. 

Once this is complete, make your notes in the client’s file and return it to the file cabinet.  In your notes, include the assignment you worked on, the course for which the paper was being written, the topic of the paper, the focus of your session, the client’s plans for revision, error patterns, and anything else you think would be helpful for the next tutor to know about this client.  Remember to keep your comments professional.  The confidentiality of tutors is not guaranteed.  Clients may access their own files at any time. 

After writing your session notes, be sure to take a look at your next client’s file.

Should you ever feel frustrated or confused by any situation in the Writing Center (whether or not it has to do with tutoring), talk to the other tutors, Assistant Director and/or the Director.  Chances are good they will have had a similar experience or will at least have considered its possibility.  Never be reluctant to talk to the Assistant Director or the Director about anything that has to do with the Writing Center.  Although we may sometimes appear to get caught up in the day-to-day operation and promotion of the Writing Center, it is always the tutoring and the tutors that matter most.


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