Writing
Asynchronous Online Writing Submissions
Submission based writing tutoring is asynchronous, meaning you don’t need to be online while the tutor reads your paper, provides you with feedback, and returns the paper by email. If you prefer a virtual, Teams session, make an appointment.
Instructions:
- Click the link below to complete a submission form. The form sends your paper, assignment requirements, and other relevant information to the SSC where it will then be assigned to a writing tutor.
- Be sure your paper is in a Word, PDF, or PowerPoint document. The assignment requirements and other relevant information may be in any easy to open file (including image files).
- Once you have submitted the form, please allow 1 – 2 business days for a response from your tutor.
- Your tutor will provide feedback related to the concerns you indicated on the submission form. The tutor’s comments will appear in the right-hand margin of your paper.
- A link to your paper with comments will be sent to your USF email address.
A Few Simple Rules:
- After you receive a tutor’s feedback and revise your paper, you may resubmit the revised version.
- You may only submit documents written by you. You may not submit documents on behalf of other writers.
- Papers submitted without the course assignment requirements will not be reviewed.
- Papers longer than 5-6 pages should be reviewed by appointment.
FAQS
Q: What will the feedback look like?
A: Tutors send a Microsoft Word document linked to your original submission. Comments
and suggestions are included in the margin.
Q: How soon will I receive the feedback?
A: Within 24-48 business hours. Tutors do not work on the weekends.
Q: I have a 50-page thesis. Can I submit it all for tutoring?
A: During an online asynchronous feedback session, tutors typically spend no more
than one hour on a single submission; this feedback covers about 5-6 pages of double-spaced
text. When you have a longer document, you should either make an appointment for a
real-time session or section your document into separate files to make a series of
submissions.
Q: Can online tutors fix grammar and citation problems?
A: No. Tutors are not allowed to “fix” student papers. Online writing consultations
are best for reader-oriented feedback and help with organizational issues. Tutors
who respond asynchronously may note one or two prevalent patterns of grammar errors
and direct you to resources for how to correct them. If you need help with issues
such as grammar and citations, please book an online writing consultation, or come
into the SSC for help.
Q: Can I reply to writing tutor comments in Microsoft Word?
A: Although Microsoft Word allows responses to comments to be sent, writing tutors
do not respond. Questions related to a tutor’s comments are best answered in an online
writing consultation (via Teams) or an in-person meeting in the SSC.
Q: If I see the tutor’s icon appear as I’m reviewing feedback, is it acceptable to
start a chat?
A: No. Please schedule an online writing consultation (via Teams) or come in for an
in-person conversation if you need to speak with the tutor.
Q: When I get my paper back, can I email the tutor questions?
A: No. Unfortunately, the tutor’s schedule is such that they may not be available
to respond.
Q: Can I submit the same assignment multiple times for more feedback?
A: If each subsequent submission reflects thoughtful response and revision based on
the feedback that you received, we will generally accommodate further submissions
of the same assignment. However, please do not submit the same assignment without
making any revisions. If you are interested in receiving different feedback on the
same writing, please make an online appointment or come in for an in-person consultation.