Re: Extra-curricular consulting

[eahl@unlgrad1.unl.edu (elizabeth a ahl)]

Well, I'm not a peer tutor, but I wanted to respond -- I DON'T think 
you're a control freak!  In my opinion, tutors might be _trained_ to 
"just say no" outside of the writing center.  For the sake of their 
sanity, their own study time, etc, but also for the sake of the 
writing center.  It might be a good idea to experiment with one 
evening set of hours a week in the residence hall.

I think that one thing writing centers teach writers is how to manage 
their time -- one of the potential lessons is that they must plan 
ahead to have an appointment in the writing center; MAKE that a part 
of their overall writing process, not just an afterthought, but a more
integral part.  Because someone isn't always available at the last 
minute, whether that minute is noon or midnight.

And I think it's good for tutors to learn that their teaching and 
studying time are valuable -- they DO need to know how to 
(professionally, politely, WITHOUT guilt) say "I can't work with you 
now, but I'd love to see you in the writing center tomorrow!"

Good luck.

:)
Liz Ahl
University of Nebraska-Lincoln