Scriptorium Drop-in hours
Do you have a writing issue or a question about writing that just can’t wait and you want a quick answer to? The Scriptorium has got you covered. You can simply show up without an appointment and ask your question to one of our tutors.
How does it work?
- You do not need to make an appointment; you can just come see us during our drop-in hours.
- You can talk to a tutor for up to 20 minutes.
- You indicate what you want to focus on and what you need help with. The more specific your question, the better the tutor can help you within the available time.
- By asking you questions, the tutor will help you gain a better understanding of your own writing process. In this way, you will learn to express your ideas and arguments clearly.
- If our tutor feels they need more time to answer your question, they will ask you to make an appointment for a longer 45-minute tutor meeting.
What will a writing tutor help me with during drop-in hours?
The drop-in hours are meant for shorter and quick questions that are related to specific writing assignments you are working on or writing in general. For example, you can speak to a tutor during drop-in hours if you…:
- need some help getting started on an essay, a report, a paper, or a thesis;
- wish to brainstorm ideas to write about;
- want to make a plan for a specific writing assignment;
- could use some support in structuring a specific text you are working on or part of it;
- would like some assistance in expressing ideas from a particular article or book in your own words;
- want to check that the language you are using in your assignment is academic enough.
Frequently asked questions about drop-in hours
What kind of questions can I ask the tutor?
You can ask questions about anything related with the writing, except for the actual content of your text. Topics you could ask about include the layout and structure of your text, wording, planning or brainstorming ideas, and getting a second opinion about the impression your text leaves.
Can I only ask questions about my thesis?
No, not at all. You can discuss any writing assignment you are working on. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be about a specific question. You can also get help with the writing process in general.
What if I need more time with a tutor?
Our tutors are also available for longer meetings. For more information and to make an appointment, go to Writing Assistance webpage.
What to do if I’m not sure whether I can visit a tutor during drop-in hours or if I should make an appointment for a tutor meeting?
If you need a quick answer to your question or issue, see a tutor during drop-in hours. If necessary, they can refer you to the regular consultation meetings. If you still have some time before you need to submit your assignment, it is probably best to make an appointment, so the tutor has enough time to discuss all of your questions.
When?
Drop-in hours are offered several times a week.
- Wednesdays from 13:00 to 16:00 hrs - in English and Dutch in even calendar weeks; in English only in odd calendar weeks
- Thursdays from 13:00 to 16:00 hrs - in English only
- Fridays from 13:00 to 16:00 hrs - in English and Dutch in even calendar weeks; in English only in odd calendar weeks
Note that there are NO drop-in hours on the following dates:
- King's Day: Thursday April 27, 2023
- Day after King's Day: Friday April 28, 2023
- Liberation Day: Friday May 5, 2023
- Ascension Day: Thursday May 18, 2023
Where?
- In room L 109. This is on the 1st floor of the Library. When you enter the library, go straight ahead, past the restrooms and the entrance to the waiting room will be on your left-hand side. The tutor will let you know when they become available.
- In Zoom. Upon joining the Zoom session, you will be placed in the waiting room first. The tutor will let you know when they become available.
No correction service or content guidance
The Scriptorium is not a correction service. The writing tutors act as a sounding board, not as a proofreader. You are ultimately responsible for your own text. During the Scriptorium’s tutoring sessions and drop-in hours, the writing process is central. You should talk to the lecturer or thesis supervisor responsible for assessment of the assignment about the content of your paper or thesis.
Need additional advice? Request a tutor meeting.
-
Amber Schuijers
Writing Tutor‘’You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.’’ – Zig Ziglar
At the Scriptorium we don’t expect you to come up with a perfect first draft. If you have a topic or an idea, we can help you to start up the writing process and make a 'writing plan'. If you have a text, we can help you to improve it and take it from a (maybe frustrating) first attempt to something that you’ll be happy with.
-
Jad Arabi
Writing Tutor"Writing is not about being perfect from the first try but rather fostering the willingness to learn and get better. At the Scriptorium, the goal is to cultivate your skillset and ensure that your abilities as an academic writer are unleashed. We are all students so the best way we can all succeed is by working together."
-
Marvin Aerts
Writing Tutor"We train to improve our skills and reach better results. Improving is not a steep line of continuous progress. It is more of a flattening line that reaches a plateau and only putting in the hours will get you past it. You will encounter obstacles that might be hard to overcome alone. Why not let me lend a hand?"
-
Timo van Amen
Writing Tutor“Academic writing can certainly come with its challenges. At the Scriptorium, we will work together with you to help you address these and improve your writing skills in the process. Ultimately, the goal is to help you gain confidence in your own work and be proud of your thesis!”
-
Juliana Schaum
Writing Tutor"Like any type of writing, academic writing is a craft — a creative process. Despite there being rules and frameworks to follow, the writing process, your needs and challenges remain very individual. At the Scriptorium, we offer you tailored support for crafting your piece of academic writing."