Writing and Language Studio

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Hello! Welcome to the Writing and Language Studio at Duke Kunshan University.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I sign up for a coaching session?

There are two ways to sign up for a coaching session: (1) through WCONLINE, or (2) in person at the WLS office at AB 2101.

What kind of sessions can I sign up for?

You can sign up for writing coaching or for language coaching in Mandarin Chinese, English, or another language listed in the online scheduling system. Language coaching sessions could focus on, for example, speaking and listening, presentation skills, pronunciation, reading, vocabulary, and/or grammar. For languages that are not listed in the system, you are welcome to sign up for an “Other Languages” coaching session, in which the coach can provide general guidance on learning plans, goals, and strategies for a language that s/he may not have expertise in.

How long are the coaching sessions?

You may sign up for a 30-minute or a 60-minute coaching session. A 30-minute session includes a maximum of 25 minutes for coaching, with at least 5 minutes for the coach to complete reports and get ready for the next session.

Is there a limit on how many appointments I can sign up per week?

In order to accommodate the increased demand for WLS appointments, the new appointment limit (effective on Nov 20, 2023) for each WLS user is now a maximum total of 90 minutes per week. With this limit, you will be able to make up to three 30-minute appointments, or one 60-minute appointment and one 30-minute appointment per week.

When can I sign up for appointments?

Appointments must be made at least 4 hours before the start time. You can make appointments up to 14 days in advance.

How often can I have coaching sessions?

At this time, you may sign up for one coaching session per day.

What should I prepare before my coaching session?

Our coaching sessions are more productive when you have specific goals that you are working towards. If you haven’t set any goals, we can help you do so. For writing coaching sessions, we are happy to help you wherever you are in your writing process. First-time users of the WLS for language coaching (not writing) should ideally have an initial consultation with the WLS Coordinator before signing up for a session.

Can I meet with a coach if I don’t have an appointment?

WLS now offers walk-in sessions (for English Writing only) during selected time blocks each week. You can find the walk-in schedule 1) at WLS office in AB 2101; 2) through our WeChat account (dukekunshan_LCC). Note: Walk-in coaching is not available on WCONLINE.

Can I cancel my appointment?

Please don’t make an appointment unless you intend to keep it. But if you must cancel, please note that appointments must be cancelled at least 5 hours in advance (except in the case of emergencies) to open the time slot to others.

To cancel your appointment, log in to the WLS schedule, click on your appointment time, and scroll down to the bottom of the appointment form and click the red “CANCEL APPOINTMENT” button.
If you have an emergency or sudden illness and need to cancel an appointment that is less than 5 hours away, you need to email BOTH your coach AND the WLS (DKU_WLS@dukekunshan.edu.cn) briefly explaining why you need to cancel the appointment.

Can I get help on a class assignment in a coaching session?

If you have questions or need help on a class assignment, the first thing you should do is talk to your professor. If you need additional help on a class assignment, you may bring the assignment to a coaching session. Coaches will provide you guidance on the skills you need to complete an assignment, or feedback on presentations, but they will not edit/check/proofread assignments for you. If you would like a coach to help you with a writing assignment, please schedule an appointment at least four hours before the assignment is due so that you have enough time to work on the writing after the coaching session.

If my language or writing course professor is a WLS coach, can I make a WLS appointment with them for help on an assignment from their course?

No. For course-related questions or help with assignments from them, go to their office hour. But you may make WLS appointments with them for help with assignments from other courses or for other language learning or writing coaching. (And you may always make WLS appointments with other coaches!)

Can the writing coaches proofread/edit my essay?

We are happy to answer specific questions about an essay that you are working on. However, we do not provide editing or proofreading services. Our goal is to help you develop the skills you need to examine and improve your own writing.

Can I upload my draft to the appointment form for the coach to read before my appointment?

Coaches will not read drafts that are submitted before coaching appointments. We only allow assignment prompts and writing instructions to be uploaded with the appointment form. The WLS follows the common practice of reading drafts of written work during the coaching appointment. This practice allows you to continue working on your writing up until your appointment start time.

I need to show my professor that I attended a coaching session. What can I do?

At the end of your coaching session, your coach will work with you to write a brief summary of your session. This summary will be emailed to you, and you may share it with your professor if you want to.

If I meet with a WLS coach, will I get an A on my paper?

WLS coaches can help you develop your writing skills, but they cannot guarantee your grades on writing assignments. Because DKU courses and writing assignments have a wide range of learning objectives, it is not possible for writing coaches to assess your writing assignments or give any indication of what grade you might receive. If you want to know more about what the expectations are for A-level work on any of your assignments, talk to your course professor.

Can the WLS help me change a grade I received on a writing assignment?

Courses at DKU and writing assignments have a wide range of learning objectives. Your course professors are the ones who will determine how they assess your writing assignments and give you grades. Just as one professor can’t change grades for a course they are not teaching, WLS coaches also can’t grade your papers. Our coaches will not comment on grades you receive on your papers. We can help you determine how to respond to feedback you receive on your writing, but if you need help interpreting the feedback you receive from a professor on an assignment, or if you have a question about a grade you have received, you need to talk to your course professor as they are the one who has determined the learning objectives and expectations for their assignments.

What should I do if my WLS account is deactivated?

According to the WLS policy, if it’s your first time requesting account reactivation, you need to come to AB 2101 and find the WLS coordinator (DKU_WLS@dukekunshan.edu.cn) to explain the reasons for no-shows; if it’s a second time, you need to schedule a meeting with Prof. Kristin Hiller (kristin.hiller@dukekunshan.edu.cn), the director of the WLS, to discuss reactivation of your account.

What if I successfully made an appointment within 4 hours before the start time on the system? Can I attend the appointment in that case?

Unfortunately, you cannot attend the appointment because it violates WLS policies, and your appointment will be canceled accordingly.