Please read below for answers to the most common questions about the Fayette Online Writing Lab.
Do I need to download anything to use the OWL?
No. Your tutor will email you a Zoom link for direct connection to the OWL. You will only need your Penn State user ID and password.
Who will help me in the OWL session?
The same professional writing tutors who staff the Student Success Center.
Can I request help even if I do not have a draft ready?
Yes. We encourage students to make an OWL appointment to discuss paper topic ideas.
Do I have to meet with a tutor?
Yes, we do ask all users to engage in the online chat meeting, even if only for a brief time. Engaging in this communication helps student writers maintain agency over their work and provides opportunity for greater learning and development. The writing tutors will answer questions, provide clarification, and share other writing resources during the meeting.
How long are the appointments?
The length of the OWL chat session varies based on your needs and can last up to one hour. If you need little clarification or do not have many questions, the session may only last 10 minutes. We plan for one hour, regardless, to make sure that we can cover all of your questions and concerns and provide a solid foundation for revision.
What technology do I need for the OWL session?
As long as you have an internet connection and a computer, you can use the OWL! If you have computer speakers or a microphone, you can use the voice and sound options, but only a keyboard is absolutely necessary to engage in the OWL chat meeting.
Can you guarantee that I’ll earn an A?
We do not guarantee grade outcomes, but we do guarantee a thoughtful review of your work and will do our best to help you improve your writing abilities.
Is there a cost to use the OWL?
There is no charge for the OWL service or any of the services provided through the Student Success Center.
Will you proofread my paper?
We will not proofread papers (simply correct grammar and punctuation), but we will review your work for these issues, provide examples for how to correct the issues in your work, and help you understand how to correct any errors.
Will I receive feedback if my paper is due the day after or the day that I submit an OWL request?
Maybe, but if other appointments are already scheduled or there is not enough time to review the paper and conduct the OWL chat session, we cannot make a guarantee. It’s best to request help at least a couple of days before your paper is due.
May I use the OWL multiple times for one assignment?
Yes! If you make revisions after one OWL session and would like additional assistance or feedback, please submit another request survey with an updated version of your paper.