RealTime writing coaching

RealTime means you will work with a writing coach over the phone or in a video chat appointment.

RealTime appointments work best when discussing a maximum of 2 writing topics at a time.  On the appointment booking form, please provide 1-2 topics you would like to discuss.

• I would like to discuss my thesis statement.
• I don’t understand how to avoid comma splices.
• How do I find and fix sentence fragments?
• How do I write or improve my conclusion?
• How can I improve my references?
• Any other writing topic of your choice.

A RealTime appointment might be right for you if:

• you learn by talking through problems
• you learn by guided practice
• you are an ESL/EAL student
• you have a higher order writing concern, such as thesis development, paragraph development, or organization of ideas
• you just don’t know how to start.

If you would like a writing coach to read your paper, please submit to the writing coach drop box to get written feedback on your paper first. Please do not book an appointment and submit to the drop box at the same time.

After you read the coach's feedback, you can book a follow-up appointment. 

In a planning appointment, you can learn strategies to start your assignment. These include strategies for brainstorming, outlining, and understanding assignment instructions.  

If you have questions about your assignment instructions, please contact your instructor first.

If you have questions about grammar and sentence structure in your assignment, we recommend getting written feedback through the writing coach drop box first.

After you review the feedback, you can book a follow-up appointment to discuss it in more depth. You can also book an appointment to ask a question about a specific grammar concern.

Appointments range from 30 to 45 minutes, according to the coach’s discretion.

Please book only one appointment at once. This way appointments will also be available for other students. When we meet, we can book a second appointment for you if you need it.

1. Go to our appointment booking tool.
2. The calendar shows availability for the next 16 days.  Unavailable days are greyed out.  You can click forward to see next month's availability.
3. Choose a day to see available times.
4. Click "Select staff" if you would like to choose a specific writing coach.
5. Select a time.  
6. Scroll down to add your details.  Provide your full name, phone number, student ID, program or course, and 1-2 writing questions or concerns.
7. Click the "Book" button at the bottom. 

1. After you book your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with a button that says "Join your appointment". You may also meet over the phone.
2. Clicking the button will prompt you to 1) download Microsoft Teams, 2) open Teams in the app if you already have it, or 3) open Teams in a browser.  You can log in with your AU account or use it as a guest, though your AU email address is preferred. We recommend that you download and test Teams prior to your appointment.
3. Click "Join your appointment" at the time of your appointment and wait for the coach to admit you to the meeting.

• To cancel, please email your coach. You can see who your coach is in your confirmation email.
• To reschedule, please go to your confirmation email. Click the "Reschedule" button, then click “New booking.”
• Please cancel or reschedule with 24 hours’ notice when possible.

No. All you need is:

1. An internet connection (preferably high-speed) or a phone.
2. A microphone and speakers for your computer, or a phone with a speaker or ear jack.

• Before the appointment:
  • Please save the appointment to your calendar.
  • Double-check the time and time zone of the invitation to ensure you selected the time that's right for you.
  • Please do not submit your paper to the drop box at the same time. If your coach would like a copy of your paper, they will email you to request it.

• During the appointment:
  • Respect and professionalism are expected.
  • Appointments are intended for the student and coach only. Please choose a quiet place where you are alone and can concentrate.
  • If your workspace contains personal or unprofessional images or items, please use a background filter.
  • Please contact your coach if you are late or having difficulties joining the meeting. Please keep your phone nearby in case of technical difficulties.
  • If you do not arrive after 10 minutes, the appointment will be cancelled. We can assist you to reschedule if you need support. Please contact us.