Writing, Reading and Language (WRL) Center - Takoma Park/Silver Spring

We offer one-on-one tutoring, specialized workshops, and computer lab access. Read the policies below to learn more about each service. In addition, click “Student Resources” in the menu on the right side of the page to access writing tips, skills for success, and informational handouts. 

Tutoring Appointments (Accudemia)

All Montgomery College Learning Centers are now using Accudemia for tutoring appointments. All registered MC students are already registered with Accudemia, so you do not need a separate account. You can sign in using your MC credentials and 2-Factor Authentication. 

For the WRLC, you will choose either the Virtual Writing, Reading, and Language Center (for Zoom and Written Feedback), or TPSS - Academic Success/Writing, Reading, & Language (for On-Campus). 

What We Tutor

WRLC tutors assist students with:

• Writing and speaking skills, including grammar, organization, and revision
• Reading skills and comprehension
• All stages of writing and reading assignments, from brainstorming to final revisions
• Assignments from any course that requires writing
• Application essays, cover letters, and resumes 

Tutoring Policies 

1. You must make a tutoring appointment using Accudemia.
2. You may make appointments up to seven days in advance but no later than one hour before the beginning time of the session you want.
3. Appointments are scheduled on an hourly basis and last up to 45 minutes.
4. For Written Feedback, you must upload the assignment instructions and your work to Accudemia before the appointment begins. 

How We Tutor: Synchronous/Zoom

"Synchronous" tutoring sessions are also referred to as "Online" or "Zoom" sessions, where the student speaks directly to a tutor and the tutor provides feedback in real time.

1. Online/Zoom tutoring means you speak directly to the tutor.
2. At the time of your appointment, log back in to this website, open your appointment by clicking on it, and click the Zoom session link in "Location."
3. Join your session five minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
4. Up to one hour before your appointment, you may upload documents including your draft assignment, your professor's written assignment instructions, and any prior feedback from your professor.
5. A student may have up to 45 minutes per synchronous session.

How We Tutor: Asynchronous/Written Feedback

"Asynchronous" tutoring sessions are those where you receive written feedback only.

1. For these appointments, you do not speak directly to your tutor.
2. You do not have to be present for your appointment. Once the appointment starts, the tutor will review your paper and provide written feedback.
3. At least one hour before your appointment start time, upload your assignment, your professor's written assignment instructions, and any prior feedback from your professor. Without documents, your tutor cannot provide written feedback.
4. You will receive your tutor's written feedback by 9 p.m. on the day of your appointment.

How We Tutor:  On-Campus

On-campus tutoring sessions are those where you meet the tutor on campus in Commons 110. These sessions are by appointment, and social distancing and masking are observed. However, every attempt will be made to accommodate walk-ins, based on available staffing.

1. You are required to follow social distancing and masking policies when using on-campus services. 
2. If you are experiencing any symptoms, believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, or are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, stay home and follow CDC guidelines. 
3. Tutoring is by appointment. However, we will do our best to accommodate students who visit the center without an appointment, depending on staff availability.
4. Arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment to check in at the front desk.
5. Tutoring appointments are scheduled on an hourly basis and last up to 45 minutes, with 15 minutes between sessions for the tutor to complete administrative work and clean between students.
6. You must upload the assignment sheet and your paper to the appointment form at least one hour before your tutoring session. 
7. If you are going to be late to your appointment, contact the front desk at 240-567-3888 or wrlc.tpss.general@montgomerycollege.edu.
8. If you are more than 15 minutes late without notification, your appointment will be considered missed and you will need to reschedule.

How to Get the Most from Your Tutoring Session

Be active!  Be organized!  Your tutoring session will be about YOUR writing and reading, not a review of your paper or a proofreading session. Discussing your assignment and skills with a tutor will help you understand what your professor expects you to achieve and will help you focus on how to fulfill those requirements.

Review the following tips to ensure that you will receive the best help from your tutor:

1. For synchronous/Zoom session: Be ready to talk. Your tutor will ask you questions about your assignment and your skills.
2. Have your materials ready. In addition to your essay, upload any assignment sheets, syllabi, readings, or instructor’s comments that will help you and your tutor plan your work.
3. Ask questions: Review your assignment and work before your tutoring session so that you can address the issues you want help with.
4. Be ready to work independently: Your tutor might ask you to work on revisions or practice skills during your session.
5. Plan ahead: Allow yourself enough time to receive tutoring and make revisions. Make an effort to see a tutor at least two days before your assignment is due.

1. You are required to follow social distancing and masking policies when using on-campus services.
2. If you are experiencing any symptoms, believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, or are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, stay home and follow CDC guidelines. 
3. You can make a computer lab appointment using your WCOnline account. If you are unable to do so, please ask a student employee at the front desk of CM110 for technical assistance, or send an email to: wrlc.tpss.general@montgomerycollege.edu.
4. You may make appointments up to seven days in advance but no later than one hour before the beginning time of the session you want.
5. You may also use the computer lab without an appointment; just sign in at the front desk.
6. Bring your own headsets if you wish to watch videos.

WRLC Staff

Name	Title	Phone	Email
Shaline Kirkland	Interim Director	240-567-1406	shaline.kirkland@montgomerycollege.edunew window
Margaret (Peg) LaRocca	Administrative Aide	240-567-3962	margaret.larocca@montgomerycollege.edu
Ellen Ayres	Instructional Associate	240-567-1484	ellen.ayres@montgomerycollege.edu
Jeremy Lignelli	Instructional Associate	240-567-1459	jeremy.lignelli@montgomerycollege.edu
Mary Mowen	Instructional Associate	240-567-6137	mary.mowen@montgomerycollege.edu