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Writing, Reading, and Language Center (WRL) - Germantown

Fall/Spring Hours
  • Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Saturday (Virtual):  9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Sunday (Virtual): 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

To book an appointment, please visit our online scheduling systemnew window.

Accudemianew window is the scheduling system for MC learning centers where you can make tutoring appointments, meet with a tutor in-person or online, or receive written feedback.

The WRL Center serves as a resource for students, faculty and staff and provides support services to students in all classes that require reading, writing, speech, American English Pronunciation, and world languages. The services provided are one-to-one tutoring, specialized workshops, access to instructional technology, the Microsoft Office software suite, printing, and various resources assigned by faculty.

Location: Humanities and Social Sciences (HS) Building, Room 150 (see campus map)
Phone: 240-567-1802 (on campus)
              240-232-5808 and 240-397-9383 (remote services)
Schedule: online scheduling systemnew window

  • The Center welcomes all Montgomery College students to use the WRL Center for course related work.
  • You must be a current MC student to use the WRL Center.
  • Please schedule your appointment onlinenew window or by phone at 240-567-1802.
  • Classes sometimes use computers during scheduled class times, so there may be only a small number of computers for individual use.
  • Please note that the Center's hours may change during the semester due to holidays or special events.
  • Please use a USB flash drive or cloud storage to save your work. No work will be saved on the Center computers.
  • Students may access free printing through center computers. More informationnew window
  • Drinks with lids and non-messy food are allowed in the Center.
  • Please silence your cell phone and leave the Center if you need to make a phone call.
  • Children under the age of 16 are only allowed if supervised by an adult. If a child/children are unsupervised or disruptive, they cannot remain in the Center. See Montgomery College Procedure #75005CP (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) for full details.
  • Center staff and student aides are not responsible for students' and other visitors' personal belongings that are left unattended.

The Writing, Reading, and Language Center provides a place for students to receive individualized tutoring help. Tutoring appointments are up to 45 minutes long. Scheduled tutoring appointments are reserved by signing up online up to seven days in advance. Please schedule your appointment onlinenew window. Tutoring can help with:

  •  Strengthening and reinforcing fundamental language skills
  • Brainstorming topic ideas
  • Outlining and organizing
  • Reviewing word choice, grammar, and punctuation
  • Formatting and citations.

 Tutoring Policies (In-Person)
  • For writing and reading appointments, students may sign up online up to seven days in advance.
  • Appointments last up to 45 minutes.
  • Students may have more than one appointment per day. The appointments cannot be back-to-back, and students are expected to work on different assignments or make progress on the assignment in between sessions. Appointments may be limited to once per day during busy times, such as midterms and finals, at the WRLC’s discretion.
  • If students are more than 10 minutes late for a scheduled appointment, the appointment is considered missed.
  • If students who miss/cancel appointments on the same day three times, they will lose the privilege to schedule appointments until they meet with the WRL Center manager.
  • Students may cancel in-person appointments up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty. If students cancel an appointment on the same day, the appointment is considered missed

Faculty, peer and online tutoring are available every semester for students enrolled in a language course at Montgomery College.

Faculty Tutoring

 
WRL Center Germantown Staff
Name Title Phone Email
Elysse Meredith  Manager 240-567-2146 elysse.meredith@montgomerycollege.edu 
Kate Steagall Instructional Associate 240-567-2025 kate.steagall@montgomerycollege.edu
Mimi Yu Instructional Associate  240-567-1832 mimi.yu@montgomerycollege.edu  
Louise Ng Instructional Assistant 240-567-1846 louise.ng@montgomerycollege.edu 
Yi Sheh Instructional Assistant 240-567-7856 yi.sheh@montgomerycollege.edu 

Our Social Justice Promise

Montgomery College learning centers are committed to equity and anti-racism in policy and practice. We strive to be welcoming and affirming spaces. We believe Black lives matter and stand with our DACA and Dreamer students. We seek to ensure equal access for students with disabilities and provide a brave space for the LGBTQ+ community. We promote a growth mindset and commit to meeting students where they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Center has an accessible entrance and assistive technology. All of the computers have Jaws (screen reader), ZoomText (screen magnifier), and Kurzweil (content reader). Two of the machines have Dragon dictation software installed.

There is also a scanner with the designated DSS station and a CCTV (a machine that enlarges non-electronic documents  for low vision students).

If you need special accommodations, please contact Elysse Meredith, at 240-567-2146, or in her office in the WRL Center, HS150. 

For students, the WRL Center provides Writing/Reading Tutoring, World Language Tutoring, a computer room with PCs, and a language lab. Class orientations and workshops are also available. 

Nothing. The services offered by the WRL Center are part of your tuition.

Children under the age of 16 are only allowed if supervised by an adult. If a child/children are unsupervised or disruptive, they cannot remain in the Center. See Montgomery College Procedure #75005CP (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) for full details.

  • Who can use the computer lab?
    The computer lab is available on a limited walk-in basis. The computer lab is available to Montgomery College students, faculty, and staff. Sometimes the room is reserved for classes, orientations, or workshops so it may not be available for your use. 

  • What kinds of computers are in the WRL Center?
    The WRLC computer room contains 50 PCs. All are equipped with webcams, headphones, and other assistive technology. 

  • How do I log in to the computer?
    Use your MyMC login and password. If you are having difficulty logging in, please speak to a staff member.

  • Who can I ask for help using the computers and lab equipment?
    All of the WRL Center staff are trained to help you use the computers and lab equipment. If, for whatever reason, we are not able to assist you, we will direct you to the appropriate resource on campus.

  • How do I print?
    See Printing on Campus for more information. 

  • What software should I use?
    Your instructor will tell you which software programs to use during your required lab hours. Often, that information can be found on the course syllabus or the course Blackboard site.

    If you have come to practice a specific skill on your own (not lab hours), speak to a staff member for advice on which program would be appropriate for your skill level. Remember that staff members cannot replace your professor's advice.

  • What software is available to my students in the computer room?
    Computers are available to currently enrolled students for academic activities. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are on all workstations. Software to support academic coursework is also available.

  • ELAP Resources
    The English Language for Academic Purposes program offers multiple resources for students enrolled in ELAP reading, writing, and speaking and listening courses. Please visit the Center for a full list of web resources available, or consult the MC Libraries-ELAP websitenew window.
  • Will someone be on hand to help me use the software?
    Yes. Staff members are trained to answer your questions about using the available software. Faculty are encouraged to visit the WRL Center Language Lab in HS 150 before sending or taking students there.
  • Which languages can students receive help with?
    Tutoring services are determined by the World Languages Program on the Germantown Campus. Typically, tutors are available for French and Spanish.

  • Where are the World Language tutors?
    The World Language tutors are available in the Language Lab in HS 150.

  • Who are the World Language tutors?
    All of the World Language tutors have proficiency in the languages they tutor and most have advanced degrees in languages.

  • How do I know when a specific World Language tutor is available?
    Printed schedules are posted in the World Languages Tutoring Area for you to see which tutors are available throughout the week.

  • How do I sign up to see a World Language tutor? 
    Please schedule your appointmentnew window in advance. For same-day appointments, you may contact us at 240-567-1802 during our business hours.

  • How long does the tutoring session last?
    A tutoring session lasts 15 minutes, but if no one is waiting for a tutor, the tutor will usually be able to see you for a longer period of time.  

  • Will my instructor know that I have seen a World Language tutor? 
     Yes, if you ask your tutor to send a report to your instructor.   
  • Where are the Writing/Reading Tutors?
    Writing/reading tutors are available both virtually/online and in the WRL Center, HS 150. Writing/reading tutors are available both virtually/online and in the WRL Center, HS 150. 

  • Who can see a tutor?
    Any currently enrolled MC student. To use the WRL Center services, you must present a current and valid MC ID.  

  • Can I get help for a friend or family member? 
    No. Tutoring services are available only to current students, faculty, and staff. However, anyone is welcome to use the Center's online handouts and videos.

  • How do I sign up to see a tutor? 
    Register and sign up onlinenew window for a scheduled appointment. For same-day appointments, you may contact us at 240-567-1802 during our business hours.

  • How long does a tutoring appointment last?
    Appointments are scheduled on an hourly basis and last up to 45 minutes, with 15 minutes at the end for the tutor to complete the client report form and transition to the next student.

  • Will I have to wait a long time to see a tutor?
    It depends. If you schedule ahead, you will not have to wait. If you walk in, there may be students ahead of you.


  • I tried to make an appointment before closing time, but the staff would not let me. Why?
    While we do our best to staff the Center with more than enough tutors, we cannot guarantee that same-day appointments will be available.

  • Can I request a specific tutor? 
    Yes. If you wish to work with a particular tutor, you can see that tutor’s availability on the online schedulenew window for both virtual and in-person tutoring, and sign up there. Please note that not all tutors are available for all kinds of tutoring. On rare occasion, tutors may need to change their tutoring hours. If so, you may be moved to another tutor.

  • What kind of work can I bring to a tutor?
    You may bring any writing or reading work to discuss with a tutor. This includes academic essays, transfer or scholarship essays, resumes or cover letters, or anything else that is written in English. 

    You can also come at any stage in the writing process. This includes asking questions about your assignment and brainstorming your ideas.

  • How many times may I see a tutor in one day?
    Students may have more than one appointment per day. The appointments cannot be back-to-back, and students are expected to work on different assignments or make progress on the assignment in between sessions. Appointments may be limited to once per day during busy times, such as midterms and finals, at the WRLC’s discretion.

  • What kind of help will I receive from a tutor?
    • Tutors first focus on the questions that you have brought to the session.
    • Next, you may read your paper to the tutor while the tutor focuses on higher order concerns such as what your ideas are and whether or not you have presented them in a logical way.   
    • The tutor may ask you questions that will help you clarify your main idea and organization. Tutors can help you decide if you have supported your idea adequately with examples and details and if you have introduced and concluded your paper effectively.  
    • Then, the tutor may address lower order concerns such as grammar, punctuation, word choice, and word forms. The tutor may point out grammatical errors and ask you how you think it might be corrected.
    • This kind of work with the tutor will make you a stronger reader and writer and help you become more independent in revising, editing, and proofreading your work.

  • Who are the tutors? 
    All of our Writing/Reading tutors are professional staff or faculty and have degrees in English, TESOL, Rhetoric/Composition, or another writing intensive field.

  • Will my instructor know that I used the tutoring services? 
    Yes, unless you ask us not to contact him/her. The tutor will (with your permission) email a copy of the tutoring report form to your instructor. This report describes what you and your tutor worked on during your session. This lets your teachers know that you have taken the initiative to improve as a writer or reader. Most instructors are delighted to learn that you have visited the Center.
  • Who can come to workshops?
    Any member of the Montgomery College community can attend workshops, including current students, faculty, and staff.

  • What topics are covered during the workshops?
    Workshops cover a wide range of topics, including thesis statements, paraphrasing and summarizing, the writing process, and citation styles.

 

  • Does the WRL Center provide class orientations?
    Yes. 10 to 20-minute class orientations are available. Orientations will be provided in your classroom or via Zoom. Please contact Elysse Meredith at 240-567-2146, or in her office, HS 150 in the WRL Center, to schedule.

  • Can an Instructional Associate come to my class to present workshops? 
    Yes. We can present on topics ranging from citation styles to the writing process. Workshops last 20 minutes to an hour. Workshops can take place either in your classroom or via Zoom. Faculty must be present during the Instructional Associate's visit. To arrange a class visit, please contact Elysse Meredith at 240-567-2146.

  • Can I link your website resources to my course site (Blackboard or MyMC)?
    Yes. Feel free to link to or upload any of our resources inside your Blackboard or MyMC course site. Please reference the WRL Center as the source of the information.
  • My classroom does not have computers. Can I reserve a portion of the WRL Center? 
    The WRL Center will not be available for reservations due to social distancing restrictions.

  • What software is available to my students in the computer room?
    Computers are available to currently enrolled students for academic activities. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are on all workstations. Software to support academic coursework is also available.
    Resources
    Software Resources
    My English Lab Idiom Connectionnew window
    E English/Pronunciation Power English Club Vocabularynew window
    Bedford Handbook  5 Minute English-ESL Lessonsnew window
    Writer's Reference Guide to Grammar and Writing
      ESL Cafenew window
      Keyboardingnew window
      Longman English Dictionarynew window
      AWL Exercises Homepagenew window
  • ELAP Resources
    The English Language for Academic Purposes program offers multiple resources for students enrolled in ELAP reading, writing, and speaking and listening courses. Please visit the Center for a full list of web resources available, or consult the MC Libraries website. English Language for Academic Purposes (ELAP): ELAP - General Informationnew window
  • Will someone be on hand to help me use the software?
    Yes. Staff members are trained to answer your questions about using the available software. Faculty are encouraged to   visit the WRL Center Language Lab in HS 150 before sending or taking students there.   
  • Where are the World Language tutors located?
    Please schedule your appointmentnew window in advance, which will list whether a tutor is available in HS150 or virtually. For same-day appointments, you may contact us at 240-567-1802 during our business hours.

  • Which languages can my students receive help with?
    Tutoring services are determined by the World Languages program on the Germantown Campus. Typically, tutors are available for French and Spanish.
  • Where are the Writing/Reading tutors located?
    For in-person tutoring, Writing/Reading tutors are located in the WRL Center in HS 150. For virtual tutoring, please schedule  your appointmentnew window.

  • Who are the Writing/Reading tutors?
    All of our Writing/Reading tutors are professional staff or faculty and have degrees in English, TESOL, Rhetoric/Composition, or another writing intensive field.

  • What kind of help can my students get from the Writing/Reading tutors?
    Tutors aim to make your students stronger writers and readers, not proofread for them or find their errors. A typical session begins with a conversation about what kind of help the student would like to have from the tutor. The tutorial    focuses on higher level concerns and then lower level concerns if time permits. At the end of a session, the tutor will   help the student determine next steps.  

  • My students can't seem to proofread. Will the Writing/Reading tutors proofread papers and other class work before the students turn them in to me?   
    Tutors teach students to revise, edit, and proofread their papers and other class work so they can become more independent as writers and readers. For reading students, tutors ask students questions so they can think through and find the answers to questions on their reading. Tutors do not give students the answers.

  • Can students bring in creative writing or personal statements for an application? 
    Yes. The Writing/Reading tutors can work on self-driven writing, including transfer and scholarship essays, resumes and cover letters, and other creative and professional writing.

  • Will I know when my students have visited the Writing/Reading tutors?
    Yes, unless the student asks us not to contact you. The Center will (with the student's permission) email a copy of the tutoring report form to faculty. This report describes what the student and the tutor worked on during the session. This lets faculty know that the student has taken the initiative to improve as a writer or reader and gives faculty some    sense of how to follow up with the student.

  • How can I encourage my students to use the Writing/Reading tutors?
    • Add a description of the WRL Center services in your syllabus or course site.
    • Share comments from past students about the effectiveness of the tutoring services.
    • Bring your class to the WRL Center for an orientation session. We can give an overview of our services and answer questions.
    • Remind students that you receive copies of the tutoring report forms and that you value these as indicators of initiative and seriousness about the course.
    • Distribute links regarding our workshop series and tutoring services via email or Blackboard announcements to your students each week or make them part of your course modules.
    • Pick up a flyer from the WRL Center to post on your office door.
  • Who leads the WRL Center workshops?
    All of our workshops are led by Instructional Associates, faculty, or staff who have advanced degrees in English, Reading, TESOL, or some other writing intensive field.

  • Can the WRL Center come to my class to present workshops? 
    Yes. The workshops are available on a range of writing-related topics and can be tailored for your class. The faculty member is required to be present during the presentation. Please fill out the workshop request form or contact  Elysse Meredith with special requests. She can be reached at 240-567-2146 or elysse.meredith@montgomerycollege.edu.

  • Will I know if my students attend a WRL Center workshop?
    Yes, if the students request that their professors be notified, faculty will be emailed a copy of the report.

  • How can I encourage my students to attend the WRL Center workshop?
    • Distribute links regarding our workshop series via email or Blackboard announcement to your students each week or make them part of your course curriculum.
    • Pick up a flyer from the WRL Center to post on your office door.
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