- TLC Lab Writing Center FAQ's
Taking a Test at COC
Getting Help from an English/Writing Tutor
Supplemental Instruction at the TLC Lab
Student Athlete Records at the TLC Lab
Where is the TLC Lab?
Do I need an appointment to take a test at COC?
YES - If you are a student in an online/hybrid class, or a student requiring proctoring for another university, an appointment is mandatory. Contact the appropriate TLC personnel at 661-362-3349. Click here to go to our testing page.
Why do I need a picture identification to take an exam?
To maintain integrity of examinations and insure the test-taker is the actual student in the class, all students are required to show picture identification prior to taking any examination. Click here to go to our testing page.
Can I take my COC test at another university/location?
YES – with prior permission in writing from the instructor to the appropriate TLC representative, proctoring at an alternate location can be arranged. It is the student’s responsibility to locate a proctor (a community college, four-year university, or public library is a good place to start). The student will need to contact the appropriate TLC personnel with the name, position, organization, phone, fax, and email address of the proposed proctor. If student’s need to arrange proctoring. Please allow 7-10 business days to complete the process. Click here to go to our testing page.
Can I come late to my testing appointment?
NO - Students must allow enough time for parking and travel to the lab on either campus. Testing appointments will be given to waitlisted students for those who are not on time for their appointment. Click here to go to our testing page.
I take an online class at BYU. Can I take my test at COC?
YES – First, the student must order the exam. COC is one of the options for a proctoring location. It takes 7-10 business days for the exam to arrive; however, BYU does give students the option to pay for expedited shipping to COC or to have the test returned to BYU. Please be aware of the time and deadlines. Although BUY may allow one year to complete the class, exams have specific deadlines. Once you have ordered an exam, contact the test proctor at COC or call 661-362-3349 to make atesting appointment. Tests are not available on Saturdays. Limited test times may be available for Fridays, but in general, appointments can be made between 8am and 4pm. Tests will not be given without an appointment, and picture identification is mandatory. Click here to go to our testing page.
Why do I need to leave my belongings/cell phone/electronic equipment when taking an exam?
Exam integrity is something we take very seriously at COC; therefore, those items are not allowed in the testing rooms. Staff will follow directions left by the student’s instructor, including time limits for the exam, as well as materials allowed for the exam. Students should speak to their instructor prior to the exam if any special accommodations are needed.
Getting Help from an English/Writing Tutor
Do I need an appointment for tutoring?
NO – tutoring is on a first-come, first served basis during all hours of operation.
Will a tutor check my resume?
NO – tutors will work with students on assignments for classes they are enrolled in at COC. For resumes, please visit the Career Center at the Student Center, room 123, or visit their website at: http://www.canyons.edu/offices/careercenter/
Will a tutor check my dissertation?
NO- tutorial services are available to students enrolled in classes at COC, for those classes only.
Can I get tutoring outside of the TLC?
It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for any private tutoring. Fees and times are arranged between the student and the tutor, independent of the TLC. Private tutoring cannot take place during a tutor’s regularly scheduled shift in the TLC, or anywhere in the TLC. Library and private study rooms are available to check out for private tutoring.
My son/daughter is a Hart District/AOC/Learning Post student. Can he/she receive tutoring in the TLC?
NO – TLC tutoring is available only to students enrolled in a class at COC, and tutoring is available for that specific class. For example, if a student is enrolled in and English class, that student may not receive math tutoring for a class he/she is taking elsewhere.
Can I get tutoring in subjects other than math, English, or computers?
YES – the TLC Lab offers tutoring in other subjects during limited hours. Please visit the Subject tutoring schedule to see when, and if, the subject you need help with is open to students for tutoring.
Do I have to fill out the survey/intake form every time I visit the TLC?
YES – the form is multi-purposed; one goal of the tutoring center is to give students the tools to express their needs clearly and to impart valuable learning skills so that students can become independent learners. The form assists students and tutors in reaching those goals. In addition, the forms are an assessment tool to insure that the TLC lab is reaching its student learning outcomes and to affect future programs to enable students to reach their academic goals.
How long is a tutoring session?
When working with a writing tutor students will be allowed two 30-minute tutoring sessions per day, but they cannot be back to back. Why? Because during the first session students will be given tools to direct them to a better piece of writing. The student will take that new-found knowledge and apply it on a revised draft, and then he/she can return to a tutor for a second session.
Will a tutor read my paper on my laptop, phone, or any other electronic device?
NO - Papers must be printed before a tutor will assist you. Printing is available for a fee in the TLC and Canyon Country lab. Students may email a paper to themselves or save it to a flash drive in order to print it. Free printing is available in the ASG computer lab.
Can I drop my paper off and come back later?
NO - Students must remain with the tutor for the entire tutoring session. Tutoring is an interactive experience and for one to learn from this experience, one must remain present for the session.
Can I bring my friend/family member’s paper to be checked?
NO - The purpose of a tutoring session is multi-faceted; however, one important factor is that the writer him/herself gain experience, knowledge, and become a better writer from the session. The student who wrote the paper must be present in order to obtain tutorial services in any tutorial activity.
Can I get a TLC stamp on my paper?
YES - the stamp indicates that a student has completed an activity or received tutoring in the TLC. In order to receive a stamp, the student must be present and complete a tutoring session or other lab activity such as a GLA (Guided Learning Activity), workshop or Practice Jam.
How long do I have to wait for a tutor?
To see a tutor in the writing lab, there are no appointments. To see a tutor, it is on a first come, first-served basis. Be aware of due dates and plan accordingly. At times there may be heavy traffic and students may need to wait to see a tutor.
My friend/family member cannot make it to the TLC. Can I bring their paper to be reviewed?
NO – The mission of the TLC is to promote independent learning and help students gain skills that will help them succeed in college. The student must come in themselves in order to interact directly with the tutor. It is within this valuable dialogue that the student will be able to ask questions directly related to the class and to the assignment as well as improve their skills.
Supplemental Instruction at the TLC Lab
Do I need an appointment for a workshop?
NO - no appointment is necessary, but students should arrive early to sign in. Late admittance is not permitted as it is a disruption to the instructor and other students. Click here to go to the S4S schedule.
What is a Practice Jam?
A Practice Jam is a tutor-led live group session scheduled at a specific time. Practice Jam content is derived from the same content available in Guided Learning Activities (GLAs) and Workshops such as Test Taking Skills, Thesis Development, Avoiding Sentence Fragments, and a variety of other important topics. For the schedule of Practice Jams and Workshops please visit the Supplemental Learning/ Skills for Success website and click on English, ESL, or mathematics for an updated list of activities.
What is the difference between a workshop and a GLA (Guided Learning Activity)?
A workshop is conducted by a COC faculty member , at a designated time, on a specific topic. A GLA is based on the same content as a workshop, but is an independent activity completed on a computer in the TLC and checked/reviewed by a skilled tutor afterwards. Students should check with their instructor to make sure which option can be completed for class credit.
How will my teacher know that I attended a workshop, Practice Jam, or completed a GLA?
When students sign in to the lab, attendance is noted and a report is sent to r instructors on a weekly basis. Students should keep all workshop, GLA, and Practice Jam materials until grades are posted at the end of the semester as further proof of attendance.
How many Guided Learning Activities/Workshops for English can I complete in one day?
Students are able to attend/complete two GLAs or workshops in one day for English-related content and soft skills (test taking strategies, note taking, stress management, etc).
Do I have to keep my handout/paperwork from the workshop or GLA?
It is recommended that all students retain hardcopies of their workshop and GLA materials until grades have been posted at the end of the semester.
Student Athlete Records at the TLC Lab
How do I find out my Zone hours?
Zone hours are calculated on a bimonthly basis. Please visit the Zone in person and speak to Lisa Helfrich, call 661-362-3172, email Lisa at Lisa.Helfrich@canyons.edu. If the Zone supervisor is unavailable, you may contact the TLC Lab supervisor in BONH-209, call 661-362-3349, or via email at Kimberly.haglund@canyons.edu.
Where is the TLC located?
The tutoring lab is located on the Valencia campus in BONH 209 and at the Canyon Country campus in room 306.
Where is the best place to park?
Students may park in any lot designated for student parking. Visitors can find day-pass parking permits at kiosks located throughout campus. To see a map of the Valencia campus, please click here and to visit the Canyon Country campus, please click here.
How late is the TLC Lab open?
Hours vary by semester, so please check hours of operation by calling 661-362-3349 or click here for the Valencia campus, and 661-362-3857 or click here for the Canyon Country campus. Exams are NOT given out one hour prior to closing. Click here to go to our testing page.