Quick, easy, and convenient-three adjectives sum up responses to the new Writing Center Online Scheduler. When we surveyed freshmen composition classes, 110 students described the scheduler as quick and easy: "It is very easy to navigate around the Web site, and it doesn't take very long. It allows me to see who I am scheduling the appointment with and also shows me the appointment I currently have scheduled."

CONVENIENT
Ninety-four liked the convenience and accessibility of the Web system, being able to reserve a conference time "from the comfort of my dorm room with my planner in hand" at "all hours." One user wrote that "it is also convenient to be able to add or drop an appointment with just a click of the mouse." Another said, "The online scheduling is extremely convenient in that it is easy to choose a time appropriate to your schedule. Also you can choose a tutor that you are comfortable working with." One organized student noted, "I can put it in my schedule ahead of time so I don't have to worry about it being full."

Receiving confirmation e-mails and viewing the whole week at one time were also favorite features. "You can go back and change an appointment easily" was another. "I love the online scheduling," said one student, echoing most of the writers who have tried it.

 APPROVED BY TUTORS
The PC Writing Center tutors have given their seal of approval to online scheduling as well. The most popular praise was that the tutors can now see who has reserved a conference time with them before they come to the Writing Center. "I liked the ability to check the schedule from the computer anywhere so I can plan my time better," said Mary Beth Carlson. Claire George agreed, "It is nice to know in advance who has signed up and for what class." She plans ahead so that she can welcome the writer: "If I do not know the students who have signed up for me, I look up their pictures on BannerWeb so that I will know their faces when they walk in the door."

Tutors also appreciated the online reports they wrote after each conference, summarizing what the writer accomplished. Kathryn May said she "often looks at students' previous reports before tutoring them."

Writing Center tutors identified some aspects of the online scheduler that could be improved. Lindsey Sink found students' ability to cancel conferences at the last minute "frustrating." The new scheduling system is not perfect, but tutors enjoy the technology. Chalmers Lee said, "It's totally awesome."

by Claire George, Jill Frey, and Chalmers Lee

Students may now schedule writing conferences at http://web.presby.edu/writingcenter