Tutoring Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information about tutors
Essay and Word Processing Issues
Questions about WebCT

Contact Information

Q: How can I get a tutor?

A: Tutors are available for Reading and Writing and Math courses in the Skills labs in the LAC. The Reading/Writing lab is located in D111 and the Math lab is located in D113. Requests for tutors for content courses, like psychology or chemistry, can be made in the Content lab in D118.

Q. How can I get a tutor online?

A: If you are taking a class online, your instructor can request that a tutor be assigned to the class. There is a “Questions for the Tutor” tab in WebCT. If you need a tutor online, outside an assigned class, use the Tutoring Request Form.

Q: How much does tutoring cost?

A: Tutoring is free for all students enrolled in classes at ACCC.

Q: How can I contact the LAC?

A: See LAC page for the locations and phone numbers. The Program coordinator in Mays Landing can be contacted by calling (609) 625-1111, ext. 5631 and at the City Center by calling (609) 343-4833.

Composing Essays/Word-Processing

Q: Which word processor should I use to compose my essay/assignment?

A: To write essays and assignments, use whatever word processing software program is installed on your home computer, whether it is MS Word, Works, or Word Perfect. There is not an application on WebCT to use. Save all documents as .rtf, also known as Rich Text Format. This is the only format which is universal. Everybody- no matter which word processing package they have - can open the document. To save a document as a Rich Text Document, go to File>Save As. In the bottom section of the dialogue box, select the second option (the drop box) which will show the option "Save File Type". Select "Rich Text Format".

Q: Are there any basic pointers to writing a formal essay?

A: There sure are:

Double-space the essay.
Make sure that the Page Setup is as follows: 1 inch margins on the top and bottom, 1.25 inch margins on left and right, and Portrait orientation.
Do not use contractions (i.e. don’t, won’t, can’t), but rather spell out the two words (i.e. do not, will not, can not).
Font should be Size 12 and either Times New Roman, Courier, or Arial (any of the “True Type” fonts).
Do not format fonts in a formal essay (i.e. do not use bold, italics, or underline except for in Works Cited page).
Do not use personal pronouns, such as I, me, myself, you, we, etc. Formal essays should be based on research on the topic, not personal experience UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED BY YOUR INSTRUCTOR/WRITING A NARRATIVE.
Use proper grammar, complete sentences, and proper punctuation. Take advantage of spell check and grammar check (if applicable).
If a works cited page is required, make sure that the works cited page is double-spaced, that there is a hanging indent for each source, and that sources are in alphabetical order by the first character of each source (with the exception of the words A, An, and The- then use the second character to alphabetize).

Q: How do I insert an automated page number in the header of my paper?

A: Follow the steps below:

On the Menu Bar, go to "View", then "Header and Footer"
You are now in the Header, which is accompanied by the Header and Footer toolbar. Please note that every time the tab is hit, a new alignment is created. That is, the first time tab is hit, the header is Center Aligned; the second time the tab is hit, the header is right aligned.
Tab twice so that the header is right aligned and type your last name followed by a single space.
Now enter the page number by using the "Insert Page Number" icon on the Header and Footer tool bar. The Insert Page Number Icon is the first icon from the left; it is a large pound (number) sign on a piece of paper. Click that icon.
To get back into the text of the paper, click "Close" on the Header and Footer toolbar.

Q: I saved the syllabus to my word processor and am unable to click on the Web site links. How do I solve this problem?

A: Hover the mouse over the link; hold the Control (Ctrl) key down. The "hand" icon will appear, then click and activate the link. To simply "Open" rather than "Save" the document, it is not necessary to hold the Ctrl key down.

Q. How do I format my works cited page to have a hanging indent for each individual source?

A: Formatting a hanging indent to each individual source is very simple. First and foremost, make sure that all the sources in the works cited page are double-spaced. Then, highlight one source at a time - start with the first source. Right-click anywhere in the highlighted source and select “Paragraph.” The Paragraph dialogue box will appear. Notice two tabs - “Indents and Spacing” and “Lines and Page Breaks.” Make sure “Indents and Spacing” is forward. Notice there are three sections - General, Indentation, and Spacing. Under Indentation, select the title “Special” from the drop box. In that drop box, select “Hanging” and then select OK. Repeat with each source.

Q. I am unfamiliar with MLA format. Where can I find information to guide me?

A: The Hacker Handbook (which is your “Writer’s Reference” by Diana Hacker) contains all of the citing information for a works cited page/in-text citations and an example paper which shows the set-up of MLA style.

For those who do not have the Hacker Handbook, use the link below.

http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/humanities/list.html

Q. What is an annotated bibliography?

A: An annotated bibliography is set up exactly like a works cited page with the exception that under each source, there is a summary of that source. Depending on the course and instructor, an annotated bibliography may not be required. Please refer to the course syllabus for more details.

WebCT

Q: I would like to see all of the mail and/or discussion postings that were sent/received/posted. How do I go about this?

A: To be able to view all messages that are not new, simply select the “Display Read” Option, which is available in any of the following places in the Course Page: Mail Inbox or Outbox (NOTE: If you choose “Display Read” in one of the “Mail” options - Inbox or Outbox - you will be able to view ALL of your mail both sent and received) or in any of the Topics in the Discussion Area (just like the Mail option, choosing “Display Read” in one Topic Area will have all read and unread discussions visible). To see only read items, simply choose “Display Unread”.

Q. Is it possible to read WebCT mail and/or discussions off-line?

A: No, you must be logged into WebCT to read your mail and discussion postings.

Q. How do I send and attach a document to a discussion post or e-mail?

A: Click “Compose” to compose a message, input the subject and title, select the recipient (if an e-mail). In the bottom left corner of the dialogue box, right above the “Send” option, notice “Attachments:” and “Browse”. Click browse to find the document in the computer, and then select OK. To the right of “Browse”, notice the option “Attach file”. Select “Attach file” and wait for the document to upload. Once the document is uploaded, then send as a normal message.

Q: I want to send an e-mail to more than one person. How do I go about doing this?

A: Simple! When you are “browsing” for classmates’ names, select multiple mail recipients by holding down the Control (Ctrl) key, then left mouse-clicking the additional names.

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