Welcome! Launched in fall 2025, the Communications Lab (previously the Illinois Tech Writing Center) is a hub for all students—undergraduate or graduate—to enhance their communication skills through access to peer and senior tutors. If you need help communicating an idea—be it written, verbal, visual, or anything else—the Communications Lab is here to help. Our tutors are available to help all Illinois Tech students on a variety of projects from refining thesis statements to proofreading a creative essay to outlining a persuasive speech.
We have a full slate of tutors who specialize in a wide range of disciplines and modes of communication. Tutors are available for 50-minute pre-scheduled or drop-in appointments in Galvin Library. Experts in English as a second language are also available to assist international students navigating the unique challenges that accompany language and cultural barriers. We are open Monday through Friday throughout the school year. Stop by and visit us on the upper level of Galvin Library, around the corner from OTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Appointments can be made in advance . While drop-in support is available, the Communications Lab recommends students make a scheduled appointment at the link above.
To make an appointment:
- Click the link above and sign in. If you do not have an account, register to create one.
- After signing in, view the full tutor schedule for the week ahead. Select an available one-hour time slot at least 24 hours in advance.
- Attach any files related to your project via the form provided. This ensures that your tutor is best prepared for your session.
- Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with all of the details.
- If you need to cancel your appointment, use the same system. After three documented no-shows, your ability to schedule with the Communications Lab may be limited.
Yes! Though the Communications Lab encourages in-person appointments for a better learning experience, virtual appointments are available. If you select an online appointment, the link will be included in your confirmation email.
Yes! Our tutors are available to help with group assignments as well as individual ones. Please indicate on the sign-up form if you plan on meeting as a group.
The Communications Lab is located on the upper level of Galvin Library around the corner from the Office of Technology Services.
Our tutors work with you to:
- Brainstorm ideas, unpack assignment prompts, and build a strong thesis
- Offer feedback on the strength of your argument, including your use of evidence, logical flow, and overall persuasiveness
- Comment on the organization of your draft to ensure your ideas are presented in a logical and effective order
- Go beyond simple proofreading and help you spot common error patterns and develop strategies for editing your work
- Give concrete suggestions to make your writing more clear, coherent, and thoughtful