Have a question? Check below to see if we have answered it.

If you still have a question, feel free to contact us or stop by Clough 447.

General FAQs

What is the Communication Center (aka CommLab)? Is it like a writing center?

The CommLab is similar to a writing center, but in addition to helping students with essays, research papers, and other written work, we also provide feedback and guidance on individual and group presentations, poster design, slide decks, and anything else writing and communication oriented. Our trained consultants can help you with any project, assignment, or other task that relates to writing and communication. For example, many students come to the CommLab to revise their resumés or prepare for interviews.

How do I know if I need to use the CommLab?

We work with students during all stages of a project's development, from brainstorming at the beginning to refining at the end. It's never too soon to book an appointment with us. If you’re not sure how the CommLab can help with a particular project, feel free to stop by or email us to discuss how we can support you.

Appointments

How do I make an appointment?

Please see our instructions on the Make an Appointment page

What do I do if I'm having trouble making an appointment for myself?

You can always drop by our front desk or email us at commlab@gatech.edu and we can help you make an appointment.

How do I cancel an appointment?

If students need to cancel an appointment, they must do so on TutorTrac at least 24 hours before their appointment is scheduled to start. If you need to cancel an appointment less than 24 hours in advance, please contact us by phone or in person. The online system locks students out from making changes after that point, but we can still make changes for you. On occasion, we will cancel sessions due to frequent cancelations or tardiness by students, requests of tutors, or other extenuating circumstances.

Can I drop in without an appointment?

Absolutely! We welcome drop-in visits at any time when we are open for in-person consultations. If there are consultants available, we can work with you right away. If there are scheduled appointments ahead of you, you may need to wait until a consultant is available.

How do I cancel an appointment?

If you need to cancel an appointment, please do so in TutorTrac at least 24 hours before the appointment is scheduled to start. If you need to cancel an appointment less than 24 hours in advance, please contact us by phone or email as you will not be able to cancel online. On very rare occasions, we need to cancel and reschedule sessions, and we will notify you via email if this happens.

Can I come in more than once per day? Or, once per week?

While we ask that you visit only once per day, you may book up to two appointments every six calendar days. If you need additional support, check with your consultant to see what other options may be available.

What do I need to bring to a session?

We recommend bringing any assignment sheets or instructions, a digital or printed copy of your assignment draft, and either a laptop or a pen and paper for taking notes. You are also welcome to use one of our computers during your session. For sessions that take place on Zoom, you can share your documents by uploading them to TutorTrac, sharing a link in the Zoom chat, or sharing your screen. You must upload your document to TutorTrac for asynchronous appointments, preferably as a Microsoft Word document.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions are 30 minutes each. If you feel that you will need multiple sessions, we recommend planning ahead to schedule those sessions on different days in advance of your project or assignment deadline. If you’d like to schedule a series of appointments with the same consultant, send us an email at commlab@gatech.edu or visit us in person.

Consultations

Who can schedule a consultation at the CommLab?

All consulting sessions are for undergraduate and graduate students only. Sessions are not currently offered for faculty, staff, or post-docs.

Can my instructor or a student in my class be my consultant?

Some faculty members in the Writing and Communication Program also work in the CommLab. You cannot reserve a consultation with your class instructor. Other consultants will be available for you. If you would like to meet with your instructor, you should speak with them about meeting during their office hours. We also do not allow consultants to work with students in their own classes.

Is there a charge for appointments?

No, the CommLab is always free for enrolled Georgia Tech students.

Can I bring a group project to my consultation?

Yes! For group consultations, one member of the group should schedule the appointment in Tutor Trac. Please include in the “Notes” field the names and student ID numbers of the other students in your group. Then, email us at commlab@gatech.edu to let us know that the session will include multiple students. 

Hours and Location

When are you open?

During the fall and spring semesters, we are open: 

  • Monday through Friday 9am-5pm (in person and online) 

  • Monday through Thursday 5pm-8pm (online only) 

We are closed for all student holidays (Labor Day, Fall Recess, Thanksgiving, etc.). We also have limited hours during the summer. Our current hours are posted on our home page and on our social media

Can I hang out and work in the CommLab?

If you arrive early for your appointment or are waiting for a consultant to become available, you are more than welcome to wait in the CommLab. However, our space is limited and so we aren’t able to let students use the Center just to hang out, study, or socialize.

Can I use the work spaces that are just outside the CommLab?

Yes, those spaces (rooms 441, 443, 448, and 450) are for your use but are restricted to work on public speaking projects online (presentation practice, recording podcasts, doing mock interviews, etc.). During the business hours, you can reserve those rooms for up to 2 hours per day by contacting us by visiting the Center or emailing us at commlab@gatech.edu. During CommLab hours, these rooms cannot be used for individual work or studying. Outside of our hours, these rooms can be reserved by students through the GT Library.