By Emma Laughlin
Most people on the Western New England University campus know exactly where to find the Writing Center. Though the room remains unoccupied this semester due to COVID-19, the Writing Center’s mission has not stopped. Moving to a fully remote opportunity, the Writing Center tutors and director have made significant changes for the benefit of students and faculty.
Francesca Della Bella, a second-year Writing Center Tutor, raved about the benefits of the remote model. “Our fully remote model allows for students to work from the comfort of their own workspaces, which I have observed makes the appointments more effective due to a heightened level of engagement. We are able to help more students because our services have been made more accessible, convenient, and private. The focus is now 100% on our fellow students.”
All appointments for the writing center can be scheduled through emailing [email protected] or their page on the WNE website. Appointments are held virtually on Zoom on Sundays from 5:00 – 9:00 PM, Monday -Thursday from 9:00 AM -9:00 PM, and Fridays from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Moreover, the Writing Center has implemented other new services. “We are piloting a new program of Creative Writing Readers where students can contact us to set up appointments to share any creative work they have, whether it’s for an academic class or just something they wrote for fun,” said Anna Gauthier, Head Tutor at the Writing Center.
Another addition has been workshops led by English professors here at the University. The workshops are intended to acquaint students with the workshop classes that the school already offers. Upcoming workshops include a poetry theme hosted by Professor Dnec-Kerr on March 11 and a non-fiction workshop with Professor Crutchfield on April 8. Each of these will be held over zoom at 4:00 PM and are open to current and prospective WNE students.
“The Writing Center is special because it is full of caring and energetic student leaders, as well as our boss, Louise Pelletier. She creates such a fun and kind environment for all the tutors, and ensures that our staff of 15 are diverse and skilled” said Mia Cariglia, a second-year Writing Center Tutor.
Recently, the Writing Center tutors were a part of a retreat set up by their beloved director, Louise Pelletier. During this retreat, tutors had the opportunity to build deeper bonds with each other virtually and learn about how to be even more effective leaders on campus. Presentations included how to address struggling writers, the importance of mentoring versus doing, writing center procedures, and a very competitive game of Writing Center Jeopardy.
The Writing Center is always welcoming anyone who wants to set up an appointment for any stage of the writing process. “Whether it’s brainstorming over a prompt or putting some finishing touches on a paper, students can be sent our way,” said Gauthier.
Keep an eye on University Posts to stay updated on the workshop and Creative Writing Reading hours and be sure to schedule an appointment with the talented tutors.
