In the basement of Colson Hall in Room G02, an oasis for writer’s block exists to help students navigate through various assignments and even boost their resumes.

Open to all students from freshmen to doctoral candidates, the WVU Writing Center free services are available for any class from anthropology to zoology as well as professional writing needs.

WVU nursing student Dambingo Mbui, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been going to the WVU Writing Center for two years.

“I recommend the Writing Center to other students, not only students who had to learn English as I did, but to everyone because the tutors are willing to help with proofreading and they give you feedback before turning your papers in,” she said. “That helps me a lot because I am able to recognize my mistakes and learn from them.”

There are about 12-15 student tutors available at the center, who go through a training course before they begin work at the WVU Writing Center.

Senior English education major and Writing Center tutor Emma Byrne sees about four or five WVU students each week.

“The writing process is such a personal thing for each writer and it’s really invaluable to have one-on-one time with tutors at the Writing Center,” Byrne said. “When you are the expert, you also solidify your own knowledge. By explaining my writing process, it helps me to have a better grasp on my own writing.”

Multimedia tools are also helping the Writing Center reach out to students, who are seeking help with their writing. Podcasts, blogs, a link to a Facebook page and other Internet references can all be found on the center’s Web site.

Four podcasts are currently available on topics such as professional e-mail writing, common misconceptions about writing and information about the Writing Center itself. The podcasts are also available on iTunes.

“Our podcasts, blog, Facebook page and tweets allow us to extend our services beyond one-on-one tutoring and reach out to students in new and exciting ways,” said Dr. Nathalie Singh-Corcoran, coordinator of the WVU Writing Center.

The WVU Writing Center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday during the fall semester. Writing center tutors are also available later at the WVU Wise Library from 7-10 p.m. on Sunday, 8-10 p.m. on Monday, 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday and 6-10 p.m. on Thursday.

Students are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Call 304-293-5788 to schedule an appointment or stop by Room G02 in Colson Hall to see if a tutor is available.

For more information on the WVU Writing Center and its services, go to http://english.wvu.edu/writing_at_wvu/wcenter/writing_center_home.

-WVU-

dc/10/27/09

CONTACT: Nathalie Singh-Corcoran, Writing Center
304-293-9731, Nathalie.Singh-Corcoran@mail.wvu.edu

How has the WVU Writing Center helped you with your writing and why would you recommend other students take advantage of this resource?