Writing Center relocates

September 24, 2007 —

SVSU’s Writing Center has been relocated from the Science East to the third floor of the Zahnow library. The move took place due to increased enrollment and the need for more classroom space for the 2007-2008 school year.

According to Director of the University Writing Program Diane Boehm, the same services will be provided in the new Writing Center, such as the online Writing Center and proposal-writing workshops. The same resources found in the old Writing Center will be available as well.

"As you come off the elevator or up the stairs to the third floor, you'll immediately see our large check-in,” she said. "As you enter, you'll see some of our resources: our well-known handouts on MLA and APA documentation, all citation manuals used on campus, many reference works, and all textbooks used in freshman composition courses.”

Tutors will also be available and presentations will be given to all English 111 and 080 classes in Zahnow 303, which will be equipped with a projection system and new student tables.

"Previously we had to do these presentations in the same room as we tutor, which got a bit crowded,” said creative writing junior Matthew Falk, who has tutored for the Writing Center since January 2007.

The Writing Center now also has converted to laptops from PCs. This provides additional room for people to work in. Boehm also mentioned the library provided the Writing Center with additional storage room to keep files and other supplies to maximize tutoring space.

Campus Facilities worked throughout the summer to build the new Writing Center and so far many have responded with positive feedback.

"It is well laid out, nice and open,” Falk said. "There is a snazzy new check-in desk which makes us look quite professional. And [the tutors] have a break room and everything. The reaction has been very positive. Everyone agrees that our new Writing Center is an improvement, aesthetically, over the old one.”

Writing Center Coordinator Helen Raica-Klotz also approves of the move.

"My thoughts on the new space? Fantastic,” she said. "This is an open, welcoming location that features all the same great services we've offered SVSU students for the past eleven years. And being located in the library is a wonderful asset for our staff and the students who visit us.”

Raica-Klotz also gave a tour to 25 new Resident Assistants and to the English 111 and 080 staff and mentioned that both groups were impressed with the new space.

"One new RA said it was worth the climb up the steps,’” she said.

Falk did mention a few minor downsides to the new space, however.

"There are some issues with the acoustics in the new room – specifically, there's a spot with a weird echo,” he said. "And the phone is out at the check-in desk, so we have to go running out there every time it rings. Also, I am out of shape and climbing to the third floor of the library kills me, but I'm too proud to take the elevator.”

Despite the downsides, many believe that students and faculty will get used to the new space and will enjoy it more. Everyone is welcome to attend the Writing Center’s open house celebration on Oct. 11.

"On the whole I am excited to be in the library,” Falk said. "It's very calming and warm. It seems like we're more accessible to the students now, instead of being hidden away at the end of an obscure hallway.”