It’s that time of the year again, and students are lining up to get their papers in tip-top shape for the final grade of the semester.
From classes of all sorts, students are bringing their papers to the Writing Center to be reviewed by the English professionals of Fort Hays State University.
The Writing Center is located in Forsyth Library and offers students free, individual help “on all stages of writing.”
“Our busiest time of the season varies with time and due dates,” said professor Pamela Shaffer, director of the writing center.
Shaffer said while they are usually very busy during this part of the year, it’s hard to say when they will be the busiest.
“The weather complicates things right now, but it usually picks up right around finals or during deadline periods,” tutor Mike Gilmore said.
Senior Alexandra Walston takes a break from tutoring to file papers. The Writing Center traffic has picked up as finals approach.
Gilmore is a non-traditional student with a degree in Communications and has returned for an English degree.
Shaffer expects the Writing Center to be very busy for the rest of the week since the appointments had to be canceled on Tuesday due to weather and rescheduled for Wednesday on top of the appointments already made for that day.
Shaffer has also said in this busy season, three or four tutors may work in the Writing Center at the same time even if they don’t have appointments at the moment in order to accommodate walk-ins.
The staff consists of graduate and undergraduate tutors who are specifically trained to assist students.
“A tutor basically needs to have good writing skills, a good understanding of English and people skills,” Shaffer said.
She also said one of the most important qualities in tutors is their sociability since they work to help other students.
Most of the students are English majors, but there are many others with different majors.
Shaffer says they have on-going meetings with all of the tutors to discuss, among other topics, issues in writing.
“I love working with the writing center. I have a great group of tutors. It’s one of the joys of my life,” Shaffer said.
Students who have been going and continue to go to the writing center say that it is very beneficial and helps them with both English and communication skills.
Teachers encourage students to partake in the Writing Center and receive a second opinion from someone who can provide good feedback for writing help.
Students can visit the Writing Center any time and instructors can recommend students who may need help with their writing.
The Writing Center is funded and maintained by the FHSU English Department and is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday hours are 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
Recent Comments