Changing the Perception of the Writing Center

Hi Blog Group!

So remember when we read North’s essay, The Idea of a Writing Center?  I know, it’s going back very early in the semester.  However, I have been thinking a lot about the notion of the Writing Center being a “skills center” or “fix-it shop.”  I think North addresses a legitimate concern as this perception of the Writing Center is viewed, in my opinion, by a large population of Wittenberg students.

Think back to your days as a senior in high-school, searching for the right college fit.  I’m assuming that, like me, you attended an obnoxious amount of campus tours.  When you came to Wittenberg, you probably made a special visit to the Writing Center.  Can you remember what your tour guide said about the Center?  I remember my guide raving about this student resource saying that professors like it if you attach a form on your paper saying you made a visit.  He (the tour guide) also said that often times professors will assign a higher grade to those that go to the Writing Center.

Ok, back to the high-school senior version of yourself.  Upon hearing this phenomenal news, you know exactly what you have to do- just go to the Writing Center for every paper and you will receive a good grade!! Right? WRONG.  Obviously, the Writing Center is a great resource that aims to produce better writers as North describes.  However, scheduling a visit does NOT equate to a good grade. 

The issue at hand is this misconstrued perception of the Writing Center.  This issue stems not from the people that work in the Writing Center, but those involved in other services at Wittenberg.  The tour guides need to have a clear definition of what the Writing Center really is- a place where writers improve and positive interaction occurs.  The Center is simply not a “fix-it shop” or editing center.  Sadly, students do not understand the difference because they are being misled.

Another way to alter the perception of the Writing Center is to inform first-time students of the purpose of the Center.  I know that some advisors will ask if it is a student’s first time working at the Center.  Typically, the advisor will inform the student of the procedural aspect of a session, not the overall purpose of the Writing Center.  I think that both concepts should be emphasized and will ultimately demystify the contradictory perceptions of the Writing Center. Thus, students will no longer view the Center as a place to earn a better grade, with limited input.