Monday, October 19, 2009

Writing Center Story In The Daily Athenaeum


WVU's student-run newspaper, The Daily Athenaeum, has just published an article about the production and creation of the Writing Center's podcast, "Tutor Talk."

Check out the article in Monday's edition of the paper, or click here to read the article online!

Thanks to Travis Crum for his effort in writing the story.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tutor Talk: Episodes #3 - Making the Most of your Writing Center Visit and #4 - How to Write a Professional E-Mail (Video Podcast!)

Tutor Talk: Episode# 3 - Making the Most of the Writing Center is now available for FREE download on the iTunes U store. Click here to launch iTunes.

If you don't have iTunes visit the official WVU Writing Center website to stream all 4 podcasts from your web browser.

Episode# 4 is also available. In this episode, Emma creates a screen cast to show the audience the most appropriate ways to write a professional e-mail. From the salutation, to adding an attachment, she includes everything that you need to know.

Stay tuned to Tutor Talk, as there will be plenty more video podcasts on the way!

We recommend downloading Tutor Talk through iTunes via this link. iTunes is a free download to all users both Mac and PC. If you don't have iTunes, stream any of the podcasts from your browser by clicking HERE.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

AP Stylebook Comes to iPhone/iPod Touch

If you're a writer, journalist, editor, or student, you've probably heard of AP Style. Well, now you can download the entire style manual as an app right on to your iPhone or iPod touch!

The app is searchable, offers suggestions for writing styles, and allows you to make notes.

The only drawback is that the app costs $28.99, whereas the printed edition costs $18.95.

If you are using the AP Stylebook a lot, and don't want to carry the spiral bound booklet around with you, the app may be worth the price.

Tutor Talk: Episode #3 - Making the Most of the Writing Center

Tutor Talk: Episode #3 - Making the Most of the Writing Center is now available for FREE download on the iTunes U store. Click here to launch iTunes.

In this episode, John welcomes the newest co-host, director Dr. Nathalie Singh-Corcoran. John and Nathalie discuss some of the things that students should know coming in to the Writing Center in order to have a successful experience.

We also realize that Nathalie's office is much larger than originally thought, and also has a studio audience.

All of this and MUCH much more on this season of Tutor Talk!

We recommend downloading Tutor Talk through iTunes via this link. iTunes is a free download to all users both Mac and PC. We will soon have a direct download link for all episodes for those of you who do not have access to iTunes.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Residence Hall Creative Writing Workshops Continue this Fall

Are you interested in turning your life story into a memoir? Maybe you want some advice on how to write a love poem, the next great Gothic novel, or how to adjust your writing to meet the demands of technology like Facebook or MySpace. This fall, students will have the opportunity to work with experienced writers on a variety of mini-projects aimed at issues just like these.

The Bolton Writing Workshop attempts to expand creative writing opportunities beyond the classroom by bringing the workshop experience to undergraduate residence halls. The project, which began last spring, provides students with the opportunity to learn and explore issues in creative writing in a more relaxed and convenient setting. Students are encouraged to participate regardless of experience level or major and can expect to be guided through a wide range of activities that are meant to help tap into their creativity and imagination.

The program is directed by Mary Ann Samyn, Bolton Professor of Teaching and Mentoring and author of Inside the Yellow Dress (New Issues Poetry & Prose, 2001) and Purr (New Issues Poetry & Prose, 2005). At the workshops, students will have the opportunity to work with graduate students in poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.

For more information, or to view the fall schedule, please visit the website by following the link provided.

For additional questions, please contact Mary Ann Samyn at MaryAnn.Samyn@mail.wvu.edu

Monday, September 14, 2009

Responding to Student Writing

The Writing Center will be hosting an informational brownbag for instructors on Wednesday, September 23rd from 12:30 - 1:30 in Rm. 130 of Colson Hall. The event will focus on analyzing the response process and discussing the various ways to provide feedback to student writing.

The brownbag will begin with a screening of the short film Across the Drafts: Students and Teachers Talk about Feedback (2005). Across the Drafts was filmed in coordination with the Harvard Study of Undergraduate Writing and provides both faculty and student perceptions of the feedback process.

Following the film, instructors will be given the opportunity to share their own experiences and discuss strategies for responding to student work. Instructors are encouraged, prior to the event, to think about feedback strategies they have found successful or are currently in the process of considering.

Instructors should register by Monday, September 21st.


To register for the event, or for more information, please contact Bryan Coyle at bcoyle@mix.wvu.edu

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The Problem with Plagiarism

During fall 2008, a section of English 103 students accepted the challenge to create a learning tool for writing students concerned with plagiarism. The students served in a variety of roles, from scriptwriters to actors to technicians. They "premiered" their work during Mountaineer Week and now offer it for use in all classes. The English 103 program appreciates the generosity of the WVU Writing Center in posting this powerpoint to their website.

To view "The Problem with Plagiarism" powerpoint, visit the Writing Center website resources page here.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Don't forget - We're open for the summer!

Hi, everyone. Don't forget that the WVU Writing Center is open during summer classes. Summer session II begins today, so come see us for help with your papers. Writers can meet with tutors to talk though ideas, understand assignment, discover a thesis, master citation styles, improve grammar and style, and much more!

Summer 2009 Hours of Operation
Monday 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11:30 AM-3:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Open for Summer Tutoring

The WVU Writing Center is open for tutoring during the summer class sessions. Visit us in G02 Colson Hall for help with any of your writing assignments.

Summer 2009 Hours of Operation
Monday 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11:30 AM-3:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

Friday, April 17, 2009

Congratulations in Order

Our star tutors are being recognized for their hard work outside of the writing center.

Congratulations to Jericho Williams, Keegan Lester, Hayley Burdett, Marie Pellegrino, and Amy Purpura who are all recipients of 2009 English Department Writing Contest Awards. Also, congratulations to Ashley Goddard, recipient of a 2009 Outstanding Senior Award, and Nate Maruso, recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Senior Award for Advertising.

Make sure to congratulate the winners if you see them in the Writing Center or around campus. We are very proud of them and happy about their success!

Keep up the terrific work!

*Everyone else is wonderful, too :) Best of luck with all of your end-of-the-semester work.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Spring 2009 Newsletter Ready for Readers

I know you've been waiting for it - the WVU Writing Center's Spring 2009 Newsletter, More Than Words. You can read it here on the Writing Center webpage.

In this edition, you can meet our latest class of tutors, get the inside scoop about tutor Jay Frontino, and learn about U.S. Veteran Eric Jackson's appreciation for the writing center. We also present some information about some of our activities this year, such as podcasts, workshops for students, and conferences with other writing centers.

We hope you enjoy reading this version of More Than Words!

Mary & the newsletter staff

Monday, March 30, 2009

WVU Tutors attend 2009 MAWCA conference

On Saturday, March 27, tutors from the WVU Writing Center presented at the Mid-Atlantic Writing Centers Association Conference at York College in York, PA. Nathalie-Singh Corcoran (Director), Mary Inks, Emma Byrne, Ilene Funck, and Marie Pellegrino lead a group of about 30 participants through their interactive presentation entitled “How Do We Talk About Race When Race Isn’t an Issue?”

After completing inventories and responding to scenarios, everyone discussed their reactions to them and how best to discuss and deal with issues of race in their writing centers and universities. Talking about race doesn’t happen enough but is very important. Writing Centers are great places to start conversations about race and support anti-racist activism through discussions in tutor-training classes and at meetings/conferences. Through our MAWCA conference discussion, we decided that sometimes the best way to react to racist comments and engage in a conversation about race is to ask people “Why?” when they voice such remarks.

For further discussion on this topic, please visit the Antiracist Writing Centers blog at http://antiracistwritingcenters.blogspot.com/

Below are pictures from the conference. Enjoy!





Sunday, March 29, 2009

Tutor Talk: Episode #2 - Common Misconceptions

Tutor Talk: Episode #2 - Common Misconceptions is now available for download on the iTunes Store.

In this episode John and Emma discuss 5 common misconceptions of the WVU Writing Center. They also talk about the differences in the Writing Center compared to the term paper clinic, as well as what tutors may or may not expect from a session if they've never been.

Also, John talks about a nightmare he had involving tweed jackets and MLA formatting.

All of this...and more, on this week's episode of Tutor Talk!

We recommend downloading Tutor Talk through iTunes via this link. iTunes is a free download to all users both Mac and PC. We will soon have a direct download link for all episodes for those of you who do not have access to iTunes.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Tutor Talk: Episode #1.5 - What's A Writing Center (Brief)


Episode #1.5 - What's A Writing Center? (Brief)

Episode #1.5 is structured for the use in a classroom. This episode is only the question and answers from episode #1. Instructors can use this episode in the classroom to briefly explain the Writing Center.

We recommend downloading Tutor Talk through iTunes via this link. iTunes is a free download to all users both Mac and PC. We will soon have a direct download link for all episodes for those of you who do not have access to iTunes.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Tutor Talk Podcast Available On iTunes TODAY!


It's here!

So after a few minor setbacks, Tutor Talk: The WVU Writing Center Podcast is finally available for download on iTunes TODAY!

Click this link to redirect to your iTunes account, and subscribe to the first episode right now!

Episode #1 - What's A Writing Center?
In this episode, Emma answers some questions from John that most students might have before coming to the WVU Writing Center. We also introduce ourselves and talk about why we love the WVU Writing Center.

As of now Tutor Talk is not indexed in iTunes search fields, so the only way to get to it and subscribe is clicking the link above. Stay tuned, because more episodes will be added very soon!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Welcome New Tutors!



Say hello to the five new faces that will be tutoring at the WVU Writing Center. To find out what writing means to Amy, Torrie, Caitlyn, Anastasia, and Amanda check out the official WVU Writing Center website here!

Be a part of the first Writing Center podcast

We are currently recording the first Writing Center podcast. We would like tutors to take a minute or two to record their thoughts about the WVU Writing Center. Please share! It's pretty easy - here's what you have to do:

1. While you're in the WC, think about how the writing center has impacted your experience at WVU.
2. Sit down at the PC by the windows and click on the "Audacity" Icon to bring up the audio recording program. Put on the headset (with the microphone), hit record, and start talking. Your recording doesn't have to be perfect - we can edit the recording very easily.
3. Save your project to the computer, then email the file to John at doublefault24@gmail.com.

We'd love to let the greater WVU community hear your voices, so pleae take a couple minutes to share the writing center love.

Thanks!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Writing Center on Twitter!


Do you Tweet?

In an effort to be more interactive with the online community, the WVU Writing Center is now on Twitter! Set up an account and follow us for all the news, promotions, contests, and information you need regarding your campus Writing Center!

http://twitter.com/wvwritingcenter

Welcome Back!

On behalf of the staff here at the WVU Writing Center, we want to welcome students back to Morgantown! Good luck in your Spring semester!

Don't forget to visit the Writing Center, located in room G02 of Colson Hall for help with any of your writing assignments!