Introducing the new Faculty Writing Center!

“I believe more in the scissors than I do in the pencil.” – Truman Capote

Writing is a necessary skill in every profession and an excellent method of assessing student learning. With those basic ideas in mind, it is paramount to teach writing effectively. The only way this can be done is by speaking with one voice, holding students to the same expectations, and emphasizing the same priorities.

The Faculty Writing Center, coordinated through The Center for Learning and Teaching Excellence, is a new initiative that serves non-English faculty members, both part-time and full-time, by providing advice about the teaching of writing. Full-time English faculty will periodically be available in The Center to offer their expertise about language, grammar, composition, and other related topics.

Faculty members are encouraged to bring specific questions and materials (if necessary) to The Center to maximize their time with the writing consultant.

Margy McCampbell, Assistant Professor of English, will be available from 2-3pm on April 21 and May 5 to provide assistance. More writing consultants and time slots will be available.

***This new initiative is a piloted project. We encourage your feedback and ideas.***

Faculty Writing Center consultants can:

- Offer tips and strategies on designing rubrics;

- Share expertise about common grammatical and compositional topics;

- Provide insights in how to effectively assess student writing;

- Help plan essay questions and assignments;

- Detect plagiarism in written essays;

- Share tips on how to avoid plagiarism; and

- Offer suggestions on how to teach language and writing.

Faculty Writing Center staff will not:

- Grade student essays;

- Proofread faculty publications;

- Write material for faculty; or

- Design lessons.

If you have any questions or comments about this initiative, please contact Chris Justice at ext. 4972 or 4543.

“My words fly up, my thoughts remain below:

Words without thoughts never to heaven go.” -

William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 3 scene 3