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If a student has questions about how to start off a paragraph, how to write a research paper or even editing a doctoral thesis, the Writing Center on 52nd Street and Rockhill Road is the place to go.
The Writing Center celebrated International Writing Centers Week last week by showcasing music, art, prose and poetry from people representing countries around the world. The center also regularly showcases local and student art. But the main focus is to help students improve their writing.
"[We help with] any type of writing project, course related or personal," said Thomas Ferrel, director of the Writing Center.
The staff includes of peer teachers who give one-on-one tutoring to students in need of someone to look over their papers. The staff consists of a number of UMKC students, a requirement to get the job, all dedicated to giving students advice on any problem they might encounter while writing.
Students can get help through mini-workshops or one-on-one consultations, and a list of services on the Writing Center's Web site lists a variety of topics to choose from to get help.
The one-on-one consultations are the staple of the services provided at the center. They welcome walk-ins, but appointments are recommended. There students can get an in-depth recommendation on how to go forward with their writing.
"[The staff] try really hard to make it not feel like you are being tutored," said Adam Thomas-Brashier, a graduate student who also teaches an English 110 class. "We don't have it set up as an institution. … We really try to make this feel as informal as possible."
There is also a computer lab with a Wi-Fi access point and seven computers and a printer for students to use. A small student lounge is also available for individual or group study sessions.
The Writing Center isn't just for students. Faculty and teachers' aides can go there for help on how to make lesson plans, review syllabi and review assignment sheets. They can also ask a Writing Center representative to visit their class and give a mini-presentation of "Targeted instruction on different aspects of academic writing," according to the Web site.
For help on a small writing issue, students can call the writing hotline at (816) 235-2244 and get help from a representative on the phone. Those interested in working at the Writing Center can apply for a part-time job as a tutor. Applicants should have a 3.0 grade point average, be enrolled at UMKC and have taken and passed English 110 with a B or higher.
The job application and much more information can be found at the Writing Center's Web site, www.cas.umkc.edu/writingcenter.
ssheffield@unews.com
