Two years ago, when the Writing Center moved to the LRC, in the library, we had no idea what it would become. We couldn't have anticipated the community it would foster among the tutors. And I could spend hours filling this newsletter with words, trying to encompass the camaraderie that exists between the tutors, but it would never be enough. There is no way to truly express how much these guys love each other. 

In this newsletter, you'll get a glimpse of the friendships that were made from being a part of the Writing Center. You can read the goodbyes that tutors and receptionists have said to those who are graduating. You can even read some of the funniest things that have been said in the Writing Center in the last several years. But the best part of the Writing Center is that, even though some of the best people on this campus are leaving us, even more are coming in to join us. With the legacy they leave behind, the Writing Center can only get better. 

Dr. Steve Price Writing Center Director

When I think back fondly about this year in the MC Writing Center, I will remember the growth of our community. We've always been close and the tutors have always supported one another. But this year, our community strengthened into a collective spirit that you can literally see: the tutors and receptionists answer questions for one another, they spend time together after work, they attend workshops and conferences together, they celebrate each other's accomplishments, they banter, they laugh together. We have a skilled and committed group, and I can't thank them enough.

 

I have to point out the extent to which this community supports MC. We had more visits this spring than ever before-1100+-and over 2200 visits for the entire year. That's 2000+ face-to-face, 30-60 minute meetings, where students sat down to talk about writing and school and themselves, where writers left feeling encouraged, where writers left feeling more confident.

 

I'm so proud of this year's graduates from the MC Writing Center. When I scan the list, I'm struck by how much each person has contributed. What a high bar they've set for us. Congratulations!:

 

May Kate Barthel, Olivia Cot�, Jeremy Hammack,

Leslie Hebert, Mallory Hudson, Kelsey Kitch,

Gwen Matuszewski, Beth Ann McCormick, Ariel Jade Riche,

James Ritchey, Katie Rogers, Samuel Silverii,

Wesley Traxler

 

Nathaniel Stickman Graduate Tutor

Highly-anticipated and (soon to be) much sought-after, the Mississippi College Writing Center will soon be introducing online tutoring through its new WCOnline interface.

The Writing Center has been wanting to build an online tutoring program in order to reach students for whom a face-to-face WC meeting might be difficult, as well as those for whom the online interaction is just more convenient. We piloted a limited program last summer, which worked out really well, but the tools we had were not quite optimal for the full effect we wanted to achieve. 

Enter WCOnline. The Writing Center's incorporation of the WCOnline framework includes a widely used and thoroughly tested interface dedicated to online tutoring. It adds a host of engaging features to online sessions that will allow tutors and writers to have deeper engagement and more accurate revision strategies in online sessions. With this toolbox, we have gained a strong technical basis to bolster our development of online-specific tutoring skills.

And so, over the course of the second half of this semester, we worked with eight tutors who volunteered their time and efforts to a training regimen equipping and preparing them for conducting online sessions. Here, they studied and analyzed theories on what makes the most effective online tutoring practices, progressed to evaluating and building on tutoring practices, demonstrated in transcripts of online sessions, and finally incorporated their developed insights into some authentic online tutoring sessions.

Through their efforts in this training, the tutors have developed a highly effective set of online tutoring strategies, allowing them to get the most progress possible out of the conference time and to efficiently and directly address writers' difficulties. Within the time frame of an online session, the tutors assess the most important needs and goals for a piece of writing and help the writer to develop a properly prioritized and efficient revision plan focusing on key aspects of the writing and providing next steps to take with these aspects.

Now, having wrapped up their training, these tutors have gained the perspectives and strategies to demonstrate solid online tutoring capable of helping writers achieve their aims, and we are thrilled to have this set of tutors acting as the founding force for the beginnings of this program.

So, look forward to seeing these tutors and the new online tutoring program have a preliminary take off this summer with a limited release targeted primarily at specific courses, with the program then expanding in the upcoming fall semester. 

"So what do you plan to do with an English degree?" is usually the response I receive after I have stated my declared major. Sometimes, I may recieve a raised eyebrow, but generally, I am asked if I like reading Jane Austen or if I like writing poetry. Yet, inevitably, everyone always questions how an English degree will apply to "the real world," so I smile and begin to explain "versatility." According to the last Lipsey Lecture hosted by the English Department, an English degree is valuable and allows for creativity.

 

Listening to the stories of three Mississippi College alumni greatly encouraged my zeal and appreciation for both my studies and my job at the Writing Center. First, each of the speakers had diverse jobs and work experience; for example, Jason Branning now works as a Financial Planner, Josh McCormick teaches at Wallace Community College, and Liz Ann Oates is a Writing Center Coordinator. Besides being comforted that yes, there are still job opportunities out in the real world, I was deeply touched by how purposeful each speaker described his or her work to be. Jason Branning certainly breaks the common stereotype that English majors "hate math and numbers," and when asked about how he handled such a "left-brained" world, he stated that the most important characteristic of an English major is his or her critical thinking skills. He described how he could learn another "language" and how he was able to communicate with his clients because he could ask them questions about their questions, or recognize the subtext of their speech. Likewise, he also exhorted students to excel in communication with others. Surprisingly for a successful businessman, he encouraged students to look at the redemptive quality of work, and he emphasized the importance of family life. Often, I think many students of the millennial generation are afraid of the mundane tasks, but I greatly appreciated his humility as he described his perspective of daily routine.

 

Similarly, Josh McCormick explained the importance of understanding the perspective of other people as he described the whole world as a text. Josh's studies allowed him the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and develop debate teams in several universities. I was encouraged by his civility and pursuit of truth in a global world. Josh spoke so passionately about studies that I was actually "pumped up" to hit the books and knock out a research paper. The reason being that Josh's life demonstrates the fruit of study, and I for one want to be a part of some of the amazing opportunities that he has experienced, traveling all over the world, meeting and caring for people of all backgrounds.

 

Josh's fianc�, Liz Ann, spoke directly from the heart as she shared that she always wanted to be "a tutor." Her Writing Center experience affected her deeply, and she shared about how she personally relates to each student in her role at Wallace Community College. Besides helping students learn how to write, she helps students learn what writing is really about. I think many people would enjoy writing if they were to have a conversation with Liz Ann. Additionally, Liz Ann provided a realistic perspective for her audience as she explained that work is hard and sometimes she admitted that she would rather have more free time. However, she explained that she doesn't let her feelings control her every action, but she is determined to work hard and face whatever each day holds.

 

After the lecture, I walked back to my dorm thinking about the significance offered in an English degree and in Writing Center experience. I know that when I graduate from Mississippi College in a few weeks, I will be walking away with the ability to think and the ability to talk. I will be able to acquire more specific skills, and I will be able to have good relationships in my work place. Perhaps, I will respond differently to the next person who asks me, "So what can you do with an English major?" 

To Wesley:

I've really enjoyed getting to know you this year. Thanks for answering all my random computer questions, warning me never to fight a horse-sized duck, and always keeping me entertained. Best wishes! --Sherree 

Although you scared the crap out of me my first day, I am so thankful that you helped initiate me. Admit it, we had a lot of fun this semester. I'm gonna miss ya, sweetheart! See you in Walmart, John! --Brooke

I'll always remember that one time you brought a puppy to Capstone. That was a fun day. Congrats on graduation! 

-- Kim

James, I hope you live a long life. At least long enough to live up to your actual age of 85. Enjoy Shoney's, hard candies, and probably shuffleboard. I enjoy your company. Do well in seminary! --Charlotte

I can appreciate your love for Shoney's. I still think it's bad, but I can appreciate your fervor. Go do great things.

--Wesley

Keep being fabulous. Much love. --Molly

You are such a funny, unique, beautiful person, and I have enjoyed getting to know you this year. I know you will go far! Love ya like a biscuit! --Abbie

Gwen is so cheerful and bubbly, and I enjoy getting to see her smiling face at the desk during my shifts. I also love the halarious conversations and laughter that Katie Rogers adds between sessions. Love you both more than a biscuit!

--Abbie

I'm so happy to have gotten to know you during the London semester! You are by far one of the coolest, most laid back, awesome people I know! Good luck in all you do! 

--Katie Rogers

I enjoyed our time together in ENG398! We had THE table. You're cool! --Abbie

So great getting to know you this year and for our random (and encouraging) chats about paradoxes and Jesus. He's leading you--just keep following. Stay in touch! 

--Katie Rosenbaum

Kitch! I've so enjoyed getting to know you. You are such a hard worker; that is so admirable. Keep on keepin' on. 

--Charlotte

I've enjoyed getting to know you, and I admire your kind heart and obvious love for the Lord. Good luck! --Abbie

Thanks for all your encouragement and for helping me make it through Shakespeare! I'll miss you; good luck in all you do. God Bless. --Sherree

Congratulations, Jeremy! I, for one, am thankful for your victory lap. It gave me another chance to laugh with you. I know you are destined for great things. Good luck! --Gwen

I'm going to miss our video game discussions, our super hero movie discussions, and all our other "nerd" conversations. With your charisma, you're going to be successful in whatever you end up doing. --Wesley

You will be missed because you're thorough, kind, and sincere. You will be missed because you care deeply. You will be missed because you don't shy away from things, but press forward to help your writers become better.

I will miss your post-it notes, your smile, your hugs.

But just because you're far away doesn't mean our hearts are far apart. Remember that as you walk out of this season and into the next. Remember that as you walk across that stage. --Katie Rosenbaum

Hope you all enjoy your summer!