By Emelia Hitchner
A collaboration between Daytona State College and the University of Central Florida has expanded the Writing Center,promising to individually cater to students’every writing need.
The expansion commensed after UCF students began inquiring access to DSC’s writing center, after the one in the UCF building lost their student worker to graduation.
“UCF students were coming by our writing center and asking if they could work with the staff here. When they were told that they couldn’t because they were UCF students, they were going back to UCF and saying they wanted to work with the new writing center by the library, where they did their library work,” said DSC Director, Rebecca Block.
UCF has been working with DSC using the singular library to meet students’ research needs, but because of students’ desire to work with DSC’s program, it was not long before UCF was suggesting a joint writing center as well, explained Block.
As part of a state legislator and fueled by the encouragement of Senator Evelyn Lynn, a special budget was written to fund the expansion of the program. Both DSC and UCF had the ability to work together to provide what students were asking for, a united writing center.
Not only is the collaboration of the writing center convenient, but it is inspiring. Staff on campus share their passion with students looking for a helping hand and specifically work with students to achieve assignments, writing projects and even personal work.
“We don’t just help struggling writers. We’re a place for anyone who would like to better develop their skills in writing. We’re for anyone who wants an extra set of eyes and feedback. We don’t judge anyone’s work,” said Associate Director, Jenna Kranz.
In addition to a knowledgeable and extensively trained team of learning specialists, the writing center will soon provide further resources for students hoping to break past traditional learning methods. Bean bag chairs, rockers, art and couches will contribute to a comfortable learning environment, while idea paint will turn the walls and desks into a whiteboard surface. Students will have the ability to sketch out their ideas and brainstorm with others, while an enormous screen with interactive projectors will be available for their use as well. A presentation practice room with a high definition web camera will assist students as they practice preparing and giving speeches.
Students on campus can make individual appointments with learning specialists and students on different campuses have the ability to work directly with the writing center staff through online consulting.
“We do in-depth things on writing. We address grammar, but it’s less important than 99 percent of other things. We’re looking for ideas, we’re looking for clarity of thought, we’re looking for the ability of the writer to complete the task that they’re given,” said Kranz.
The staff works with both DSC and UCF students. A full time learning specialist provided by UCF also aids in working with students, but is not specifically limited to UCF students only. Together, the colleges have provided an extensive program for those who write, those needing writing advice and those who simply want a place to brainstorm.
“Confidence is our biggest mission. When you’re confident about something, you’re more willing to try. It’s okay to make mistakes, it’s a part of learning,” said Kranz.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on April 26 in which President Hitt from UCF and President Eaton from DSC will be present. Senator Lynn may also be in attendance to witness the event.