FAMU’s Writing Resource Center is set to begin providing students with after-hours help from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. in Coleman Library.
The center’s goals are to enhance the writing ability of students at graduate and professional levels while using technology and advanced teaching methods. The center also strives to provide an English resource environment to aid in academic and professional success.
Esther Spencer works as a history professor at FAMU and will be the after-hours tutor during the pilot run that launches February 12.
“I am very excited about it,” said Spencer. “This will give us an opportunity to assist students more and give students the proper resources for improvement.”
In the WRC’s effort to create a positive and balanced learning environment, the extended hours tutor will not provide the same in-depth tutoring found in the WRC. However, it will provide a “quick help desk” for questions about homework and grammar.
Director of the WRC, Veronica Yon, feels the extended hours in the library is positive step for FAMU as a whole.
“The library is a one-stop shopping place for students. They can get resources, print papers and even get food,” Yon said.
Yon says the additional hours plan came as a result of a dual effort between the library and the center. Initially, the WRC planned to target freshman students and hold tutoring in the dorms. However, WRC wanted to reach deeper and wider into the student community.
“I think this place [the WRC] is very good for students to have. It’s very positive. I will come back when I need help,” said Hayley Miller, a senior criminal justice student from Geneva.
To measure the success and progress of the project, the WRC will offer these services for a trial period. This period will last from the second week in February until the end of the summer semester.
Next fall, the program will be evaluated for effectiveness. WRC will also decide if more tutors are needed.
Aside from writing tutorials, the WRC offers test taking strategies and assistance for those preparing for the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) and the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE).
“The writing center was extremely helpful when I had to get ready for the CLAST. They were friendly and they wanted to help me. It was my second time taking it [CLAST] and just needed a 295 to pass and I got a 350,” said Miesha Williams, a senior economics major from Tallahassee.
The WRC also offers several workshops. All workshops are held between 2 p.m.-3:15 p.m. on various days throughout the week. The workshops are free and open to the public. Among the most popular sessions are those that include punctuation, grammar basics, cover letters and resumes. Although registration for workshops is not required, it is preferred.
The Writing Resource center is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30-6:30 and Friday from 8:30 until 4:30. To receive a workshop calendar or to sign up for any of the WRC workshops, call (850) 599-8391.
For more information about the WRC, log on to www.famu.edu/acad/colleges/cas/english.