Facilities and Construction
Writing Center expands with move to Olin Library
Previously housed in Eads Hall, the Writing Center moved into its new, larger location in the northwest corner of Olin Library over the summer.
The Writing Center, which offers students one-on-one appointments with tutors, began its move in May from Eads Hall to the northwest corner of Olin. The relocation was to move the center to a more central location frequented by a broader variety of students.
“Last Friday, we had our annual open house. In Eads, we were the only resource, but in the library, more parents and students naturally came in,” Rob Patterson, director of the Writing Center, said. “More students will be aware of [the Writing Center’s] existence.”
Patterson said the new space, about three times larger than the old one, allows the center to benefit more students.
“More tutors can work at the same time, which allows the possibility of more appointments,” Patterson said. “We have always made use of appointments we’ve offered, but we should reach a broader audience to spread appointments to more students.”
Some students suggested that the change may make the Writing Center easier and more convenient to reach, but others were skeptical that the resource will be widely utilized.
Patterson noted that the new location could allow for more collaboration with other resources. Currently, the Writing Center holds workshops and events with Cornerstone and the Career Center, but being closer to library resources could mean more collaboration with University Libraries.
“We have been thinking about and have reenergized thinking about what to offer in partnership with other services to better help students,” Patterson said.